HeadHunters NW, a leading executive search firm, announces the successful completion of an executive search resulting in the appointment of Dr. Todd Adkins as Executive Director of the Oregon Hunters Association (OHA). The comprehensive national search identified Dr. Adkins as the ideal leader to guide OHA through its next phase of transformation and growth.
Dr. Adkins brings exceptional credentials to the role, including a PhD from the University of Notre Dame and a law degree from the University of Iowa, combined with 30 years of dedicated work on behalf of hunting and conservation organizations. His extensive experience spans both large national organizations and smaller regional groups, providing him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing hunting advocacy organizations.
"After an extensive national search and comprehensive evaluation process, Dr. Adkins emerged as the exceptional candidate our organization needs during this critical period of transformation and growth," said Fred Walasavage, OHA's Chairman of the Board of Directors. "His track record in strategic leadership, fundraising excellence, stakeholder management, and conservation advocacy makes him ideally suited to lead OHA into the future.
Most recently, Dr. Adkins served as Senior Vice President of Sportsmen's Alliance, where he oversaw a major expansion of staff and resources dedicated to protecting hunting and hunters nationwide. Previously, he served as Managing Director of State & Local Affairs for the National Rifle Association's Institute of Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), overseeing 25 staff members and an eight-figure budget. Throughout his career, Dr. Adkins has demonstrated expertise in leading organizational change while maintaining focus on improved member service, satisfaction, and solidarity.
"Throughout the search process, Dr. Adkins kept rising to the top of our candidate pool," said Walasavage. "He has a unique combination of training, experience, and dedication that make this a very exciting time at OHA, especially when we look to the future and how this key hire will prove vital to our continued growth."
"We spoke with several highly qualified professionals who could have excelled in this role, but Dr. Adkins stood out for both his capability and his genuine enthusiasm for building the organizational synergy needed for success," said Shaylene Keiner, President of HeadHunters NW. "He rose to the top by demonstrating his ability to build consensus and communicate the OHA mission in a way that resonates with diverse stakeholders—from individual members and like-minded conservation groups to legislative representatives and businesses that benefit from a strong organization like the Oregon Hunters Association."
A lifelong hunter and angler who served as a hunting guide on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Dr. Adkins brings both professional expertise and personal passion to the role.
"I wake up every day thinking about how to protect hunters and our amazing conservation legacy, so I am honored by the Board's decision to appoint me as OHA's executive director," Adkins said. "We have a fantastic opportunity before us, and working with OHA members throughout the state, we will get there, of this I have no doubt."
Dr. Adkins will be attending SHOT Show and is scheduling appointments now. Oregon Hunters Association is seeking to build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with manufacturers in Oregon, the entire Pacific Northwest, and beyond.
Contact Dr. Adkins at TAdkins@OregonHunters.org
OHA is Oregon's largest Oregon-based pro-hunting organization, with 12,000 members and 26 chapters statewide. Its mission is protecting Oregon's wildlife, habitat and heritage.
For more information about HeadHunters NW's executive search services, contact Shaylene Keiner at info@HeadHuntersNW.com or by phone at 503-551-7114.
Connect with us on social media at LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.