Every other year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Southeast Region honors individuals, teams, and partners who go above and beyond in their commitment to conservation, public service, and community engagement. The 2023–2024 Regional Director’s Honor Awards spotlight the extraordinary efforts of volunteers, employees, nonprofit partners, and private landowners who are shaping the future of wildlife conservation across the Southeast.
Why It Matters
These awards are more than just recognition; they’re a reminder that conservation is a collective effort. Whether it’s a volunteer picking up litter, a scientist recovering an endangered species, or a landowner donating critical habitat, every action contributes to a healthier, more resilient future for wildlife and people alike.
Honoring the Heart of Conservation: Volunteers & Friends
Christi Green and Kay Homme were recognized for their tireless volunteer service at Merritt Island and
Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges. From rehabilitating pollinator gardens to welcoming tens of thousands of visitors, their dedication exemplifies the spirit of stewardship.
Two standout Friends Groups, Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges and Friends of Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, were celebrated for their leadership in community outreach, fundraising, and environmental education. Their efforts have kept visitor centers open, launched innovative restoration projects, and inspired thousands to connect with nature.
Powerhouse Partnerships: Conservation in Action
The awards also honored a diverse group of conservation partners:
- Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center has reintroduced over 282,000 freshwater mussels, setting a national standard for aquatic species recovery.
- Florida Department of Transportation was recognized for its groundbreaking Florida Panther Conservation Plan, integrating wildlife protection into infrastructure development.
- Federal Aid Coordinator’s Working Group (FACWG): Matthew Warriner and Amy Silvano have elevated grant and policy work to new heights through their leadership in FACWG. Their efforts have shaped national conservation funding policy, improved collaboration between state agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and developed best management practices that streamline grant processes and reduce audit risks, ensuring more resources reach on-the-ground conservation efforts.
- Dr. Frank Mazzotti – Invasive Species Innovator: A leading researcher at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Dr. Mazzotti has pioneered innovative methods for monitoring and managing invasive reptiles like Burmese pythons. His science-based solutions have expanded the Refuge’s capacity to protect native species, while his mentorship of university students has built a skilled conservation workforce and delivered long-term cost savings. His work is a cornerstone of Greater Everglades ecosystem restoration.
- Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida shared Indigenous Knowledge that led to the reintroduction of the rare Okeechobee gourd, blending cultural heritage with ecological restoration.
- Lykes Bros., Inc. launched a conservation banking model that protects panther corridors while saving millions in public land acquisition costs.
- Other honorees include the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute, Reel Fishing Charities, and the U.S. Forest Service – Kisatchie National Forest, each playing a vital role in species recovery, youth engagement, and habitat restoration.
Visionary Leadership in Landscape Conservation
Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area Planning Team – Regional Vision Champions (Kathleen Burchett,
Laura Housh, Jereme Phillips, Julie Morris, Tom Hoctor, Catherine McCurdy, Stephanie Bruner, Justin Dewey, Deborah Burr, Kevin Cunniff, Theodore Darnell, Karli Eckel, Cindy Fury, Kevin Godsea, Anthony Grossman, Bernard Howard, Richard Kanaski, Michelle Krauser, Adam Malcomb, William Miller, Sine Murray, Thomas Reinert, Hannah Willis, Pamala Wingrove)
This cross-sector team has led the development of the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area (E2G CA), a groundbreaking initiative spanning over 4 million acres in Southwest Florida. Their work connects protected lands from Big Cypress to the Everglades Headwaters, creating a continuous wildlife corridor wildlife corridor
To maintain healthy species populations and ecosystems, fish and wildlife need the freedom to move and migrate. As habitats and migration routes are affected by climate change and fragmented by roads, fences, energy development and other man-made barriers, wildlife struggle to reach necessary areas to feed, breed and find shelter. A wildlife corridor is a piece of undeveloped land connecting two habitats so wildlife can move safely between them.
Learn more about wildlife corridor vital for species movement, climate adaptation, and ecosystem resilience.
The team’s approach is rooted in four guiding principles: habitat protection, science-driven conservation, inclusive land stewardship, and adaptive partnerships. By integrating the best available data and Indigenous knowledge, they’ve built a conservation blueprint that supports more than 100 federally and state-listed species—including the Florida panther—and enhances water quality across the Caloosahatchee, Peace, and Myakka River watersheds.
Their efforts also promote wildlife-dependent recreation, Tribal cultural uses, and collaborative land management. Grounded in the Southwest Florida Landscape Conservation Design, the E2G CA is a model of equitable, community-driven conservation. Through innovation, trust, and shared vision, this team is redefining how large-scale conservation can benefit both people and wildlife.
Transforming Conservation Through Collaboration
Working Forests for Wildlife Partnership – Conservation Partner & Employee Group Award (Rob Tawes, Heath Rauschenberger, David Gonzales, Bret Beasley, Shannon Holbrook, Meg Hedeen, Rebecca Harrison, David Tenny, Bryan Petit, Jimmy Bullock, Erica Richards)
This groundbreaking initiative has redefined how conservation can thrive on private lands. Through deep collaboration between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO), the partnership has opened conservation access to more than 44 million acres of private working forests—an unprecedented scale with national implications.
Originally focused on wide-ranging bat species, the effort expanded to support monarch butterflies,
bumblebees, alligator snapping turtles, and other at-risk species. What sets this partnership apart is its voluntary, trust-based approach—shifting the Service’s role from regulator to recovery partner and proving that forest management and species conservation can go hand in hand.
