QDMA Press Release
PRESS RELEASE ON 8/23/04
Tim Lilley
(800) 209-3337
tlilley@qdma.com
QDMA Names National
Director of Branch Development
Watkinsville, Ga. – The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) has named Stephen E. “Gene” Newman as its National Director of Branch Development. Gene joins the QDMA after more than 30 years of service to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, most recently as Lieutenant/watch commander in the law enforcement division.
With QDMA, Newman will coordinate the efforts of Regional Directors around the country and assist them in developing, growing and servicing local QDMA branches.
He will coordinate details for branch formation, banquets and seminars, and will manage expansion of the QDMA's regional field operations.
“Gene brings a passion and enthusiasm for our mission and work that compliments his training and experience,” said QDMA Executive Director Brian Murphy. “He has been involved with several wildlife conservation organizations at the local, district and state levels, and he is a passionate hunter and conservationist. Gene definitely will be an asset to the QDMA and our membership.”
A 1971 graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in wildlife ecology, Newman spent a year with the Florida Department of Transportation as environmental coordinator before joining the state's Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. He served as a field biologist with the Bureau of Environmental Sciences before joining the Law Enforcement Division in 1974.
He has earned multiple proficiency rankings with handguns and shotguns, and has been certified for 20 years as a Florida hunter education instructor.
Earlier this year, the National Wild Turkey Federation named Newman its Florida and National Wildlife Officer of the Year. He and his wife, Candi, are not only avid hunters but share active involvement in various conservation activities and programs in Florida.
Newman begins work at the QDMA national headquarters, in Watkinsville, Ga., in early September.
|
