MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Each year, Ducks Unlimited (DU) recognizes the top regional directors across the nation for their outstanding efforts as staff members of the nation's largest wetlands and waterfowl conservation organization. The nation is broken down into seven management units and only one regional director from each unit is awarded Regional Director of the Year status.

"We feel it's extremely important to recognize the success of these professionals each year," said David Schuessler, national director of event fundraising for DU. "Our regional directors are on the frontlines interacting with our volunteers. These are the people who are on the road a majority of the year, who, along with their volunteer partners, ensure the success of our organization."

Last fiscal year 85 regional directors worked together with more than 53,000 volunteers to host more than 4,300 events nationwide. These events raised in excess of $53.8 million for the organization's conservation mission.

Winners of this year's Regional Director of the Year are:

Region 1: Frank Leonardi
Region 2: Erik Wettersten
Region 3: Brad Jensen
Region 4: Derrick Davis
Region 5: Mark Jackson
Region 6: Scott Paschke
Region 7: Larry Wilkins

"Without the commitment of the volunteers and these regional directors, DU would not be as successful as it is today," Schuessler said. "On behalf of the entire event fundraising team, I'd like to congratulate each and every award winner and their volunteers."

For more information visit www.ducks.org.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org. Connect with us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DucksUnlimited, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/DucksUnlimited and watch DU videos at www.youtube.com/DucksUnlimitedInc.

Media Contact:
Matt Coffey
(901) 758-3764
mcoffey@ducks.org