Rebecca Humphries started her career in wildlife as an employee of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. She quickly realized that State wildlife management suited her better and in 1978, she joined the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Her 32 year career with the agency was a progression of field biologist positions to Wildlife Division Chief and culminated with her last seven years as Director.
Becky’s tenure saw the agency through a number of challenges, however her leadership in managing the agency in addressing Bovine Tb in wild deer and Chronic Wasting Disease, brought her to leadership roles with the 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.
In 2011, Becky left public service and joined Ducks Unlimited as Director of Conservation Programs. In 2013, The National Wild Turkey Federation enticed Becky to join them in South Carolina as the Chief Conservation Officer. In 2016, Becky was named the Chief Operations Officer and in April of 2017, she was named as the CEO for NWTF.
Becky is a loyal Michigan State University Spartan fan, having earned her BS in Wildlife Management from MSU. She also attended the University of Wisconsin (Business Administration) and holds an honorary PhD from Central Michigan. Becky is a professional member of Boone and Crockett Club and chairs the Wildlife Health Sub-Committee. Becky has three grown children and lives in both Michigan and South Carolina. She has adopted Clemson University as her home team in South Carolina.
