New Board Chairman Elected at Wildlife Forever
OutdoorHub 03.28.12
Brooklyn Center, MN– Wildlife Forever today announced Jay Bellinger has been elected as the organization’s new Chairman of the Board. Bellinger joined the Board in 2001 and will continue to work closely with Wildlife Forever’s leadership to achieve its mission and celebrate this year’s 25th anniversary.
Bellinger from Corona, SD is the retired Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Manager and has more than 45 years of experience in fish and wildlife conservation.
“We are thrilled to have Jay Bellinger as chairman,” said Douglas Grann, President and CEO of Wildlife Forever. “His invaluable experience in fish and wildlife management and conservation education is crucial to the mission of Wildlife Forever. His dedication to the organization is inspiring and will help us reach our ever-increasing goals.”
Bellinger joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1967 and the Kodiak Refuge in 1984. His concern for the conservation of Kodiak brown bears played a key role in securing the protection of 260,000 acres of habitat for bears, salmon, sea otters and other species occurring on private inholdings within the Kodiak Refuge following the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Bellinger received the Service’s highest honor, the Paul Kroegel-Refuge Manager of the Year Award for outstanding service.
“I am honored to serve as chair for Wildlife Forever,” said Bellinger. “Education is key in preserving our fish and wildlife heritage. I look forward to furthering Wildlife Forever’s commitment to stopping the spread of invasive species and bringing conservation into the classrooms. This is an exciting time for our organization, and I am proud to be a part of this innovative team.”
Bellinger succeeded Scott M. Grieve as Chairman. Grieve served in the role for 10 years and led development of the State-Fish Art® program and creation of the Threat Campaign™. Bellinger, the 4th Chair of Wildlife Forever, will continue the legacy of building stewardship among the youth and the public in support of our great outdoors.
For more information about Wildlife Forever, go to www.wildlifeforever.org.
