W. Alan Wentz Biography

W. Alan Wentz is Senior Group Manager for Conservation Programs for Ducks Unlimited. Before assuming his present position in Memphis in 1994, was Director of Operations for the Western Regional Office in Sacramento, California.

Wentz earned bachelor’s degree in agriculture from The Ohio State University in 1969, a master’s degree in wildlife science from Oregon State University in 1971 and received his doctorate in wildlife management from the University of Michigan in 1976. He previously served as Director for National/International Relations with Ducks Unlimited, Assistant Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Senior Director with the National Wildlife Federation, Extension Wildlife Specialist and Associate Professor of Wildlife at South Dakota State University and Assistant Curator of the Ohio State Herbarium.

In addition to serving as Vice-Chairman of the Natural Resources Council of America, Wentz is a member of the board of the North American Wetlands Conservation Council, the Wildlife Habitat Council and the American Wildlife Conservation Partners. Previously, he has served on many other national and international boards and committees and is a past president of the Wildlife Society. The Ohio State University College of Agriculture awarded Dr. Wentz their 1999 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Dr. Wentz has an extensive background in conservation biology with a focus on wetlands conservation and management and plant ecology and taxonomy. He has authored numerous books, articles and information bulletins and has a successful record of fund-raising, constituency building, advocacy and volunteer development in nonprofit institutions.

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