Board of Directors

A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Tennessee Wildlife Federation is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Members of the board are located across the state and share a passion for Tennessee’s great outdoors.

Advisory Board

Tennessee Wildlife Federation maintains an advisory board to expand and increase our impact for wildlife and conservation across Tennessee.

Our staff

Kendall McCarter, Chief Development Officer

Kendall McCarter serves as chief development officer. Prior to joining the Federation in 2008, Kendall served as vice president of development and university relations at Lambuth University in Jackson, Tennessee. Kendall’s development experience includes seven years as associate director of philanthropy for The Nature Conservancy, Tennessee Chapter and four years as director of development for Lifeline Blood Services in Jackson. In addition, he has served as vice president and trust officer with Regions/Morgan Keegan Trust, where he worked with high net worth clients in financial and estate matters. Kendall began his career in development work as a regional representative for LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center in Memphis.

Chris Roberts, Director of Conservation

Chris Roberts joined the Federation in January 2015 as the Director of Conservation, overseeing the Federation’s wildlife habitat conservation projects. Chris has a master’s degree in biology and more than 20 years of professional experience in conservation planning, land and water protection, government relations, rare species surveys, and wildlife habitat restoration.

Horace Tipton, Director of Conservation Policy

Horace Tipton joined the Federation in July 2023. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas Christian University. Horace is originally from West Tennessee but grew up overseas, where he learned firsthand the direct impact public policy can have on natural resources. He is an avid duck hunter, and also enjoys fishing, camping, hiking, and spending time outdoors with his family.

Darren Parker, Director of Development

Darren Parker joined the Federation in May 2024. An East Tennessee native, he grew up exploring the outdoors and is often found outside hiking, biking, and rhubarb farming. Darren has nearly 20 years of experience in fundraising and donor relations at institutions such as the University of Miami and Johns Hopkins Medicine. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics and business from King University and attended The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Melanie Ober, Associate Director, Development

Melanie Ober joined the Federation in May 2024. She has a business degree in marketing from Middle Tennessee State University and is skilled in grant writing and navigating public-private partnerships. She spent the last decade leading the community development efforts for a large organization supporting Nashville’s unhoused population. Mel is a Middle Tennessee native who spent much of her youth participating in 4-H, camping, boating, and exploring all Tennessee has to offer. She now lives in Nashville with her husband and two dogs.

Matt Simcox, Hunters for the Hungry Manager

Matt Simcox joined the Federation as outreach coordinator in April 2008, where he coordinated the day-to-day operations of the Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program and Hunters for the Hungry. In 2011, Simcox was named Manager of Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry program. Simcox is a 2007 graduate of Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in communications.

Ashley Tone, Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program Manager

Ashley (Swift) Tone joined Tennessee Wildlife Federation in August 2021. Ashley is a Milton, Tennessee native and a Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program alum. She competed for Middle Tennessee Christian School and Lindenwood University, where she was a part of the ACUI Division I Clay Target National Championship Team. Ashley continued her time at Lindenwood as a graduate assistant coach for the shotgun sports team while pursuing a masters degree. Before joining the Federation, Ashley served as the associate director of admissions for Lipscomb University’s College of Pharmacy.

Jeb Beasley, Hunting and Fishing Academy Manager

Jeb Beasley joined Tennessee Wildlife Federation in August of 2019. He works with the Federation’s Hunting and Fishing Academy to recruit and engage the next generation of outdoorsmen and women. Jeb holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in agricultural and resource economics. Jeb is a Middle Tennessee native and now lives East Tennessee. He is an avid deer and duck hunter but enjoys all aspects of the great outdoors.

Morgan Wilson, Development Manager

Morgan Wilson joined the Federation in August 2023. She handles the grant writing, event management, and fundraising efforts. Morgan grew up on her family farm in Jackson, MS, and attended Mississippi State University where she earned a bachelor of business degree in marketing. In her spare time, she can be found attending live concerts and enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.

Chris Hearn, West Tennessee Field Representative

Chris Hearn joined Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s team in August 2019 as the Hunting and Fishing Academy’s West Tennessee Field Representative. He holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Tennessee at Martin in natural resource management with a concentration in wildlife biology. Chris has a huge passion for all things outdoors. He has more than ten years guiding experience, as well as a background in habitat and forestry management.

David Long, East Tennessee Field Representative

David Long joined Tennessee Wildlife Federation in July of 2024. He is a lifelong resident of Maryville, TN. David has volunteered with Hunting and Fishing Academy as a Hunt Master for many years and is excited to join the program as a staff member. He is enthusiastic about deer and dove hunting, but also enjoys other aspects of hunting, trapping, camping, and the outdoors.

Catherine Harris, Development Specialist

Catherine Harris joined the Federation in April 2023. She has a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries management from the University of Tennessee Knoxville and a master’s in nonprofit administration from Louisiana State University. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys spending time fishing, swimming, and relaxing on the lake.

Galen Cook, Staff Accountant

Galen Cook joined the Federation in August 2023. She grew up in Middle Tennessee and has an accounting degree from Middle Tennessee State University. Her favorite outdoor activities include kayaking, hiking, and camping. When she’s not outside exploring, Galen enjoys cooking, traveling, and reading.

Caroline Heggeman, Program Communications Coordinator

Caroline Heggeman joined Tennessee Wildlife Federation in July 2022. She graduated from the University of Alabama in May 2022, where she studied public relations. An avid hunter and angler, her role involves promoting the Federation’s hunting and fishing programs through several types of media outlets. Caroline grew up hunting and fishing with her father and continues to enjoy being outdoors in her free time.

Grace Holmquest, Executive Support and Policy Coordinator

Grace Holmquest joined the Federation in July 2023 and now serves as the executive support and policy coordinator. She grew up exploring the Ozark Mountains in northwest Arkansas and developed a passion for the outdoors at an early age. Grace received a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Hendrix College, from which she developed interests in ecology, large game management, and environmental policy. Grace enjoys relaxing in a hammock with a good book and is an avid rock climber and birder.

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