Wildlife Biologist of the Year

The Association’s Biologist of the Year Awards are presented to two career biologists of state wildlife agencies, one each in the categories of wildlife and fisheries, who in the opinion of the SEAFWA Awards Committee have made outstanding contributions toward wildlife/fisheries conservation. Each award is presented during the awards banquet at the Association’s annual conference.

Award Criteria and Nomination Process

All Association member agencies are encouraged to submit nominees for consideration. Nominations should include information on the candidate’s background such as education, training, career accomplishments, and the achievement for which the nomination is being submitted. As much information as practical within the space constraints should be furnished to aid the Committee in making a selection.

Nomination guidelines:

  1. Nominees must be employees of member agencies in the Association and nominations must be submitted through the agency head.
  2. Each state is limited to two nominees annually, one for each category of wildlife and fisheries work.
  3. Nominations may be given for a specific project, a career of work, or a combination of both.
  4. Nominations should consist of a short (250-word) description of the contribution for which the nomination is being made, accompanied by biographical information about the nominee.

Recommendations for any special awards or recognitions to be presented in the name of the SEAFWA may also be made to the Awards Committee.

Nominations should be submitted to SEAFWA Awards Committee Chair.  

Recipients
2023
Gary Costanzo
Virginia
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
2022
Nathan (Nate) Muencks
Missouri
Missouri Department of Conservation
2021
Lori Williams
North Carolina
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
(news article)
2020
Felicia Sanders
South Carolina
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
(news article)
2019
Gary Norman
Virginia
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
(news article)
2018
Melynda Hickman
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
(news article)
2017
Dan Gibbs
Tennessee
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
(news article)
2016
W. Matthew Knox
Virginia
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
(news article)
2015
John Gruchy
Mississippi
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
(news article)
2014
Chuck Kowaleski
Texas
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
2013
Tim Ivey
South Carolina
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
2012
David Hayden
Alabama
2011
Harry J. Dutton
Florida
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
2010
Steve Barnett
Alabama
2009
Keith Hudson
Alabama
2008
Kenneth G. Johnson
Alabama
2007
David Godwin
Mississippi
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
2006
Terry Sharp
North Carolina
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
2005
William (Bill) N. Gray II
Alabama
2004
Buddy Baker
South Carolina
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
2003
Steve Nesbitt
Florida
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
2002
Reggie Thackston
Georgia
2001
David E. Steffen
Virginia
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
2000
Kent Kammermeyer
Georgia
1999
Kirby Brown
Texas
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
1998
John Phillips
Kentucky
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
1997
Fielding Harwell
Texas
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
1996
Frank H. Smith
Florida
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission