There may be something to the fact “conversation” and “conservation” looks and sounds a lot alike.
This is because those who are willing to learn and have conversations are advancing conservation efforts.
Oklahomas Phil Campbell, of Luther, and Joe Caughlin, of Tonkawa, are perfect examples, which is one reason those involved in conservation are excited to hear the two have been named among the seven participants in the inaugural cohort of the Next Generation Leadership Institute. The National Conservation Foundation recently released the list.
“What an honor for Conservation in Oklahoma to have two of our Conservation District Directors chosen for the first Next Generation Leadership Institute class.” Trey Lam, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, said. “Joe Caughlin and Phil Campbell epitomize the leadership qualities of Oklahomans like Nolan Fuqua and Billy Wilson. Oklahoma has a long and distinquished history of providing leadership to NACD. Being willing to step up and make a difference is a trait engrained in Conservation Directors here in our state. Joe and Phil will prove to be great assets to the Conservation movement at the national level.”
“We are proud and honored that two of our leaders in the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts have been selected to participate in the inaugural Next Generation Leadership cohort,” Larry Wright, President of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, said. “Both Joe Caughlin and Phil Campbell will be an asset to the cohort and also obtain additional leadership skills that will continue to keep conservation in Oklahoma in the forefront. We congratulate these individuals on their commitment and dedication.”
The Next Generation Leadership Institute was formally launched in August of 2019 as a year-long program to build future conservation leaders through comprehensive trainings. The 2020 NGLI cohort participants were selected through a competitive national application process.
The inaugural cohort, in addition to Campbell of Oklahoma County and Caughlin of Kay County, includes Barbara Bleiweis from Charlotte, N.C.; Ryan Britt from Clifton Hill, Mo; Mark Masters from Dawson, GA.; Cassius Spears from Ashaway, R.I.; and Samantha Steiner from Franklin, Ohio.
NGLI participants will meet for four training sessions throughout the year, with a capstone session at the National Association of Conservation Districts’ annual meeting in New Orleans in 2021. NGLI curriculum will equip leaders with skills and resources related to personal, civic and organizational leadership development.
This comprehensive training will help participants rise to meet the future needs of natural resources management, helping them to ...
