Wyoming Regional Director Named DU's Region 2 RD of the Year

Wyoming's Senior Regional Director, Robert Hathaway, has been named the Region 2 Regional Director of the Year for 2024. This prestigious recognition comes at the conclusion of a second consecutive record-breaking fiscal year for Wyoming DU fundraising.

Robert became the Wyoming Regional Director in 2006, following a DU volunteer career in both Wyoming and his native Montana. His eighteen-year professional tenure has spanned the terms of six state chairs and innumerable volunteers, all benefiting immensely from his experience, guidance and leadership.

A familiar figure at virtually every event across the state, Robert has filled any roll asked of him, from planning and setup to front desk management to games and raffles and even fill-in auctioneer when needed. A significant behind-the-scenes effort is involved in ordering, mobilization and delivery of each event's DU merchandise and gear as well as the post-event breakdown and return to storage.

Wyoming has garnered numerous accolades across his RD career, always punching well above its weight for the state with the smallest population in the nation. Most recently, in FY23, Wyoming was one of only eight states receiving DU's top state award, the State Excellence Gold Award, for its increases in event income, event attendance, and volunteer numbers. This award has been moved to the calendar year, and we are hoping for a second consecutive Gold Award for 2024.

In addition, many of our chapters have received individual recognition as well, and Robert is quick to credit each and every committee for its contribution toward growing the state's record totals.

Wetland conservation work across the state has followed a similar upward trajectory over his eighteen years, with significant growth notable since 2016 when DU added staff to its Fort Collins office specifically dedicated to Wyoming projects. Robert has led several project dedications recognizing the completed work and the hard-working conservation staff, event system volunteers, members and donors making it all possible.

Announcing the recognition, the Region 2 Director of Fundraising and Volunteer Relations, Greg Dinkel, said "Robert was honored at the annual staff meeting as the Region 2 RD of the year. This important Recognition was awarded on the performance of the last fiscal year 2024

"The metrics used to judge this award was increase in volunteers in WY and the Black Hills of SD, increase in membership and substantial increase fundraising income through events. Robert's region had the best performance in Region 2 and also one of the best in the entire country.
   
"Obviously, this is an honor not only for Robert but also for the volunteers who diligently work in both WY and SD to further Ducks Unlimited's mission. This was a record year by a wide margin for Robert's region. "Congratulations to Robert and the Volunteers in WY and SD that made it happen!"

Robert humbly attributes this recognition and the state’s fundraising success to its passionate team of volunteers and generous event attendees, saying, "This recognition only can happen when we have a great team of volunteers and supporters!"

The state committee and state council echo the congratulations on this well-deserved award and look forward to continuing successes and further recognition for Wyoming with Robert at the helm.