By: Kevin Derby
Ducks Unlimited (DU) announced on Wednesday that former Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will be their new CEO. Putnam, who ran for governor last year but was defeated by Ron DeSantis in the Republican primary, will start his new duties on April 1.
Founded in 1937, Ducks Unlimited is a nonprofit based in Memphis focused on protecting wetlands and waterfowl. There are hundreds of thousands of members across the nation.
Putnam welcomed his new responsibilities.
“I joined Ducks Unlimited when I was 16 and have a lifelong appreciation of the conservation work the organization accomplishes,” Putnam said. “It’s humbling to be chosen as DU’s CEO, and as a lifelong hunter, angler and conservationist, I look forward to building on our record of success.”
Dale Hall, Duck Unlimited’s CEO, is staying on until the end of June.
“As the outgoing CEO, it’s definitely a bittersweet day,” Hall said. “But I am going to retire from my position at DU knowing the organization is in very capable hands thanks to the hard work and diligence of our volunteer search committee. They’ve truly picked a winner in Adam and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for both Adam and Ducks Unlimited.”