As we spring into another highly anticipated fishing season, the Wyoming Wildlife Federation would like to share our latest news. After 18 years with WWF, Joy Bannon has let us know that she would like to change navigational course and will be moving on from the organization. Joy left her brand on the State of Wyoming through her work as WWF Policy Director for 15 years and most recently served three years as our Executive Director. Over many years she forged her way into becoming a well-respected wildlife voice in the cowboy state. Joy planted our flag on the highest peaks in Wyoming to ensure that our wildlife, sportsmen, partners and legislators all knew that WWF was a devoted advocate for practical, honest, and science-based wildlife policy meant to conserve our Wyoming heritage.
“After 18 years with the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, I am handing over the oars.
There are times in our lives when we see the need, as a steadfast steward, to open the door to another wildlife leader for the benefit of the organization and the organization’s legacy. I have met key benchmarks that I am proud of and I am honored to say that WWF is at a high level of effectiveness and professionalism. Fond memories have been made with you all since 2007 – from talking wildlife and natural resource policy to working side-by-side removing miles of obsolete fence for the benefit of migrating big game. The people I have met, worked alongside, and developed friendships with will forever be held dear.
We are blessed in Wyoming to have the landscape we do and that it can sustain unequaled and prized natural resources. I love Wyoming and advocating for its future prosperity of viable wildlife and habitat along with the culture of hunting, angling, and trapping is a mission I will stand up for every day. This quality of life must remain. Thank you, my Federation Family, for supporting, believing, and passionately working toward this mission alongside me. I will miss you, but I am not gone. Until next time.”
While our Executive Director is traversing, WWF remains in a very healthy position in important areas: we are otherwise fully staffed, effectively executing our long-range strategic plan, firmly anchored financially, and well respected statewide. We are often referred to in Wyoming as the organization that does the heavy lifting, and as such we have a noteworthy track record of implementing long-lasting conservation solutions, known for bringing together other NGO's, individuals, policy makers, and commercial interests alike.
Joy has offered to remain in her role as we begin our search to find her replacement. Please reach out to either of us in the meantime should you have any questions. As always, we appreciate the enduring support that you all have provided for our mission.
Sincerely,
Chris Simonds, Chairman
and
Joy Bannon, Executive Director
