Kendra Wecker, chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, was recently appointed as the Chair of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) Executive Committee. Chief Wecker was appointed for a one-year term as Chair of the Executive Committee.

AFWA represents North America's fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science-based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The AFWA Executive Committee is charged with employing an executive director and additional employees for the organization, as well as approving a budget.

“Kendra Wecker will be a great asset to AFWA as Chair of the Executive Committee, bringing a great wealth of knowledge and experience,” said Ron Regan, executive director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “She brings a level of leadership that will help to further the great work of the association.”

Chief Wecker will serve on the AFWA Executive Committee alongside fish and wildlife colleagues from Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. The Division of Wildlife has been a longtime member of and partner with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

Wecker was appointed to her position as chief of the Division of Wildlife in January 2019. During her 35-year career with the Division of Wildlife, she has also served as the information and education executive administrator and wildlife diversity coordinator. She has received multiple awards, including Wildlife Conservationist of the Year from the League of Ohio Sportsmen, Pheasants Forever Conservation Service Award, and Ducks Unlimited’s State Conservation Partner of the Year. She currently holds an U.S. Presidential appointment as a U.S. Commissioner for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.