Coraopolis, PA -(Ammoland.com)- The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) and American Woodcock Society (AWS) recently announced the creation of new positions focused on development, member relations and outreach tasked to help preserve our sporting traditions through fundraising development and a new hunter mentoring program.
Effective in January 2015, Bruce Wojcik transitions from his position as RGS supervising regional director to the new position of director of development, while Regional Director Mark Fouts will assume a new role of director of member relations and outreach.
“RGS and AWS fully understand the necessity to develop the organization for future success and to positively influence the next generation of sportsmen and women,” said RGS and AWS President and CEO John Eichinger.
For this reason, RGS and AWS have created these new positions with dedicated staff people assigned to work with RGS chapters, members, volunteers and the public to develop and implement a wide range of strategies, programs and activities to fulfill these responsibilities.
“With these focused efforts on development, member relations and outreach, we will continue to be a progressive and dedicated leader for preserving the future of our cherished sporting traditions,” Eichinger continued.
In his position as director of development, Bruce Wojcik will design and execute a comprehensive development strategy for RGS and AWS and oversee and execute both capital campaigns and ongoing fundraising efforts including direct mail, special events, monthly giving and major gifts. In addition, he will continue supervisory duties for the regional directors. He lives in DeWitt, Michigan and has worked for RGS since 2009. He has been in the conservation field for over 15 years having worked for Ducks Unlimited and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation prior to joining RGS. He transitions from his position as the RGS supervising regional director with responsibility for chapters, volunteers, banquets and events in Michigan and parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, among other areas.
As the director of member relations and outreach, Mark Fouts will be responsible for developing and implementing plans for a broad range of programs and events including an RGS mentoring program for youth, women, young adults, veterans and older adults. The mentoring program will contain four components: gun safety and shooting skills; dog handling, training and care; field skills and habitat awareness; and a hunting experience. Completing the first three elements qualifies the participant to go on the mentored hunt. He is from Superior, Wisconsin and has worked as an RGS regional director for 25 years working with chapters, members and volunteers in Minnesota, Alaska, Louisiana and Washington, among other regions. He has organized and conducted the annual RGS National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and will continue those duties with his new role.
“Bruce and Mark have worked successfully with chapters and volunteers in their former roles for many years and are effective leaders, communicators and relationship builders. They have the professional skills and personal commitment to generate meaningful results for RGS and AWS in their new positions,” stated RGS President and CEO John Eichinger.
For more information about the new positions, contact Bruce Wojcik and Mark Fouts directly: Bruce Wojcik: brucew@ruffedgrousesociety.org, (517) 668-6294; Mark Fouts: markf@ruffedgrousesociety.org, (715) 399-2270.
About The Ruffed Grouse Society
Established in 1961, The Ruffed Grouse Society is North America’s foremost conservation organization dedicated to preserving our sporting traditions by creating healthy forest habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife. RGS works with landowners and government agencies to develop critical habitat utilizing scientific management practices.
Information on RGS, its mission, management projects and membership can be found at: www.ruffedgrousesociety.org.