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.
Athens
Derek “DC” Curry, Treasurer
Franklin
Bobby Goode, Secretary
Dresden
Craig Connors
Middleton
Allen Corey
Chattanooga
Marcus Dortch
Nashville
Bruce Fox
Knoxville
Dr. Lynn Gayden
Memphis
Troy Goldsby
Lawrenceburg
Katherine R. Griffin
Dayton
Dan Hammond
Franklin
Powell
Rob Lineberger
Brentwood
Sam Mars, III
Harrogate
Don Nalls
Oak Ridge
Chris Nischan
Nashville
Billy Oehmig
Chattanooga
Bobby Pidgeon
Memphis
Elesha Reid
Chattanooga
John J. Ross
Savannah
Deborah Dunklin Tipton
Memphis
Ric Wolbrecht
Germantown
Advisory Board
Tennessee Wildlife Federation maintains an advisory board to expand and increase our impact for wildlife and conservation across Tennessee.
Svend Brooks
Knoxville
Albert Buckley, Jr.
Franklin
Tyler Congleton
Knoxville
Bill Cox
Collierville
Bill Dance
Collierville
Libby Duff
Chattanooga
Phillip Fulmer, Sr.
Knoxville
Sheldon Hightower
Hendersonville
Bob Hodge
Knoxville
Mike Kelly
Nashville
Jim Maddox
Nashville
Bill Murphree
Bowling Green
Colin Reed
Nashville
Tom Rice
Nashville
Holt Shoaf
Milan
Dr. David Sloas
Cordova
Dr. Ben West
Jackson
Our staff
Michael A. Butler, Chief Executive Officer
Michael Butler has served as Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s chief executive officer since June 2002. Michael works with elected officials, state and federal agencies, and civic leaders to implement sound natural resources policy. He joined the Federation as technical advisor to the executive director in 1996, working with the organization’s Conservation Policy Advisory Council and board of directors to develop natural resource policy. Prior to his role at the Federation, Michael earned his master’s degree in fish and wildlife management from Montana State University.
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.
Candy Sakarapanee, Deputy Chief of Operations
Candy Sakarapanee joined the Federation in December 2019. A Middle Tennessee native, Candy holds a bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb University with concentrations in finance and economics, management, and marketing. During her career, she has accumulated more than 25 years of diverse accounting, finance, and human resources management experience, including 20 years in the nonprofit sector. In her spare time, you’ll find Candy kayaking the beautiful rivers and lakes of Tennessee.
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.
John “J.W.” Worthen, Director of Programs
John “J.W.” Worthen joined the Federation in January 2015 as Director of Programs. Prior to joining the Federation, J.W. served as store manager at Gander Mountain, one of the nation’s largest outdoor products retailers. He holds a degree in business with a focus in marketing from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky.
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.
Jim Johnson, Director of CommunicationsJim Johnson joined the Federation in October 2023. He studied marketing, business administration, and management at Aquinas College and brings several years of experience managing communications and marketing for nonprofit organizations in Nashville. Jim grew up hunting and fishing with his family and continues to enjoy hiking, kayaking, and experiencing the diverse Tennessee landscapes with his spouse.
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.
Kate Hill, Associate Director, MultimediaKate Hill joined the Federation in August 2014. She handles the creation of print and web graphics. Kate is a graduate of Mississippi State University where she earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design. A native of Jackson, Tenn, Kate enjoys spending time in the outdoors, especially hiking, camping, and biking.
Melanie Ober, Associate Director, DevelopmentMelanie 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.
Bill Cooksey, Partnerships Program LeaderBill Cooksey joined the Federation in September 2024. He has decades of experience in the outdoors industry and spent the last several years working at the National Wildlife Federation’s Vanishing Paradise program, where he played a key role in engaging sportsmen with conservation efforts along the Gulf Coast. Bill was inducted to the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame in 2022. He is an avid outdoorsman, and especially enjoys duck and turkey hunting.
Matt Simcox, Hunters for the Hungry ManagerMatt 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.
Tony Lance, Staff Naturalist and Habitat Manager
Previously a naturalist for the Nashville Park system, Tony Lance joined the Federation in 2011 and now serves as the staff naturalist and habitat manager. Tony has a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Tennessee and has published articles about wildlife and habitats in several conservation publications. He is a lifelong birder and has more than 20 years of personal and professional experience as an environmental educator.
Israel Butt, Visual Content ManagerIsrael Butt joined the Federation in July 2022. He manages media and visual content as a part of the communications team. A photographer and videographer from a young age, Israel enjoys exploring and capturing the great outdoors. He can frequently be found fishing and hiking with his three young sons or tending his ponds at home.
