Tom Franklin

Tom Franklin "is senior vice-president of the non-profit Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners dedicated to the foresighted stewardship of America’s landscape.

"Franklin worked as a wildlife biologist with the Urban Wildlife Research Center from 1973 to 1978, when he was promoted to executive director. In 1983, he joined The Wildlife Society, the association of professional wildlife biologists and managers, as field director, and in 1991, became wildlife policy director, leading the society’s government relations program.

"In 1994, Franklin established a wild bird and nature retail store, The Wildlife Authority Inc., in Ellicott City, Md. He served as acting executive director of The Wildlife Society from 2004 to 2005, and in June 2005, he was named Izaak Walton League’s conservation director, leading the government affairs and education programs.

"Franklin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in natural resource conservation and wildlife management from the University of Maryland in 1972, and a Master of Science degree in administrative science from Johns Hopkins University in 1988.

"He has authored many articles and made presentations addressing urban/suburban wildlife management, association leadership and natural resource policy. He received the Daniel L. Leedy Urban Wildlife Conservation Award; Professional of the Year, Maryland/Delaware Chapter of The Wildlife Society; President’s Award, The Wildlife Society; Special Recognition Service Award, The Wildlife Society; and Special Award of Appreciation for 20 Years of Outstanding Service to The Wildlife Society.

"Franklin serves on the executive committee of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners; steering committee of Teaming With Wildlife Coalition; and he is chair of the Wildlife Diversity Advisory Committee for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Membership Committee of the Washington Biologists’ Field Club. He is an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoys hunting, fishing, birding and managing the family farm for fish and wildlife. "

• Director, Sustainable Forestry Initiative