The Wildlife Society is pleased to announce the selection of the Leadership Institute Class of 2026. The following 10 participants were selected from a pool of nearly 50 applicants from five countries and over 20 states.
Leadership Institute Class of 2026:
- Keilani Fang, Utah’s Hogle Zoo
- Terra Haines, USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services
- Daniel Herrera, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- Kristina Gunderson, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
- Hannah Leeper, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Katie Schroeder, Texas Tech University and Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy
- Hailey Shanovich, US Geological Survey
- Emily Thoroski, The Environmental Musician
- Amanda Van Buskirk, West Virginia University
- Melinda Vickers, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
All 10 participants have accepted their offer to join the Leadership Institute and will get started with their first assignments soon.
Through the Leadership Institute, participants will work toward enhancing their adaptability and preparedness to lead on the new frontiers of wildlife conservation. The Leadership Institute consists of intensive activities and mentoring relationships that prepare participants for leadership positions, both in their workplace and in TWS. Participants benefit from direct engagement with TWS Council and staff, whether through the annual conference, networking, mentorship or general one-on-one interaction.
