Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Welcome James Roberts as New Chief Development Officer

Saint Paul, Minn. – August 20, 2026 – Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PF & QF), the nation's leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to upland habitat conservation, are pleased to announce the addition of James Roberts as Chief Development Officer. In this executive leadership role, Roberts will be responsible for leading PF & QF's growth strategies, fundraising efforts, and development initiatives on a national scale.

Reporting directly to President & CEO Marilyn Vetter, the Chief Development Officer will provide strategic direction and oversight of the organization's fundraising and business development operations, including chapter and volunteer services; philanthropic fundraising and planned giving; membership and annual giving programs; and grant and foundation development.

"James Roberts brings a proven track record of building relationships, nurturing mission-driven organizations, and inspiring philanthropic investment at the highest levels," said Marilyn Vetter. "As Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever continue to expand our conservation impact across the country, his experienced leadership will be instrumental in strengthening the partnerships, volunteer network, and financial resources needed to deliver our mission for the uplands."

As Chief Development Officer, Roberts will work closely with PF & QF leadership, volunteers, donors, corporations, foundations, and chapters nationwide to advance the organization's long-term vision and support its growing portfolio of strategic priorities including habitat, access, advocacy, and engagement.

“Stepping into the role of Chief Development Officer is both an honor and a responsibility,” said James Roberts. “Together with dedicated volunteers, supporters, partners and teammates, we will carry forward a mission that matters deeply: conserving our vital upland habitats so future generations can enjoy the same wild places that inspire us today.”

Roberts will begin his new position with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever after more than a decade of inspiring philanthropic successes at partner organization Ducks Unlimited. In his most recent role as Managing Director of Development for the wetlands conservation non-profit, Roberts led a highly successful team of major gift officers to achieve ambitious fundraising goals through major initiatives, feature-film projects, campaign committees, and foundation support.

Throughout his fundraising career, Roberts has been recognized with numerous awards. Most notably among them, a two-time Ducks Unlimited National Director of Development of the Year. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in Communication and Information Sciences. Roberts will be relocating to PF & QF headquarters with his wife Alison, and two sons, Griffin (11) and Murphy (9).

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 550,000 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 580,000 habitat projects benefiting 32 million acres.

Media Contact
Jared Wiklund, Director of Communications
651-788-3038
jwiklund@pheasantsforever.org