Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Hire Martin Ward as Regional Representative in Southern Illinois

October 20, 2026 – Thompsonville, Ill.  – Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are proud to introduce Martin Ward as the new regional representative for Southern Illinois. Ward will partner with active chapter volunteers to contribute to the organization's goals of improving public and private lands conservation efforts for pheasants, quail and other wildlife.

“I’m excited to have Martin on our team in Illinois,” said Jerry McDonald, PF & QF’s director of chapter and volunteer services. “His passion for conservation, experience in education and membership growth, and dedication to serving others are all tools that will help him to thrive in this position and to serve our volunteers well.”

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever empower county and local chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent - the only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. As a result, chapter volunteers can see the fruits of their efforts locally, while belonging to a larger national organization with a voice on federal and state conservation policy. Ward will help guide local chapters to achieve the organization’s mission in Illinois.

Growing up on a family farm, Ward developed a deep appreciation for conservation and learned the importance of leaving the land better than he found it. His lifelong passion for wildlife, hunting, and habitat management has fueled a strong commitment to conservation. Most recently, Ward served as a membership representative with the National Federation of Independent Business, where he successfully promoted organizational missions, recruited members, and built strong community engagement. Prior to that, Martin spent five years as an agriculture educator and FFA advisor, teaching natural resources, forestry, and animal science while growing chapter participation, leading fundraising efforts, and securing grant funding.

“Conservation has always meant a great deal in my life. I’ve sought to be a strong advocate for wildlife conservation and a good steward of the land and natural resources, and I’m proud to bring my passion for the outdoors to this role,” Ward said. “I’m really looking forward to working with local volunteers and amplifying the organization’s habitat conservation mission.”

For more information about Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever in Illinois, please contact Martin Ward at MWard@pheasantsforever.org.   

About Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 560,000 members, supporters and partners is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education and advocacy. A network of 740 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent — the only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. Since its creation in 1982, the organization has dedicated more than $1 billion to 585,000 habitat projects benefiting 35 million acres. 

Media Contact
Mikayla Peper
715-294-0688
mpeper@pheasantsforever.org