Creating healthy forest habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife: you might recognize that as part of the mission statement of North America’s leader in forest wildlife conservation, the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society (RGS/AWS). What you may not realize is that the uniqueness of the organization’s focus lies in their commitment to preserving our healthy forests by working directly with landowners and government agencies to develop critical habitat by utilizing scientific management practices.
Not by coincidence, that’s been part of the motivation and demonstrated skill set of the organization’s newly appointed Vice President of Mission Sustainability, Sean Curran, who began working for RGS/AWS April 1 to provide strategic leadership, planning and oversight for all major donor and corporate partner programs.
Curran was quick to point out the efficiency of RGS/AWS. “It’s pretty impressive to note that 89 cents of every dollar (spent by the organization) enhances habitat, improves public access and supports conservation,” he said.
Curran comes to his new position after serving in a similar role the past five years as Vice President of Membership and Development with the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, explained Ben Jones, President and CEO of RGS/AWS. “Sean rose to the top among a highly qualified national field,” he said. “He is motivated by our mission and the direction he sees RGS/AWS moving in the conservation world.”
A formal education in business marketing combined with a passion for hunting and the outdoors led him into the outdoor industry and eventually the non-profit space. Hailing from a long line of outdoorsmen, Sean’s appreciation for wildlife conservation was shaped through the time he spent alongside his grandpa fishing, shooting and developing his woodsmanship skills. Whether it’s bowhunting whitetails, chasing migrating waterfowl or flushing upland game, if it has a season, he’s pursuing it.
In this newly-created role, Curran will split his time between a home office in Columbus, Ohio, and the RGS/AWS headquarters in Coraopolis, Pa. He has expressed his excitement to meet and begin working with people from all chapters of the organization as he works to promote the mission and the organization towards the future.
To contact Sean Curran about his new role: seanc@ruffedgrousesociety.org
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Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society/American Woodcock Society is North America’s foremost conservation organization dedicated to preserving our hunting traditions by creating healthy forest habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife. RGS/AWS works with landowners and government agencies to develop critical habitat utilizing scientific management practices.
