About TWS

Founded in 1937, the organization’s mission is “To inspire, empower, and enable wildlife professionals to sustain wildlife populations and habitats through science-based management and conservation.” The Wildlife Society enhances our members’ networking and learning opportunities, professional and career development, and provides numerous ways for them to get more involved in creating a better future for wildlife and their habitats.

Our more than 11,000 members include:

  • Scientists, managers, educators, technicians, planners, consultants and others who manage, conserve, and study wildlife populations and habitats.
  • Students who are pursuing degrees and experience that will enable them to become the next generation of wildlife professionals.
  • Supporters who help spread the word and take action on important wildlife and habitat issues.

TWS is an international organization committed to addressing national and international issues that affect the current and future status of wildlife in North America and throughout the world. Through our Position Statements, you can learn more about our stance on important issues in the areas of wildlife health, biological diversity, habitats, harvesting and hunting, invasive species, energy development and climate change, and human dimensions.

The Society annually recognizes professional excellence, outstanding achievement, and highlights contributions to wildlife science and management through our Awards Program. The first TWS award (Honorary Membership) was bestowed on J.N. (Ding) Darling in 1938, just one year after the founding of TWS. 

The Leadership Team

The Council is composed of the President, President-Elect, Vice-President, and Immediate Past President, and eight Section Representatives (one from each of TWS’s seven U.S. sections  and one from the Canadian Section). The CEO/Executive Director serves as the Corporate Secretary and is a non-voting member of Council. The Immediate Past President serves as the Corporate Treasurer.

Officers are elected by the full TWS membership. Section Representatives are elected by TWS members living in that particular Section.

The Student Development Working Group nominates a Student Liaison to Council as a non-voting participant at Council meetings to share the perspectives of students on Society issues.

The senior staff at the organization’s headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, includes the CEO/Executive Director and Director of Wildlife Policy and Communications.