Tennessee Wildlife Federation is delighted to introduce its newest additions to its esteemed Board of Directors. The Federation’s Board of Directors oversees the organization and ensures its goals and mission are met each year. Board members also serve as vital connection points to potential partners and donors within Tennessee communities. With their extensive leadership experience, broad community connections, and shared passion for conservation, these six individuals will bring valuable ideas and viewpoints to propel the Federation’s mission forward.
Dr. Marcus Dortch
Dr. Marcus Dortch is a well-known and accomplished pharmacist, clinical educator, and administrator in Nashville. Dr. Dortch serves on many leadership boards, including UTHSC College of Pharmacy Alumni Board of Directors and the TPREF Board of Trustees for the Tennessee Pharmacists Association. Dr. Dortch learned how to farm, hunt, and fish at a young age and has carried those skills into adulthood, instilling a passion for the outdoors in his children.
Dr. Lynn Gayden
Dr. Lynn Gayden is the medical director at Women’s Health Center, where she has worked since 1986, and a managing partner at Women’s Diagnostic Group, PLLC. She is the surviving widow of Dr. John O. “Jack” Gayden, former Chairman of Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Board of Directors. Dr. Lynn Gayden is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys experiencing Tennessee’s natural abundance through hunting and fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, and skiing.
Troy Goldsby
Mr. Troy Goldsby is the Southern division director of interstate contracts and fisheries management for Jones Lake Management. Mr. Goldsby is well connected in the aquatic conservation industry and has served in multiple leadership roles. He is the president of the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation and serves on the board of the Aquatic Plant Management Society. Mr. Goldsby is also the liaison for Bill Dance on the Tennessee Bill Dance Signature Lake Trail.
Sam A. Mars III
Mr. Sam A. Mars III’s passion and dedication for conserving the outdoors is well known. Mr. Mars has an extensive history of service on various boards, including the National Wild Turkey Federation at local chapter, state, and national levels. Additionally, Mr. Mars had a notable 14-year tenure on the board of Tennessee Wildlife Federation. He has served on the Board of Trustees at Lincoln Memorial University since 1992 and is currently the acting secretary for the board.
Elesha Reid
Mrs. Elesha Reid grew up on a family farm in Jackson, TN, and was raised to appreciate all things outdoors. She learned how to hunt and fish at a young age, so she understands the value of carrying forward the traditions of the outdoors to future generations. Mrs. Reid brings years of experience working with boards of directors from her time working for the American Heart Association. Mrs. Reid’s husband, John Reid, is an outgoing Tennessee Wildlife Federation Board Member after serving for the last two years.
Deborah Dunklin Tipton
Ms. Deborah Dunklin Tipton was taught early on to have a deep appreciation for the land, and she carries that on in the way she stewards her land holdings in the Arkansas Delta by integrating productive agriculture with timber production, land conservation, outdoor recreation, and native habitat to attract local wildlife. She also serves on the Boards of Directors for Theatre Memphis and Tennessee Shakespeare Company and the Advisory Board for the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
Featured photo by Stacey Reid
