Linda Daugherty, of Lincoln, Mont., and Kathy Christian, Colstrip, Mont., were elected to Ducks Unlimited's national board of directors during the organization's 80th annual national convention held recently in San Antonio. Christian was also appointed as Senior Advisory Vice-President for Membership, serving on DU President Rogers Hoyt Jr.'s cabinet.

 

The leadership provided by Ducks Unlimited's board of directors ensures we are fulfilling our mission to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl," said DU CEO Dale Hall. "Our board members are not paid for their work; rather they volunteer their time and resources because they feel so strongly about conservation. I welcome each new board member and look forward to working with them in the years to come."

 

Daugherty owned four businesses in Montana. She has volunteered extensively for Ducks Unlimited since 1992, including serving as Montana's first female state chairman. "It is an honor and a privilege to serve on the board," she said. "Becoming a member of the board provides me with another opportunity to give back to the organization that has given me so much."

 

Christian, who previously served on the DU board from 2010 to 2014, leads the Membership Committee, which works with DU staff to develop innovative strategies to increase membership and support. She became involved in DU in 1997 and is the current Montana state chair. She is an analyst supervisor with Talen Energy.

 

"The Membership Committee and I look forward to assisting Ducks Unlimited with expanding our outreach to the wetlands &waterfowl conservation community," Christian said.

 

In addition to new board member elections, this year's convention featured opportunities for conservation-related education, special tours, entertainment and presentations by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director Carter Smith, ConocoPhillips CEO Ryan Lance and Axalta Coating Systems Chairman and CEO Charlie Shaver, who delivered the keynote address.

 

In a videotaped message to the audience, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue expressed his gratitude to Ducks Unlimited for their long-time partnership with USDA putting conservation on working ag lands and said he is looking forward to working together on the upcoming farm bill.

 

Special thanks to First National Bank of Omaha, provider of the official Ducks Unlimited Visa card, Purina Pro Plan, Argo, ConocoPhillips, Sweet Water Brewing Company, Holland &Knight and United Country Real Estate for sponsoring this year's convention.

 

Next year's Ducks Unlimited National Convention will be held May 30 June 2 in Indianapolis.