Judy Hunter
Chair, Board of Directors

Just as in operations, governance changes have occurred over the last year. Board leadership has changed which leads to some new ways of work.  I am pleased to say I think our board is growing in terms of skills, interests, and diversity.

Our biggest board supported event for 2022 was the International Wolf Symposium, held in the Twin Cities. There were over 450 participants from 20 countries and 40 states in attendance. The group was comprised of educators, biologist, managers, directors of organizations, students and people who love wolves, all interested in the research and future of wolves around the world. In addition, we had over 35 volunteers who worked very hard to make it a success. It was highlighted by keynote speakers, plenary sessions, concurrent sessions on a multitude of subjects, a mentoring session for students, a bus trip to the Center, and of course lots of networking and fun.

Other accomplishments by the board:

• We learned we can successfully hold hybrid meetings.
• We added and trained new board members.
• We had a successful budget year.
• We hired a consulting firm to lead us in our next Strategic Plan.
• We accepted a succession plan for a new curator position.
• We had training to help move us forward in our DEI work.
• We awarded two Dr. Dave L. Mech fellowships.
• We celebrated a “two” pup year.
• We changed the name of our award to Voices for Wolves and awarded 4 for the year.
• We revised our by-laws and articles of incorporation.
• We renewed our educational partnership with Voyageurs Wolf Project.

I am very proud to lead the board of an organization that has a strong mission and a strong team of staff and volunteers. They all believe in the mission and work very hard to make sure we live by our mission in all that we do.

 To return to the 2022 Annual Report, click here.