2024 TWS election results are in

Members of The Wildlife Society have voted for Evelyn Merrill as the new Vice President after the 2024 election results have been tallied.

Al Arsenault was elected as the Canadian Representative while Lisa Muller was elected as the Southeastern Representative. Kathy Granillo was elected as the Southwest Representative.

The Wildlife Society would like to congratulate all candidates who ran for a position this election cycle, including Adam Ahlers, Dennis Brannen, Eric Pelren, and Erika Nowak.

Read more about our incoming VP and Council members below.

Evelyn Merrill

I started down The Wildlife Society (TWS) path in the 1970s and have never looked back. I have seen TWS evolve just like the ecosystems around me, and this is a strength of The Society. The current revision of the Strategic Plan reflects a blend of maintaining our core values while adapting to the realities of our future. I intend to support this direction with particular attention in: 1) strengthening policy engagement in North America while keeping science at the forefront and being proactive in developing effective partnerships, 2) fostering opportunities for students and new professionals (who will be our teachers and our legacy) along with seasoned mentors; 3) diversifying our community and expanding inclusiveness in creative ways that may take stepping outside of the box; and 4) by not losing sight of the financial solvency needed to support our staff and everyday efforts. The best steps forward for each of these may not always be clear and outcomes may not be immediate. But when weighing the options, we need to be transparent and communicate clearly the end-game, institute our decisions in an equitable manner, and learn from our mistakes. Martin Luther King was a leader because he had not only a plan but a dream. I aspire to help TWS stay relevant and to support our members and those around them to enjoy wildlife in sustainable and reverent ways that battle the malaise of emerging environmental grief, unites us in cause, and motivates us to step up. I am passionate about ensuring the same wonder and enthusiasm for the world of wildlife in the future that I have been fortunate enough to find in my life. I see my service to TWS as an important means for achieving that, and as an enduring legacy of my career.

Read Evelyn Merrill’s complete biographical sketch here.

Al Arsenault

Throughout my career as a wildlife biologist, I’ve remained committed to life-long learning and service to wildlife conservation and to TWS in whatever capacity I could as a member, at the working group, chapter, section, and parent society levels.  Professionalism and promotion of our organization is a means of demonstrating credibility of our trademarked professional designations (AWB® and CWB®) so that members with these designations are recognized by industry, academia, ENGOs, and governments at all levels as the preeminent authority on wildlife science, management, and conservation.  In service to TWS, I’ve strived to elevate recognition of TWS professional designations in Canada.  I envision TWS professional designations to be highly valued and sought after by wildlife professionals in our organization as a career goal to achieve, one that nurtures commitment to high ethical and professional standards in wildlife science, conservation, and management.  To this end, my goals are: 1) continued development of the Canadian Section and TWS Parent Society as an organization that serves an important and positive influential role in management and conservation forums in North America, 2) to foster significant and substantive contributions by our members that ensure sustainable wildlife populations in healthy ecosystems through professional collaboration, discovery, science-based management, and conservation; (3) to foster a TWS culture of lifetime continued learning and professionalism; 4) to encourage students and early career wildlife professionals to become active members and leaders of the wildlife profession; and 5) to recognize and celebrate the contributions and professionalism of our mid and late career members.

Read Al Arsenault’s complete biographical sketch here.

Kathy Granillo

I have been active in The Wildlife Society for over 30 years, with most of that time spent in the Southwest. The wildlands, wildlife and wildlife professionals of this area are near and dear to my heart. I am the current Southwest Representative to Council (2021-2024) and I am seeking a second term. I believe I have accomplished much in my first term and that it has prepared me to do even more in a second term. I am actively involved in crafting the new Strategic Plan for TWS and want to help implement that plan over the next few years. I have helped shape the future of TWS through my work on the Diversity Committee, the Position Statements Committee, and as Council Liaison to the IDEA Working Group and the Climate Change and Wildlife Working Group. I strive to represent the Southwest geographic area by attending and presenting at the Texas Chapter annual conferences, and the Joint annual meetings of the Arizona and New Mexico Chapters. I sit in on chapter and section board meetings and stay in touch with members via the various newsletters and through email and phone calls. My priorities include focusing on better communication between scientists and managers; involving youth and minorities in conservation and science, and encouraging wildlife professionals to stay engaged and educated about our rapidly changing world and the impacts on wildlife and the places they live.

Read Kathy Granillo’s complete biographical sketch here.

Lisa Muller

I have been involved with teaching and research in wildlife for many years.  I strongly believe it is important to give back to the profession and encourage current and future wildlife biologists to continue the great work of TWS.  I am passionate about including diverse voices as I know wildlife conservation issues faced tomorrow will require many different ways of thinking.  I know it is important to participate and for everyone to make their voices heard.  I want to promote communication and collaboration in the profession.  I also encourage wildlife professionals to engage the public and explain the science and thought that goes into management decisions. 

Solutions to conservation issues and progress in natural resource management will come from an informed and passionate membership.  I believe TWS provides many opportunities for professional growth and I will continue to advocate for education, training, and mentorship.  I have been very fortunate to have had great guides, colleagues, and friends at all levels of TWS.  I would like to be a part of the tradition and promote involvement.  I welcome interactions, ideas, and suggestions from all members. If reelected, I will do my best to continue to serve the Southeast Section.

Read Lisa Muller’s complete biographical sketch here.