Jeb Beasley, Hunting and Fishing Academy ManagerJeb 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.
KC Mote, Educational Content ManagerKC Mote joined the Federation in July 2022. Originally from Alaska, she holds a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Technological University and a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where she majored in chemistry. Beyond her regular studies, KC furthered her knowledge in the science of learning so she could better educate her children and the public about the outdoors and the importance of conservation. KC enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, especially hiking, camping, and fly fishing.
Morgan Wilson, Executive Assistant to CDO and Board Relations ManagerMorgan 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.
Ellie Eggink, Research Manager for Conservation PolicyEllie Eggink joined the Federation in August 2024. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Ellie worked on several forestry research projects in Australia, Austria, Italy, and Canada. She also completed two master’s degrees in sustainable forest science from the University of Padua and the University of British Columbia. Beyond research, Ellie also has multiple years of experience developing communication strategies to drive community engagement and advocacy.
Michaela Sandoval, Volunteer Manager
Michaela Sandoval joined the Federation in November 2024. She has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Northern Arizona University and a master’s in biology from Miami University. She previously worked at the Phoenix Zoo, where she was part of a team breeding endangered wildlife species to be released into the wild. Michaela grew up going scouting with her dad, and now enjoys going on nature hikes with her husband and two dogs. She also enjoys books, puzzles, and TV shows about British people baking.
Dillon Barnes, Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program Manager
Dillon Barnes joined the Federation in February 2025, bringing a lifelong passion for shooting sports and the outdoors. A former Clarksville High athlete, he earned a shotgun shooting scholarship to Bethel University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s in Education. Before joining the Federation, he gained valuable experience in the clay target industry and continues mentoring young shooters through his local gun club. An avid outdoorsman, Dillon is dedicated to supporting youth shooting programs and helping athletes develop their skills and confidence.
Alex Mayer, Development Manager, Annual GivingAlex Mayer joined the Federation in March 2025. She studied Nutrition and Dietetics at Louisiana State University before serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cambodia as a community health educator. Since moving to Nashville in 2018, she has gained more than seven years of experience in nonprofit management and development. Originally from southeast Louisiana, Alex grew up fishing and exploring the Honey Island Swamp and continues to enjoy hiking, cycling, and experiencing all that Tennessee has to offer with her husband.
Chris Hearn, West Tennessee Field RepresentativeChris 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.
Taylor Fox, Middle Tennessee Field RepresentativeFormer police officer Taylor Fox joined Tennessee Wildlife Federation in July 2022. Taylor is a Nashville native with a degree in criminal justice from Bethel University. He has been involved in outdoor recreation since he began scouting as a kid, and now enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities, including hunting, hiking, camping, backpacking, and learning to trap.
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.
Chase Hulan, Forest Conservation Specialist
Nashville native Chase Hulan joined the Federation in August 2022. He majored in forestry and minored in wildlife and fisheries science at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Chase previously interned for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, where he worked on several wildlife research projects, and has also worked in the native plant industry so he could better understand the needs of native wildlife habitat. Chase grew up hiking, kayaking, hunting, and fishing, and continues to enjoy all aspects of outdoor recreation.
Galen Cook, Staff AccountantGalen 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.
Katey Slack, Stream and Wetland Ecologist
Katey Slack joined the Federation in February 2025. Originally from Mississippi, she earned a degree in Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science from Mississippi State University, followed by a master’s in Fisheries and Wildlife Science from Virginia Tech, where she studied environmental and disease impacts on wild hellbender populations. She has traveled the country researching threatened and endangered species in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In her spare time, Katey enjoys birding and searching for frogs and salamanders.
Lauren Whitmire, Communications Coordinator
Lauren Whitmire joined the Federation in June 2022. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University in wildlife biology and a master’s degree from Oklahoma State University in agricultural communications. With a background rooted in both science and communication, Lauren is passionate about storytelling that connects people to conservation and the outdoors. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, kayaking, and spending time in nature.
Caroline Heggeman, Program Communications CoordinatorCaroline 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 Assistant to CEO and Policy CoordinatorGrace 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.
Lauren Barnes, Program Administration CoordinatorLauren Barnes joined the Federation in November 2023. While studying public relations at the University of Alabama, she was an event programmer with the university’s student activity department, where she often worked with local nonprofits. Lauren has lived in four states—Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. She enjoys cooking, outdoor activities, and playing guitar in her free time.