LEADERSHIP & VALUES

Ed Thompson joined The Wildlife Society in February, 2014 as Chief Operating Officer after acquiring more than 17 years of executive-level business leadership experience with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, one of the largest membership organizations in the United States serving more than 375,000 members. During his tenure with AOPA, Ed held three different vice president positions that provided him with a wide range of experience in strategic planning and budgeting, member services, product marketing, business development, and corporate partnership and sponsorship. As COO of The Wildlife Society, Ed’s leadership helped the Society achieve significant membership and revenue growth while increasing the organization’s engagement with wildlife professionals, students and the general public through improvements to the Society’s website, e-newsletter, social media, and annual conference.In July, 2017 Ed was promoted to CEO and Executive Director. In this role he provides innovative and collaborative leadership to ensure the Society fulfills its mission and achieves measurable progress on goals and objectives identified and prioritized by TWS Council in accordance with the organization’s Strategic Plan. Ed is responsible for The Wildlife Society’s staff, programs, and overall operational and fiscal integrity of the Society while striving to grow its membership and secure new sources of revenue and support for TWS programs and activities.

Keith Norris has been with The Wildlife Society since February 2014. He holds a B.S. degree in Wildlife from Purdue University, a M.A. degree in Public Policy & Management from the John Glenn School of Public Affairs, and a M.S. degree in Environment & Natural Resources – Wildlife and Fisheries at The Ohio State University. Keith has previously worked in wildlife research for the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and in program administration for Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow. He has been a member of TWS since 2008, has been involved at all levels of TWS organizational units throughout his career, and is certified as an Associate Wildlife Biologist®. At TWS, Keith is responsible for overseeing TWS’ policy activities, providing support to TWS Chapters and Sections on conservation policy issues, strategically expanding TWS’ engagement with other organizations, and providing direction to the Society professional development and certification programs.