Turkeys for Tomorrow (TFT) is excited to introduce three new board members for 2026. Chris Barbee, Donald Jarrett, and Shaw Calhoun join an already strong board of directors. With these arrivals, TFT is poised for a strong push into its next phase of growth and production for the wild turkey.
"TFT is honored to have more committed people volunteer their time to help us, help turkeys," said TFT CEO Jason Lupardus. "Each person brings a different talent to the table, yet all are woven from the same wild turkey conservation quilt."
Meet Chris Barbee
Originally from North Carolina, Chris Barbee now lives in South Carolina with his wife, two daughters, and black Labrador, Boone. Barbee says the outdoors has always been a constant in his life.
"Whether it's hunting, climbing, backpacking, or simply spending time outside with family, conservation has never been an abstract idea," he said. "It's something I've experienced firsthand my entire life, beginning as an Eagle Scout and continuing today."
Professionally, he has spent his career helping organizations grow through strategy, marketing, and innovation. He's served in executive leadership roles, including Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Strategy Officer across startups, Fortune 500 companies, and global agencies. Today, he helps lead an AI technology company focused on helping brands navigate how they're discovered and understood in the age of artificial intelligence.
"I believe great organizations succeed by earning trust, telling compelling stories, and creating lasting value," Barbee said. "Those same principles are just as important in conservation. Conservation isn't just about protecting wildlife. It's about protecting traditions, habitat, and opportunities that future generations deserve to experience. Wild turkeys are one of North America's greatest conservation success stories, but success isn't permanent. It requires continued investment, sound science, and people willing to give back more than they take."
Understandably, Barbee feels a self-declared responsibility to ensure his daughters, and someday their children, can experience wild turkey populations. That led him to TFT.
"Turkeys for Tomorrow has built a reputation for putting conservation first," he said. "They're a get-your-hands-dirty organization, and that's what excited me most. I'm excited to contribute not only as an outdoorsman, but also by bringing my experience in strategy, communications, technology, and organizational growth.
"I also believe conservation has an opportunity to reach a new generation of supporters," he continued. "Whether through better storytelling, stronger partnerships, or new technologies, I hope to help TFT expand its impact while staying true to the mission that has made it so respected."
Meet Donald Jarrett
Donald Jarrett hails from Eatonton, Georgia. Recently retired from Georgia Power Company, he completed 42 years of service. He is also a freelance writer of 25 years. He's published many print and digital articles, including a turkey hunting book called, "Compositions of a Sickness." Additionally, he's a pro staff member for Jeb's Chokes, Mossy Oak, and Pistol Creek Outdoors. He's guided turkey hunters for more than 30 years.
"I am as passionate about the wild turkey today as I was when I started hunting them 38 years ago, even more so in my latter years," Jarrett said. "I realized a long time ago that I actually love the turkeys more than turkey hunting. For those that know me, that's saying a lot.
Joining TFT as a board member, he is excited to have a role at a higher level. He's honored to serve in this capacity for wild turkey conservation.
"I feel that I can make a bigger impact by having more influence on people that want to step up and answer the call," Jarrett said. "I want to make a difference. I believe, with the position I now hold with TFT, and the support of this organization, I can.
"I want to leave a mark," he continued. "I want people to know that I'm sincere and that I care about our turkeys. I want future generations to experience what I have in the turkey woods. It is my responsibility to ensure that the next generations continue the legacy of the wild turkey. We didn't inherit turkeys from the generations past. We are borrowing turkeys from future generations. I don't take that lightly and I want to know that I did my part to pass it on."
Meet Shawn Calhoun
Sean Calhoun is at home in Conway, South Carolina. He has a professional background in law enforcement, national intelligence, and the Department of War.
"I fell in love with turkey calling, guiding, and hunting 35 years ago, and that is a still-burning fire," Calhoun said. "I have been involved in turkey and habitat conservation for more than 30 years from an organizational level to on my own property. I love reliving that first turkey harvest through first-time hunters, veterans, and children.
"TFT is an organization I support because they are truly dedicated to the wild turkey, its habitat, longevity, and the continued pursuit for generations to come," he continued. "To put it bluntly, it's an organization with the wild turkey in mind, not salaries. The fresh ideas and collaborative approach of TFT is much needed and attractive to true wild turkey hunters and conservationists alike."
Support TFT
Wild turkey populations are on the decline throughout the nation. Established in 2021, TFT is new to the landscape, but it's driven by highly trained professionals with decades of conservation experience. To support TFT, and the complete body of wild turkey research and conservation it's leading, become a member today. An Adult Annual Membership is $50, multi-year Team Turkey Membership is $250, and Life Membership is $2,500. Every dollar counts in the fight for wild turkey conservation.