Ron Suttles Honored with National Conservation Leadership Award

RESTON, Va. - Founding member of the Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma Ron Suttles has received the National Wildlife Federation's annual Conservation Leadership Award. His career spans more than 50 years of demonstrated leadership in wildlife management, habitat protection, and science-based policy to shape Oklahoma's modern approach to conservation.

"Few individuals have had a more lasting impact on conservation in Oklahoma than Ron, whose institutional knowledge and strategic guidance have advanced environmental stewardship and inspired generations of conservationists," said Collin O'Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. "From his legendary tenure at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation where he helped write the state's first Wildlife Action Plan to his visionary co-founding of the Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma to ensure wildlife had a voice in the halls of the Oklahoma State Capitol, Ron's achievements reflect an unwavering commitment to species recovery and habitat conservation. Ron has created an enduring legacy that will continue to enhance the wildlife and natural resources of Oklahoma for generations to come."

"My career has been rooted in the belief that science-based decisions and sustained collaboration can lead to meaningful outcomes for wildlife and habitats when those resources have an effective voice. I've seen that belief confirmed countless times." Suttles said, "I care deeply about conservation in Oklahoma, from wildlife species and habitat recovery to long term water quality and quantity issues. This award reflects the shared commitment of so many groups, state leaders, and communities working tirelessly to protect our natural resources."

Suttles early inspiration was his high school science teacher leading to 35 years with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and after retirement, reestablishing the Federation's Oklahoma affiliate to strengthen wildlife policy engagement and bolster natural resources consideration. During his career, he helped shape the state's modern approach to nongame conservation leading endangered species recovery efforts for wildlife such as the Leopard Darter, Gray Bat, and Interior Least Tern; strengthening water quality protection and stream ecosystems; supporting the development of Oklahoma's State Wildlife Action Plan and early wildlife diversity programs. Suttles continues to play a pivotal role in building conservation capacity and advocacy at both state and national levels, serving as a mentor for generations of conservation professionals.

The National Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Awards began in 1966. Since then, the National Wildlife Federation has celebrated individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting wildlife through education, advocacy, communication and on-the-ground conservation. Previous honorees have included former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson and Michelle Obama, and other national leaders, including U.S. Senator John McCain and filmmaker Robert Redford.