RESTON, Va. — Leading conservationist and lifelong hunter and outdoorsman Kent Salazar will serve as the next chairman of the National Wildlife Federation’s Board of Directors. Salazar’s election came as part of the 84th Annual Meeting of the National Wildlife Federation, held this week virtually, and the associated board meeting. Salazar will serve for one year as Chair Elect and assume the Chair role in June 2021.
“Kent Salazar is a pioneering conservationist whose work inspires the entire National Wildlife Federation family. Throughout his illustrious conservation career — from helping to found Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors and the Green Leadership Trust to leading the New Mexico Wildlife Federation to stewarding the Valles Caldera to serving on the New Mexico State Game and Fish Commission to leading the charge to establish historic and cultural national monuments in the Land of Enchantment — Kent has worked tirelessly to ensure conservation work is truly inclusive and equitable and lift up the next generation of conservation leaders,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “We celebrate Kent’s unanimous election as Chair-Elect of the National Wildlife Federation and look forward to his continued leadership in our march to becoming a 21st century organization.”
"I am honored to be elected by the affiliate representatives as Chair Elect of the National Wildlife Federation and I look forward to our continued work together in protecting our natural resources for all," Salazar said.
Salazar is a lifelong hunter and outdoorsman. He is a current member of the advisory board of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors, a founder of the Green Leadership Trust, and longtime leader of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation; he has previously served as Western Vice Chair and Regional Director of the National Wildlife Federation and as a member of the New Mexico State Game and Fish Commission. He is the second Latino to serve as Chair of the National Wildlife Federation (Tom Gonzales, 2007-2009).
The National Wildlife Federation also voted at its 84th Annual Meeting to elect a series of conservationists and affiliate members to its board. They include:
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