Ed Carter, executive director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, has been elected to serve as the 2018-19 president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA). The election came at AFWA’s 108th meeting held in Tampa, Fla.
AFWA represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science-based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest.
Mr. Carter began his career in 1972 and has held positions in the divisions of Law Enforcement, Information and Education, and as TWRA Region II assistant manager for 25 counties in Middle Tennessee.
He became TWRA’s first chief of the Boating Division when the division was formed in 1990. He was appointed TWRA’s executive director in 2009.
“Ed Carter has been a true champion of wildlife and conservation for more than 46 years,” said Kurt Holbert, Vice Chair of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. “I have no doubt that he will continue to make Tennessee proud by leading the advancement of those interests on a national scale.”
“Thank you for this opportunity and honor to serve in this capacity,” said Mr. Carter upon accepting the presidency. “I am looking forward to personally working with all of the state and federal agencies, partners, and friends towards our common conservation goals. It is of great importance that we work together to conserve the fish and wildlife that are among this nation’s most valuable resources, along with clean air, water, healthy forests and agricultural lands that support all of us.”
Other areas of focus in the coming year will include passage of “The Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow’s Needs Act,” engagement with federal ESA issues, and Chronic Wasting Disease. Carter also plans to continue efforts toward strengthening partnerships and increasing efforts on hunting, shooting sports, angling and boating recruitment, retention and reactivation initiatives.
Mr. Carter has received numerous awards and honors. His most recent came when he received the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Meritorious Award, the Institute’s highest and most prestigious award. Other honors included being named an “Environmental Hero,” recognition from the Tennessee State Legislature for meritorious service to the State of Tennessee, induction into the National Boating Safety Hall of Fame by the National Safe Boating Council and selection to the TWRA Hunter Education Hall of Fame.
A native of Hawkins County, Mr. Carter is a graduate of the University of Tennessee. He and his wife of 44 years, Karen, are the parents of three adult children, Mark, Tracie, and Christie.