NWTF Message - From NWTF Executives ..............


In the wake of current change, the NWTF is moving forward still dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of the hunting tradition. NWTF President Peggy Anne Vallery and NWTF CEO Rob Keck have written letters to our members, volunteers, partners, sponsors and friends to ensure them that we continue, with their help, to move forward.
Dear members, volunteers, partners and sponsors,
While the NWTF’s national board of directors reluctantly accepted the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Rob Keck on March 26, he will remain at the helm until June 1 to help guide our organization during this transition period.
The experience and vision of our 18-member volunteer board and Rob’s knowledge of the NWTF, conservation and hunting, will move the organization forward on its path to success.
After 30 years of distinguished service, including 27 years as CEO, Rob decided, for personal and family reasons, to step aside from his duties with the Federation. He resigned his post under his own will, and his presence within the ranks of the NWTF will be sorely missed. Under Rob’s leadership, the NWTF has grown into one of the nation's leading conservation organizations.
Currently, the Board is searching for a qualified candidate to assume the role as NWTF’s new CEO and work closely with the National Board of Directors to implement long-range planning designed to build upon the sturdy foundation of this great organization.
Under Rob’s skillful leadership, the NWTF has grown into one of the nation’s premier conservation organizations with more than 550,000 members. During that time, the NWTF has worked with wildlife agencies in North America to help grow wild turkey populations, increase participation in hunting and introduce countless youth, women and people with disabilities to the outdoors.
While the organization has undergone change, it’s still made up of more than a half million of the most passionate and dedicated volunteers as well as our amazingly supportive and generous partners and sponsors. Because of all these wonderful people, we’re an organization that will emerge from this and move forward into an era of conservation success. We’re excited about what Team NWTF can accomplish next on behalf of our mission to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage. Together, we are strong.
Best Regards,
Peggy Anne Vallery,
NWTF President
Dear members, volunteers, partners and sponsors,
Though I have decided to step down on June 1 as NWTF’s CEO after 30 years of working for the wild turkey, I want you to know how much it has meant to me to work with North America’s most dedicated hunter conservationists. You have been such an important part of my life and I thank you for the commitment you’ve shown to make this organization the greatest in the conservation world.
Today, I want to express how important it is that you forge ahead with your work to conserve the wild turkey and uphold our hunting heritage. During this busy season, we must step up and ensure there is no slippage in the number and quality of our events. Nor should we give anything less than our very best service to this organization’s great volunteers, partners and sponsors. Now more than ever, we must work hard to secure the future of what we’ve built.
Together, we’ve created a rock solid foundation based on sound principles and an important mission that is supported by innovative programs and dedicated people. It would be a tremendous disservice to those who have sacrificed so much to bring us to where we are today – a leader and a model in the conservation world – to quit or neglect our commitment to this organization and the people that make it special.
From my position, I ask you to take a deep breath and devote yourself to moving us forward. I know this is already happening because I’ve heard so many good reports. Regional Field Supervisor Charlie Stockstill said his Texas banquets are up while Regional Field Supervisor Bob Fountain stated that Georgia banquets are better than last year. Senior Regional Field Supervisor Terry LeCroy indicated his first nine South Carolina banquets were the best ever. In Ohio, a historically poor performing banquet experienced record attendance, according to Walt Ingram, senior regional field supervisor.
NWTF has a history of doing well both in good times and bad. I have complete confidence in the future of the NWTF, that it will remain dedicated to our mission. Your work for wild turkeys is how we have 7 million birds in North America, and I can't thank you enough for everything you've done. I, as well, remain committed to you. And with your continuing dedication to the organization, our wildlife resources and all the wonderful people we're associated with, we'll come through this better than ever.

Best Regards,
Rob Keck
Chief Executive Officer
Dear NWTF Volunteers, National Board Members, Sponsors and Partners,
The last week has been a time of transition for the National Wild Turkey Federation, and we appreciate everyone’s patience during this effort.

As NWTF’s family pulled together to manage this period of change, our brief inward focus allowed speculation to fill the information gap. Thus, we want to take this opportunity to clarify some important points.

First, the NWTF annually undergoes an audit of its financial statements by a certified public accounting firm. The conclusion of the most recent audit, as has been the case with past audits, is the organization’s statements of position and activities received the highest level of opinion possible on their accuracy.

In addition, no allegations of criminal activity have been made.

While the organization has undergone change, it’s still made up of more than a half million of the most passionate and dedicated volunteers as well as our amazingly supportive and generous partners and sponsors. Because of all these wonderful people, we’re an organization that will emerge from this and move forward into an era of conservation success. We hope you’ll take that journey with us.

Respectfully,
Peggy Anne Vallery
NWTF President