Refuge Leaders and National Friends At Academy

Experienced Refuge Managers from around the Service converged here for the Advanced Refuge Management Academy to hone their leadership skills and managerial tactics and techniques. Coming together for two weeks, these conservation leaders will hear from NWRS leadership, test their thinking among their peers, and sharpen their abilities to bring resources and people together to accomplish their missions on the ground.

“We have 30 experienced Refuge Managers attending this year,” said Dave Gonzales the Academy Course Leader. “They are highly motivated and passionate about learning everything they can to accomplish their missions and achieve real conservation on the ground.” “This year we are including a combined session with participants of the NWRS Friends Academy to share ideas and highlight the possibilities of an energetic friends group.”

Joanna Webb, National Friends and Partnerships Coordinator for NWRS seconded that comment. “Including the NWRS Friends Academy is a great relationship and idea multiplier.” “While our Friends learn best practices for developing their non-profits, they develop an even greater understanding of the FWS and NWRS, by meeting the Refuge Managers,” she said.

Kathy Granillo, Refuge Manager of Sevilleta NWR, Socorro New Mexico agrees. “Meeting jointly with our Friends was really great!” “I picked up a lot of good ideas and tips about working with Friends that I intend to bring back to my refuge.”

The Advanced Refuge Management Academy is offered annually during the summer. The ability to attend is by Region nomination. If you are an experience Refuge Manager or Deputy and are interested in the Academy, let your supervisor know you would like to be considered for nomination.

 -- published --  August 2, 2012
 -- photo credit --  Dave Medaris/USFWS

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