Wildlife Diseases Working Group

Working Group Objectives:

1.       Communicate among members of The Wildlife Society and with other wildlife disease focused organizations on disease issues through meetings, symposia, workshops, newsletters, specialty publications, a website and through a forum to review and discuss wildlife disease issues, draft policy statements, and develop appropriate responses to emerging wildlife disease management and conservation issues.

2.       Promote membership in The Wildlife Society to wildlife professionals and students interested in disease issues and make members aware of other wildlife disease-oriented organizations.

3.       Make recommendations to, and develop draft technical reviews, position statements and other material for consideration by TWS Council.

4.       Provide information, education and technical assistance to TWS members in wildlife disease prevention, research, surveillance, and management, as well as wildlife professionals, journalists, government officials, other organizations, and the general public.

5.       Identify wildlife disease management and educational needs and encourage research studies and other activities to meet these needs.

Benefits of Leadership: Serving on the Wildlife Disease Working Group Executive Committee is a rewarding experience to shape the direction of our professional society. These positions are a low-effort, high reward way to become involved in TWS leadership. Meetings are every other month for 1 hour with some work required between. Executive Board members are expected to be involved in planning symposia, workshops, and webinars. Student mentorship is a big part of our focus, particularly at the annual meeting. The Executive Board is often asked to provide input on TWS position statements and upcoming legislation.

Open Positions:

CHAIR-ELECT: 2-year-term to be followed by succession to Chair upon completion of a successful terms

Duties: The Chair-Elect assists the Chair as requested and assumes duties in the Chair’s absence.

The Chair shall have general supervisory responsibility for and presides over meetings of the Executive Board and Annual Membership; appoints members to committees; and represents the Working group to other groups. The Chair is responsible for submitting an annual report of the Working Group’s activity to the Society.  Upon completion of a full term as Chair, the Chair succeeds to the position of immediate Past Chair, who is responsible for the Nominations and Election Committee.

SECRETARY-TREASURER – 2-year-term.

Duties: The Secretary-Treasurer is responsible for the files and records of the Working Group, which include taking minutes of all meetings, and the funds of the Working Group. 

BOARD MEMBERS – 2-year-term

Duties: Board Members represent the views of the membership to the Executive Board and serve as liaison from the Executive Board to the membership.  They contribute to committee work and other duties of the Executive Board, performing any other duties assigned by the Chair.  

Nominations (self-nominations) are welcomed. Please provide name, contact email, a short biography (<300 words), and a photo to Past Chair, Krysten Schuler, ks833@cornell.edu, by August 15. Contact Krysten if you would like more information on any position.