Reston, VA – This weekend, the National Wildlife Federation recognized the Ellen McNulty, the President of the Arkansas Wildlife as the Affiliate Volunteer of the Year.

"Ellen McNulty’s tireless efforts at the Arkansas Wildlife Federation have benefited the state of Arkansas, its waters and its wildlife,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Ellen’s expertise in water policy and farming made her an indispensable voice of reason—whether she is fighting for the protection of the Buffalo National River or the Clean Water Rule. Time and time again, Ellen McNulty has shown that her grace and passion can result in amazing accomplishments.”

The ceremony took place at the National Wildlife Federation’s annual meeting and its celebration of the 80th anniversary of its founding, held in Estes Park, Colorado. The Affiliate Volunteer Of the Year goes to an individual who gives their time, talents and service to support the mission of the National Wildlife Federation and its state affiliates as they work to protect wildlife for our children’s future and to build a conservation movement.

Ellen McNulty: Affiliate Volunteer Of the Year

A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Ellen McNulty developed a love of the land, water and wildlife while working on and managing her family farm. She received a MS in Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Missouri and has worked at various state agencies and research facilities throughout her career. Over the past several years, Ellen has worked as an environmental consultant, contracting with organizations such as the National Wildlife Federation, Arkansas Interfaith Power and Light and National Council of Churches. Now serving as the volunteer President of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation, Ellen McNulty has shown that her capable passion equals amazing accomplishments. During her time with the Arkansas Wildlife Federation (AWF), McNulty has quietly and gracefully brought AWF to the table on some of the most important and contentious conservation battles affecting not only Arkansas, but the nation. This list includes, but is not limited to, the Clean Water Rule, the Clean Power Plan and the 2014 Farm Bill. Ellen’s expertise and experience in both water policy and farming made her an indispensable voice of reason while fighting for the protection of the Buffalo National River from a 6,500 head hog farm permitted at its headwaters. She is known for bringing together not only AWF members and affiliates, but key resource managers, watershed leaders, and sportsmen group leaders, thus reaching tangible solutions. McNulty has also shown to have an uncanny ability to identify and deliver on communication needs, from op-eds, to YouTube videos, to political BBQ fundraisers. Ellen’s tireless advocacy for the environment has strengthened the conservation community in Arkansas and the Lower Mississippi River Basin states.