Artemis, the National Wildlife Federation’s women’s athletes program, welcomed Carlee Koutnik as its new program director. Koutnik’s previous experience includes serving as an executive officer and senior biology instructor for the US Air Force, as a state headquarters exercise and training manager for the Colorado National Guard, and as deputy director of Parks and Life Colorado Wild. Koutnik has over a decade of experience and a proven track record of campaign planning and promotion, spanning a variety of topics and interests.
“When I reflect back, my love of the outdoors was a guided journey made up of mentors (men, women and peers) and I revel in their lessons, patience and encouragement,” Koutnik said. “My goal is to emulate that support. I would like to continue to serve in a capacity where I help manage and conserve our land, water, and wildlife in a sustainable and responsible manner. I will also try to help keep these resources available to the general public and create a space where women feel empowered to take risks and fall in love with the outdoors.”
While in the US Air Force, Koutnik was awarded the 2019 Air Force Medical Service Team of the Year and was ranked No. #2 of 59 program managers at Eielson Air Force Base as of May 2016.
“We are thrilled to have Carlee join our sports team here at the National Wildlife Federation. His incredible leadership experience and can-do attitude is exactly what we need to build on Artemis’ incredible growth and lead it into its next exciting chapter,” said Aaron Kindle, director of sports advocacy for the National Wildlife Federation.
Koutnik received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the US Air Force Academy and a Master of Science in Ecological Restoration from the University of Florida School of Forest Resources and Conservation. From hunting, fishing, and a multitude of other winter and summer sports, Koutnik has always valued his connection to and access to natural resources. An avid sportsman, Koutnik earned her first hunter’s safety card at age eight and is passionate about hunting elk and mule deer.
Carlee Koutnik will work with the National Wildlife Federation public lands and sports staff to continue to build Artemis and ensure the conservation and enhancement of America’s public lands, waters and wildlife. Koutnik will work to make Artemis financially, promotionally, and visibility-wise to continue our growth as a national conservation force.
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