Apr 7, 2023
Few legacies can impact the amount of people, organizations, species and habitats that Becky Humphries has.
Starting as an employee of the US Fish and Wildlife Service in the 1970s, she quickly transitioned to state wildlife work the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and grew through the ranks culminating in her being appointed Director of the Department of Natural Resources and then in 2010 of the newly-developed Department of Natural Resources and Environment, which combined the DNR and state’s environmental agency.
She was the first woman to hold either director role in Michigan.
Humphries’ leadership saw the department through some of the most trying and uncertain times – including the discovery of Bovine Tuberculosis and chronic wasting disease in the state.
Humphries’ work with the DNR elevated her to leadership roles within Association of Fish and Wild Agencies. She not only won their two most prestigious awards for her work, but she was named chair of the Fish and Wild Health Committee and led the National Fish and Wildlife Health Initiative.
After more than 30 years with the DNR, Humphries left in 2011 to join Ducks Unlimited as the director of conservation partnerships. In 2013, Humphries joined the National Wild Turkey Federation as its chief conservation officer before being named chief executive officer in 2017 (Sourced from Michigan United Conservation Clubs).
Suggested Links:
http://www.peddersolutions.com/
Show Notes:
0:36 – Becky talks about where this episode was recorded at the North American Fish and Wildlife Conference. It has been happening since 1911!!
1:22 – A little on Becky’s background and start in conservation.
6:10 – Mentorship. Becky talks about some of her mentors during her career.
10:52 – Discussing professional courage and steps in moving up the ladder and picking your battles.
13:14 – “You always want to work around people who are very ethical.”
15:45 – Becky talks about some of the biggest projects she was involved with during her career. Notable projects at each stage.
28:00 – Becky reflects on where it has worked in her advantage to be a female in this industry.
33:28 - Pathways and pipelines to leadership. Did Becky set her intention to be the CEO of the DNR?
35:41 - Short break for a message from our partner, Prios, and the NWF Outdoors Outdoors podcast.
37:07 - What’s in Becky’s freezers?! Better late than never ;)
39:48 - Becky reflects on her passion for turkey hunting, bird hunting and her bird dogs.
41:33 - What projects has Becky worked on over the years?
49:50 – The conversation regarding hunting, taking a life, spirituality, remorse, and conservation.
51:33 - Becky to continue to stay engaged in the conservation community.
52:28- Closing statements and final advice for women who want to work in conservation and the out of doors.
54:39 - Becky’s plans for the future after retirement.
57:10 – Sam, Carlee and Becky share their hits and misses.