NWTF Staff Spotlight: Grants and Agreements
The NWTF’s on-the-ground conservation work, research and more often begins with the grants and agreements team. Grant funding plays a pivotal role in the NWTF’s mission, serving as a vital lifeline that fuels mission delivery. Thanks to dedicated staff working behind the scenes, vital mission delivery efforts run seamlessly across the country. For this NWTF Staff Spotlight, we are highlighting some of the passionate people who ensure this work continues day after day.
Tara Moon — National Director of Conservation Partnerships and Administrative Operations
Moon directs all agreements, budgets, plans and administrative functions for the NWTF’s Conservation Programs Department.
Her position supports the mission of the NWTF by leading the development and maintenance of strategic business plans, leading planning initiatives, improving business functions of the conservation department, stewarding public and private funders, overseeing agreement development and administration and overseeing financial and budgetary functions and processes of the department.
She began working in the nonprofit realm after her career in banking was no longer fulfilling. Choosing the NWTF came naturally to her because she has always considered herself to be inspired by the outdoors, as she comes from a family that celebrates the outdoors.
“I come from a family of hunters, fishermen and farmers on both sides and believe it to be somewhat hereditary,” she said.
As she continues in her role, she hopes to see the NWTF grow its partner funding, allowing the NWTF to continue to grow its team and membership and volunteer base.
For those looking to start a career in conservation or the outdoors industry, Moon advises anyone to just go for it, no matter what. She has never had a single day of regret since changing gears from banking.
Stacie Scott — Grants and Agreements Manager
Scott spent her early years on her grandparents’ farm in North Augusta, South Carolina, where she learned that if you’re a good steward of the land, it will provide for you and your family for generations to come.
“Having this instilled in me and seeing the NWTF’s dedication to conserving habitat for all wildlife firsthand made for a good fit,” Scott said. “I was born and raised in the Edgefield, South Carolina, community and have had many connections to the NWTF over the years. When the opportunity presented itself to work for the organization, it seemed like it was a natural fit and just meant to be.”
When Scott started with the NWTF, she was originally in the Accounting Department. After three years there, Scott was offered the opportunity to move into the Conservation Programs Department, where she has worked with the grants and agreements team since.
As the grants and agreements manager, Scott oversees the financial processing of grants, agreements and special projects. She assists with the coordination of departmental and partner goals and objectives, partner outreach and communication, project and agreement development, and ensures the NWTF and its partners adhere to parameters outlined in the organization’s agreement deliverables and budgets.
“I want to keep helping secure more opportunities to help improve and maintain healthy wildlife habitats and recruit and educate new hunters,” Scott said.
Scott goes fishing with her husband and occasionally joins him for dove hunts, but in her free time, she finds herself sewing or reading.
Working in wildlife conservation has been a blessing, and for anyone looking for advice on how to follow a similar path, Scott recommends a simple in: volunteer.
“Whether it’s to help during a field day to plant trees or to mentor during a hunt, there are so many opportunities for you to learn firsthand about the wildlife conservation and the outdoor industry.”
April George — Financial Assistant
George and her parents always joke that she has been a turkey girl since birth. She called in her first turkey when she was very young.
“I was playing with a box call while I was on a walk with my dad and from that first gobble, I was hooked,” she said. “I started entering turkey calling competitions hosted by a local NWTF chapter, and through those contests, I met a local call maker that guided hunts in Florida. My dad and I went on a hunt in Florida, and that set us on a mission to get our Grand Slam. We traveled the country for a few years, and I was able to meet amazing people who shared my passion, and I got to hunt in landscapes that I had only dreamed of.”
Now, George is a financial assistant who focuses on NWTF forest management agreements with the USDA Forest Service. A typical day for her involves reviewing contracts and budgets to make sure the NWTF has sufficient funds to complete work, communicating with the Forest Service about funding and gathering documentation to ensure that all the expended funds have been accounted for. She also works closely with NWTF field staff to see what expenses can be expected.
Working for an organization that was close to her heart was always important to George. Since she was fortunate enough to find her passion for the outdoors early in life, she was drawn toward a career that supports the outdoor community, promoting healthier landscapes and teaching the importance of hunting and conservation.
In her current position, George sees a small snapshot of almost all the ongoing projects the NWTF is involved with. Moving forward, she would love to see that list of projects continue to grow and have the opportunity to work with new partners.