DDWS Elects New Emeritus, Board Officers

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) held its annual meeting at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island Wednesday, December 6. Among the reports and other business items on the agenda, the board of directors voted past president Sarah Ashton to the emeritus board of directors. Following that meeting, the board of directors met to elect officers for 2024.

Immediate past president Wendy Kindig and “Ding” Darling Complex leader Kevin Godsea reviewed a year that concentrated on hurricane recovery and a gradual return to normalcy.

“I really can’t thank you enough for what the society has done in the past year,” said Godsea. “It’s been a wild year! The board took quick action to get cleanup started in a very timely manner.” He reported on upcoming projects, including control structures on Wildlife Drive to improve water quality.

Officers for 2024 are as follows: President Bill Harkey, Vice President Bill Millar, Secretary Mark Heiman, and Treasurer Bill Valerian.

To access the DDWS 2022-2023 annual report, visit the DDWS site here.

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.