The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida works with many inspiring organizations and individuals. Annually we recognize several of the most dedicated through the following awards.
Louise Ireland Humphrey Achievement Award
The Foundation annually honors the late conservationist, Red Hills landowner, and former Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission Member Louise Ireland Humphrey by recognizing a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) employee for their dedication and outstanding service to the protection and preservation of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources over the course of their career.
Past Award Recipients:
2022 Dr. Kathy Guindon Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network
2021 John Hunt Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
2020 Colonel Curtis Brown Division of Law Enforcement
2019 Rae Waddell Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network
2018 Jeff Babauta Division of Law Enforcement
2017 Scott Sanders Division of Habitat & Species Conservation
2016 Mike Brooks Division of Habitat & Species Conservation
2014 Lawson Snyder Division of Habitat & Species Conservation
2013 Joan Berish Division of Habitat & Species Conservation
2012 Greg Holder Office of the Executive Director
2011 Ron Taylor Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
2010 Tim Breault Division of Habitat & Species Conservation
2009 Col. Julie Jones Division of Law Enforcement
2008 Carol Knox Division of Habitat & Species Conservation
2007 Vic Heller Office of the Executive Director
2006 John Snow Division of Law Enforcement
2005 Frank Montalbano Division of Habitat & Species Conservation
2004 Bob Wattendorf Division of Freshwater Fisheries
2003 Phillip G. Chapman Division of Freshwater Fisheries
2002 Lothian A. Ager Division of Freshwater Fisheries
2001 Karen A. Stedinger Florida Marine Research Institute
2000 Paul Shafland Division of Freshwater Fisheries
1999 Larry Campbell Division of Wildlife
Rodney Barreto FWC Employee of the Year Award
While the Louise Ireland Humphrey Achievement Award honors performance over the course of an FWC staff person’s career, the Foundation since 2013 has recognized outstanding annual performance via the Rodney Barreto FWC Employee of the Year Award, named in honor of the current FWC Commissioner and former Foundation Board Member.
Past Award Recipients:
2022 Jessica Pfohl Division of Law Enforcement
2021 Dr. Katherine Hubbard Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
2020 Glenda Atkinson Information Technology
2019 Craig Faulhaber Division of Habitat & Species Conservation
2018 Rene Taboas Division of Law Enforcement
2017 Kipp Frohlich Division of Habitat & Species Conservation
2015 David Broughton Division of Law Enforcement
2014 David Telesco Division of Habitat & Species Conservation
2013 Mike Orlando Division of Habitat & Species Conservation
Foundation Conservation Leadership Award
The Foundation also recognizes individuals for their outstanding contribution and leadership in conservation within the State of Florida.
Past Award Recipients:
2023 Chris Janson, First Lady Casey DeSantis, Florida Power & Light and CEO Eric Silagy
2021 Jack Nicklaus, Paul Tudor Jones II, Contender Boats
2018 Johnny L. Morris CEO and Founder, Bass Pro Shops
2017 Nick Wiley, former Executive Director, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
2016 Alto “Bud” Adams Jr. Pioneering rancher, conservationist and former president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association
2015 Carlton Ward Conservation Photographer
2014 Adam Putnam Commissioner, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
2013 Beau Turner Founder, Beau Turner Youth Conservation Center
2012 John L. Morris CEO and Founder, Bass Pro Shops
Sonya Rood Volunteer of the Year
The Foundation recognizes outstanding volunteer service to conservation within the State of Florida, named for FWC Commissioner Sonya Rood.
Past Award Recipients:
2022 Julie Carta
