Brings wildlife biology, partnership, and advocacy experience to the team
Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) are proud to introduce Swanny Evans as the director of state government affairs. Evans will be responsible for developing and executing state affairs and grassroots activities, including direct lobbying, developing advocacy communications for internal and external stakeholders, engaging PF & QF’s supporters in advocacy, and building a team of regional advocacy staff.
"I'm excited for Swanny to bring his experiences to The Habitat Organization as we look to grow our state affairs and grassroots advocacy impacts," said Ariel Wiegard, PF & QF’s Vice President of government affairs. "We've seen demand skyrocket from chapters, members, and partners for PF & QF to invest in more policy that touches down right in their backyards – Swanny’s knowledge of key issues, trends, and players across the sporting industry will help ensure we're delivering for grassland landscapes and the people who enjoy them."
Evans holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in wildlife science from the University of Georgia, and he has worked on conservation issues throughout the continental U.S. and overseas, including at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, and Georgia Wildlife Federation. For the past decade his work has been focused on ensuring hunting and conservation are relevant across all segments of society and maintain their place as a part of American culture.
“I was incredibly lucky to grow up immersed in hunting and the outdoors, and have had the honor of working to protect the spaces and activities we all cherish throughout my career,” Evans said. “For years, I have partnered with PF & QF’s professionals and volunteers, and now I am excited to contribute to the mission from within. We are in an excellent position to further expand the organization’s reach and impact on the conservation community and society at large.”