Federation Welcomes Bobby Goode to Board of Directors

Tennessee Wildlife Federation is pleased to welcome former USDA Rural Development Director, Bobby Goode, as the newest member of its board of directors.

“Bobby has spent his professional career building up Tennessee’s rural economies, which heavily influence and benefit from our state’s wildlife and other natural resources,” said Ric Wolbrecht, chairman of the board of directors of Tennessee Wildlife Federation. “Combined with his lifelong love for hunting and fishing, we’re fortunate to have his expertise and insights to guide the work of the Federation.”

Bobby retired from USDA Rural Development after 38 years of service. The highlight of his career was in 2009 when he was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as state director for Tennessee.

He presently owns and operates GoodeGroup, a company that focuses on community development, sustainability, capacity building, and rural issues. 

He graduated from Alamo High School and earned a B.S. in Agriculture at the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Bobby and his wife of 36 years, Melinda Poteet, have two sons and grandchildren. Bobby has called Dresden home for nearly four decades.

An active community leader serving on numerous boards and committees, Bobby was instrumental in organizing and developing the Dresden K-8 Outdoor Classroom and was named the 2009 Tennessee Iris Festival Citizen of the Year.

Recently, Bobby was honored as Outstanding Alumni of the University of Tennessee at Martin.

A native of Crockett County, Bobby grew up working on his family’s Century Farm. He has spent his entire life hunting, fishing, and enjoying Tennessee’s outdoors.