By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bross@wisducks.org
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s March, 2022 Newsletter edition.
Yes, two individuals were selected by WWA staff for this honor! The recipients of the 2022 WWA Volunteers of the Year: Brad Miller and George Ermert.
Staff recognized that there are different “flavors” of volunteerism – in this example, at the state level and the chapter level. Individuals at both of these levels can – and do – make extraordinary contributions, but they demand different skillsets and focus. So we decided to recognize the individuals at both levels, continuing a practice initiated last year.
Brad Miller: Chapter Chair of the Valley (Appleton) Chapter. Brad has been an energizer bunny since taking the reins of this historically strong chapter. Last year, not only did he lead his chapter to super goal status in a well-managed banquet, he and his chapter initiated a sporting clays shoot, creating a fun event and raising additional funds for WWA’s mission. In addition, they conducted four different Class A raffles! Not stopping there, they built over 100 wood duck boxes in a school assistance program, and then installed them on public and private property around the around his region. His team has fun and stays well-connected throughout the year for WWA activities and just as buddies. Brad has been a strong successor to the (only) three other chapter leaders of this chapter. It should be noted this 37-year-old chapter seems to produce top notch leaders – two of them have been inducted into the WWA Hall of Fame: Dan Whitthuhn and Jim Rogers.
George Ermert: George has only been with WWA for a couple of years, but has “moved the needle” significantly in that short period. His energy, insights, commitment and effectiveness became apparent early on in his volunteering with WWA. George has been extraordinarily successful in building our advocacy effectiveness at the capital. His “day job” as a professional lobbyist means he has daily insights on what issues may be affecting WWA’s members at the capital, pre-existing relationships with legislators and their staffs, and the experience to know how to effectively present WWA positions to the right people on the hill. The update of the Duck Stamp costs is a great example; George’s insights and connections and guidance helped get this 10-year effort across ‘the finish line’ in his first of working on it. It would be incorrect to say he did it alone – there was a strong coalition – but it would not be wrong to say that his involvement was critical to the successful conclusion of this effort. This would be enough to recognize George, but he’s become a director whose informal leadership on the board creates a synergistic effect on its effectiveness. AND, he chairs the membership and communications committee. Here again, George is moving the needle substantially on our social media engagement and membership initiatives.
“Well done!” to these outstanding WWA volunteers—and to all of our volunteers whose growing numbers and commitment is making WWA ever more impactful on behalf of Wisconsin’s waterfowlers!