TRCP Awards Former NWTF CEO for Conservation Legacy
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership presented former NWTF CEO Becky Humphries with a conservation award at its 15th annual Capital Conservation Awards Dinner. MeatEater’s Steven Rinella hosted the gala event at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
“It is a true privilege to work on conservation issues alongside so many great conservationists in this country, especially my fellow honorees.,” Humphries said. “Great conservation takes all of us working together for sustainable conservation policies and funding. My sincerest thanks to NWTF staff and members in supporting wise conservation policy efforts.”
Along with Humphries, TRCP distinguished other conservation leaders and lawmakers, including Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah) and Pheasants and Quail Forever CEO Howard Vincent.
“We are incredibly proud to see Becky continuing to be recognized for her unfaltering commitment to natural resource conservation,” NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. “Becky may have recently retired, but she is still hard at work fulfilling her life’s calling as a dedicated conservationist and advocate for sportsmen and women, whether it is as a volunteer or applying her expertise to some of conservation’s most pressing challenges.”
Humphries was recently recognized for her conservation legacy at NWTF’s 50th Anniversary celebration in Nashville by the NWTF National Board of Directors and by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies in September.
Humphries began her career in conservation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in 1978 and continued to progress through the ranks to become director of the MDNR in 2004. While serving as director of her state’s wildlife agency, Humphries also served on the executive committee of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. She also worked on several other committees, including as chair of the Wildlife Health Committee.
After working in state government, Humphries ventured to another side of conservation by serving in leadership positions with Ducks Unlimited and the NWTF. She began her tenure with the NWTF as its chief conservation officer and led the NWTF as CEO from 2017 until her recent retirement in February 2023.
Humphries currently serves on the board of directors of TRCP and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale.
2023 is the NWTF's 50th Anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization's mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50-year celebration, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the NWTF's people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.