Led by the Southeast Region, the initiative has inspired other landowners and industries to view the Service as a collaborative ally. It has also reimagined how the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act can be used to support conservation on working lands nationwide.
With minimal cost to the agency, the partnership delivers high-impact outcomes, reduces barriers to engagement, and expands the reach of landscape-scale conservation. It stands as a national model for how public-private collaboration can drive meaningful, lasting change, moving the conversation from compliance to cooperation.
Building a Legacy: Teams Making a Difference
Several teams were recognized for their collaborative achievements:
- The Division of Conservation and Classification Team (Chandler Eaglestone, Jo Emanuel, Brian Evans, Jessica Gilbert, Byron Hamilton, Andrew Henderson, Scott Hoffmann, Kaye London, Sarah McRae, Jean Olbert, Erin Rivenbark, Kristi Young, Nicole Rankin, Jon Wardell, Melissa Moore) led the nation in species listing decisions and recovery planning.
- The Paint Rock River NWR Team (Alice Lawrence, Beth Goldstein, Ricky Ingram, Drew Wirwa, Nick Wirwa, David Young, Susan Heisey, Taylor Pool, Leslie Hull-Ryde, Stacy Stevenson, Ryan Nunley) and Southeast Veterans Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Network (Scott Lamount, LeeAnn Kelso, Jessica Fuenffinger, Carrie King, Stephen Ricks) demonstrated how innovation and inclusion can drive conservation and cultural change.
- The Wheeler NWR Maintenance Team (David Kellerson, Daniel Wright, Matthew Syme, Jesse Turner) The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge completed 26 infrastructure projects, improving habitat and public access across multiple states.
A Gift of Land, A Legacy of Conservation
Dr. Paul Gray – Private Landowner of the Year
On March 5, 2024, Dr. Paul Gray made history by donating a seven-acre parcel in Hardee County, Florida, the very first land acquisition for the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area (E2G CA) and the 571st unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System. His generous gift marks a pivotal step in building a connected, climate-resilient landscape across Southwest Florida.
Dr. Gray’s donation not only protects habitat for iconic species like the Florida panther, Florida scrub-jay, and Audubon’s crested caracara—it also enhances water quality and ecological integrity across the region. By choosing to donate rather than sell, he enabled the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conserve critical land while saving valuable resources for future projects.
His action exemplifies the power of private landowners in shaping the future of conservation. Through vision, generosity, and a deep commitment to the land, Dr. Gray has set a powerful example of how individual stewardship can contribute to a thriving, interconnected refuge system.
Leading from Within: Employee Excellence
The awards also celebrated the outstanding contributions of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees:
- Jessica Radich, Biologist of the Year, has led multi-species conservation efforts at Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery.
- Samantha Lask, Administrative Professional of the Year, revolutionized fiscal management for Gulf restoration projects.
- Deke Tompkins, Communicator of the Year, strengthened congressional engagement and public awareness of conservation efforts.
- Michael P. Armstrong, Susan Cameron, and Shannon Taylor were honored for their leadership in species recovery, ecosystem restoration, and workplace safety.
Courage on the Front Lines of Conservation
Jared Brierley – Federal Wildlife Officer of the Year (2023)
Patrolling over half a million acres in the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Officer Jared Brierley exemplifies the highest standards of service, resilience, and leadership in wildlife law enforcement. From managing migrant landings and boating violations to protecting endangered Key deer, his work is as complex as it is critical.
Officer Brierley has led long-term investigations, trained new officers, and coordinated multi-agency operations; all while maintaining strong community relationships and supporting hurricane response efforts. His outreach has strengthened public trust and improved conservation outcomes in one of the nation’s most visited and ecologically sensitive regions.
In a moment that defined his dedication, Officer Brierley rescued a young boy lost at sea during a storm in July 2022. After hours of unsuccessful searches by multiple agencies, his deep knowledge of the backcountry waters led to a life-saving recovery.
Through his courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public safety and wildlife protection, Officer Brierley brings great credit to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and serves as a powerful example of mission-driven service.
Bradley Poen – Federal Wildlife Officer of the Year (2024)
Corporal Bradley Poen has set a new standard for excellence in wildlife law enforcement. In 2024, he served in an impressive array of roles—Field Training Officer, Firearms and MOCC Instructor, Acting Captain, SORT Team Member, and mentor at the Federal Wildlife Officer Basic Training Academy—demonstrating unmatched versatility and leadership.
Among his many accomplishments, Corporal Poen led Operation Duck Blues, a multi-agency enforcement effort that disrupted illegal activity and earned high praise from the Chief’s Office. He also developed and manages a SharePoint platform that streamlines operations for officers across Zone 1, improving efficiency and communication.
His fieldwork is equally impressive: over 1,300 public contacts, 97 incidents, multiple complex investigations, and five search warrants across refuges in Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Missouri. He also deployed in response to wildfires and hurricanes, reinforcing his commitment to public safety and service.
In October 2023, his quick thinking and deep knowledge of the White River National Wildlife Refuge directly saved the life of a missing hunter—an act that exemplifies the courage and dedication expected of a Federal Wildlife Officer.
Corporal Poen’s professionalism, innovation, and unwavering service have brought great credit to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and strengthened its mission across the Southeast.
Southeast Regional Director Honor Awards Booklet
