EDGEFIELD, SC — The National Wild Turkey Federation honored Steve Williams, Ph.D., of Gardens, Pennsylvania, with the CB McLeod Award for his long and productive career as a wildlife manager and dedication to conservation.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive the CB 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 legacy. Receiving this award from the NWTF is particularly gratifying given the NWTF’s 50-year history and outstanding and longstanding commitment to conservation. As I approach retirement after nearly 40 years of service, I will always treasure the NWTF recognition, and I dedicate this award to NWTF staff and their thousands of volunteers across the country.”
Williams received the CB McLeod Award during 50 years of the NWTFhe 47th anniversary celebrationhe NWTF annual convention and sports extravaganza, sponsored by Mossy Oak.
CB McLeod, a former member of the NWTF National Board of Directors, was instrumental in laying the foundation for the NWTF. The favorable lending practices coupled with his diligent efforts to maintain the financial solvency of the NWTF during the early years were invaluable. McLeod had a heart for conservation and believed in the mission of restoring the wild turkey. This award in his honor recognizes individuals who dedicate their lives to wildlife conservation.
Williams is currently the president of the Wildlife Management Institute. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, American Wildlife Conservation Partners, the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council (a federal advisory committee of the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture), the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, and President of the National Institute for Conservation Leadership. 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 US Fish and Wildlife Service, Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife.
The fruits of Williams’ enduring career have helped conserve wildlife across the country, and the NWTF is proud to recognize his exceptional leadership as a staunch conservationist.
“Steve’s impressive career in conserving our nation’s natural resources is marked by incredible accomplishments,” said NWTF Co-Executive Director Kurt Dyroff. “Steve understands the important relationship between hunting and conservation, and through his leadership, he has strengthened both efforts. We are immensely grateful for his contributions to our nation’s conservation success story, and we are proud to honor him with the CB McLeod Award.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has conserved or improved more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to advance wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities across the US by working beyond borders at the landscape scale.
2023 is the 50th of the NWTFhe anniversary and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. for his 50he anniversary, 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 people of NWTF; and raise $5 million to build a $50 million endowment for the future. Find out how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.