DDWS Announces New Hire

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

“Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) recently hired Jeff Decker as philanthropic director in its mission to support education, conservation, wildlife, land acquisition, and research at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.

A self-designated native of Santa Monica, Cal., and graduate from the University of Pittsburgh, Decker moved to Sanibel with his wife, Jen Friel, in April 2024, to be near family as they start a family. He has a strong career background in creative relations and content writing at many levels including screenplays and the entertainment industry. He and his wife own and operate I Heart 575 social media marketing on Sanibel.

At “Ding” Darling, Decker collaborates with DDWS executive director Ann-Marie Wildman and the team in cultivating relationships with donors, businesses, organizations, and other partners.

“I most enjoy fostering relationships with donors to help them realize their goals and integrate them into the DDWS family, which provides educational services to nearly 14,000 children per year at Title 1 schools as well as those who come on field trips to the refuge,” Decker said. “The staff is amazing here. It’s inspiring to be around others who are so passionate about what they do and are committed to the cause.”

He hopes to explore new and enhance current relationships with individuals and businesses to expand the charitable work of DDWS in creating future stewards to continue the refuge’s important mission of providing safe haven for the island’s wildlife.

“Jeff has demonstrated his prowess in business partnerships through a variety of accomplishments with clients and partners — from fellow employees to artists and celebrities,” said Wildman. “Here at ‘Ding,’ he continues to forge paths at the intersection of business, storytelling, and networking using his rich blend of skills and industry insights to drive impact and foster meaningful relationships.”

In his free time, Decker enjoys going to the beach with his wife and teaching his dog Barkley, who is Jen’s sensory service animal and an Australian shepherd-boxer mix, to swim.

ABOUT DDWS
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, DDWS works to support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop profits. To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit dingdarlingsociety.org or Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-789-8991 or wildman@dingdarlingsociety.org.