Reston, VA – The National Wildlife Federation has recognized Kathy Stephens for being a leading voice in the efforts to protect South Carolina wildlife.

“Dr. Kathy Stephens is the embodiment of what can be achieved through a lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “As an avid sportswoman, Kathy is not just a role model to others, but she shares her passion for protecting South Carolina’s heritage with others.”

The National Conservation Leadership Award honors individuals for their sustained conservation commitment and leadership. The ceremony took place at the National Wildlife Federation’s annual meeting and 82nd anniversary celebration, held in Chantilly, Virginia.

“Kathy is our ‘Woman for All Seasons.’ She exemplifies citizen service in the name of conservation. She never met an outdoor activity she did not embrace. No matter how big or small, she accepts every task with passion, enthusiasm and good humor,” said Ben Gregg, Executive Director, South Carolina Wildlife Federation. “Kathy has served as Chair of South Carolina Wildlife Federation’s board, a continuing leader as an Emeritus Board Member, a corporate sponsor for our auction, a Charter Member of our Hampton Heyward Society that recognizes significant annual gifts and a citizen participant in NWF fly-ins to Washington.”

Kathy Stephens: National Conservation Leadership Award

Dr. Katherine Stephens is a South Carolina native and longtime South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) member whose professional career comprises forty years of experience in healthcare administration, education, and leadership. A SCWF Board member from 2004-2015, Kathy was a leader in the formation of the South Carolina Camo Coalition in 2008, an organization representing hunting and fishing conservation groups that has worked to secure continued funding of the South Carolina Conservation Bank, a legislative organization that identifies, protects, and preserves properties in South Carolina, thereby conserving significant habitat. In November 2010, SCWF and the Camo Coalition led the efforts to pass the approval of an amendment to the South Carolina constitution establishing hunting and fishing as a constitutional right. Kathy has provided testimony to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources on behalf of SCWF and has been a key board and Camo Coalition representative in advocacy activities at the South Carolina General Assembly, speaking with legislators about the conservation bank, clean water bills, and appropriate funding for the Department of Natural Resources and Forestry Commission. As a professional woman with a doctoral degree and avid hunter and outdoorswoman, Kathy is a role model to others, demonstrating that there is diversity in those who, like her, enjoy traditional outdoor activities like hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing, and kayaking.