Williams Receives National Recognition from the NWTF
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The National Wild Turkey Federation honored Steve Williams, Ph.D., of Gardens, Pennsylvania, with the C.B. McLeod Award for his productive and enduring career as a wildlife manager and his dedication to conservation.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive the C.B. McLeod Award from the National Wild Turkey Federation,” Williams said. “The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their careers to wildlife conservation and our hunting heritage. Receiving this award from NWTF is particularly humbling given the 50-year history of the NWTF and its outstanding and long-time commitment to conservation. As I approach retirement, after nearly 40 years of service, I will always treasure being recognized by NWTF, and I dedicate this award to NWTF staff and its thousands of volunteers across the nation.”
Williams received the C.B. McLeod Award during the NWTF’s 50th anniversary celebration at its 47th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.
C.B McLeod, former NWTF National Board of Directors member, was a pillar in establishing the foundation of the NWTF. Favorable lending practices along with his diligent efforts to keep the NWTF financially solvent during the early years was invaluable. McLeod had a heart for conservation and believed in the mission to restore the wild turkey. This award honoring him recognizes individuals who dedicate their lives to wildlife conservation.
Williams is currently the president of the Wildlife Management Institute. He serves on the Board of Directors of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, American Wildlife Conservation Partners, Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council (a federal advisory committee to the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture), Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports and chair of the National Conservation Leadership Institute. He is also a professional member of the Boone and Crockett Club and The Wildlife Society.
Prior to joining WMI, Williams served as director of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Governor's cabinet secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Parks, deputy executive director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and assistant director for wildlife and deer project leader of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
The fruits of Williams’ enduring career have helped conserve wildlife across the nation, and the NWTF is proud to recognize his exceptional leadership as a stalwart conservationist.
“Steve’s impressive career in conserving our nation’s natural resources is marked with incredible achievements,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “Steve understands the important relationship between hunting and conservation and, through his leadership, has bolstered both efforts. We are immensely thankful for his contributions to our nation’s conservation success story, and we are proud to honor him with the C.B. McLeod Award.”
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.