Committees
Committees play a vital role in supporting the Executive Board in achieving chapter projects and objectives. Active involvement in committees is essential for the chapter to effectively express our professional views on wildlife policy issues, engage with members and students, and acknowledge the exceptional work of individuals involved in wildlife conservation and management. All committees strive to incorporate The Wildlife Society’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion vision into their work. Specifically, plans to enhance diversity and provide for equity in our organization and our programs and build an inclusive culture that respects and values all and provides equal access to opportunities.
WE NEED YOU! Please consider joining or chairing a committee. Please use this Google Form to join a committee. If you have questions, contact a committee chair or the board.
| Membership Committee | Interim Chair: Mercedes Maddox The Membership Committee develops and implements strategies to recruit and retain a diverse membership in the Alabama Chapter of the Wildlife Society. The committee will also be responsible for welcoming new members and helping facilitate communication between members and the executive board. |
| Awards Committee | Chair: Jeff Baker The Awards Committee coordinates the necessary communication for seeking nominations for awards, establishes a selection process and panel to review award nominations, and prepares, acquires, and presents the award certificate. Standing awards are the Biologist of the Year award and the Lifetime Achievement award. |
| Elections Committee | Chair: Ray Metzler The elections committee seeks nominations for board members. Elections are held every two years, and committee members are responsible for preparing a slate of two candidates from the Chapter membership for each of the elective positions: President-Elect, Secretary/Treasurer, Representative to the Southeastern Section, and two Members-at-Large. The committee also oversees the ballot and voting process. |
| Student Outreach Committee | Chair: Wes Anderson The Student Outreach Committee engages students and graduates via the ACTWS Mentorship Program, Southeastern Field Course Sponsorship nominations, student travel sponsorships, presentations awards, and other programs. The committee partners with TWS student chapters in Alabama and non-traditional programs at Alabama universities. Student chapter presidents are automatic members of the committee. |
| Conservation Policy Committee | Chair: Ray Metzler The Conservation Policy Committee reviews policies, regulations, and other subjects or issues relevant to wildlife conservation and habitat at the local, state, and federal levels. The committee will make recommendations to the executive board for any action that could be taken by the Alabama Chapter and leads the drafting of letters and policy statements, as needed. The committee will build on relationships with state and federal regulatory agencies in Alabama, in addition to non-profits. |
| Communications Committee | Chair: Janna Willoughby The Communications Committee assists in managing the chapter website via WordPress and manages the chapter’s social media platforms. The committee keeps the website updated quarterly, provides content for social media sites following the chapter posting guidelines, publishes Chapter news, and generally informs the membership and public. |