Koutnik will work the NWF’s sporting and public lands staff to continue to build Artemis, and secure the conservation and enhancement of America’s public lands, waters and wildlife.
Introduce yourself, who are you?
Hello from Colorado! I’m Carlee Koutnik, the new Artemis Program Manager.
Why hunting? Why fishing?
Hunting and fishing has always been a part of my life; my parents were intentional in teaching my sisters and me where our food comes from, the value of our public lands, and respect for the outdoors. From trout, walleye, northern pike, doves, pheasants, turkeys, deer, and elk, we always had game meat on the table.
Why conservation?
The outdoors and our natural resources captivate me. Finding the delicate balance of maintaining or enhancing versus using our natural resources is necessary to ensure we’re managing them well. Lastly, knowledge of conservation yields stewardship of our natural resources.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone who is just getting into hunting, fishing and conservation?
Activate all your senses and explore the outdoors through a curious lens (and make sure you have the right gear!).
Koutnik’s previous experience includes serving as an executive officer and senior instructor of biology for the U.S. Air Force, as the state headquarters training and exercise manager for the Colorado National Guard, and as the deputy director for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Koutnik has more than a decade of experience and a proven record of campaign planning and advocacy, spanning an array of topics and interests.
“When I reflect, my love for the outdoors was a guided journey shaped by mentors – men, women, and peers - and I revel at their lessons, patience, and encouragement,” Koutnik said. “My aim is to emulate that support. I would like to continue serving in a capacity where I help to sustainably and responsibly manage and conserve our land, water, and wildlife. I will also aim to help to keep these resources readily available to the general public and to create a space where women feel empowered to take risks and fall in love with the great outdoors.”
While at the U.S. Air Force, Koutnik was awarded the 2019 Air Force Medical Service Team of the Year and ranked as the #2 of 59 program managers on Eielson Air Force Base in May 2016.
“We are thrilled that Carlee is joining our sporting team here at the National Wildlife Federation. Her incredible leadership experience and can-do attitude is exactly what we need to harness Artemis’ incredible growth and lead it into its next exciting chapter,” said Aaron Kindle, director of sporting advocacy for the National Wildlife Federation.
Koutnik received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a Master’s of Science in Ecological Restoration from the University of Florida’s School of Forest Resources and Conservation. From hunting, fishing, and a multitude of other winter and summer sports, Koutnik has always valued her connection and access to natural resources. An avid sportswoman, Koutnik obtained her first hunter’s safety card at age eight and is passionate about hunting elk and mule deer.
Carlee Koutnik will work the National Wildlife Federation’s sporting and public lands staff to continue to build Artemis, and secure the conservation and enhancement of America’s public lands, waters and wildlife. Koutnik will work to develop the efficacy of Artemis from the financial, advocacy, and visibility standpoints to continue our growth as a nationwide conservation force.
The Great American Outdoors Act will fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund while investing in a backlog of public land maintenance, providing current and future generations the outdoor recreation opportunities like boat launches to access fishable waters, shooting ranges, and public lands to hunt as well as the economic stimulus we need right now.
PO Box 1583, Merrifield, VA 22116-1583
800.822.9919
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