Staff
Executive Director Rick Thom served as an officer in the U.S. Army and worked as a field biologist for the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission prior to employment with the Missouri Department of Conservation. He retired from the Conservation Department in 2006 after 28 years of service, including natural history division chief and wildlife diversity chief. Rick has worked in Missouri and nationally to develop conservation programs and to secure funding for them. He was a charter organizer of the Natural Areas Association. Rick holds degrees in biology (Northern Illinois University), forestry (University of Illinois), and public administration (University of Missouri).
Since August 2008, Financial Analyst Elizabeth (Liz) Wansing* has worked part-time for the Missouri Department of Conservation in its Financial Services Division and part-time for the Foundation. Liz obtained her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Lincoln University in 2004 and worked for seven years in private accounting prior to working for the Foundation. She is a native of mid-Missouri and grew up enjoying the local woods, creeks and rivers near her hometown.
Communications Specialist Carol Davit has promoted conservation and environmental programs for 15 years, working in the nonprofit sector, for city and state government and with a water and wastewater public authority. She oversees content of the Foundation's Web site and promotes Foundation programs to partner groups and the conservation community at large. Carol earned interdisciplinary degrees from the University of Missouri and Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia.
Missouri Department of Conservation Staff Serving as Liaisons to the Foundation:
Fisheries Programs Supervisor Rich Wehnes is the Conservation Department liaison with the Foundation on Stream Stewardship Trust Fund matters. Rich has a Master’s degree in zoology from Ohio State University and has worked with the Department’s Fisheries Division for almost 35 years in a variety of capacities. Currently, in addition to coordinating Stream Stewardship Trust Fund projects, Rich has budgeting and planning responsibilities, coordinates Fisheries information programs, and handles First Fish, Master Angler, Weekly Fishing Report, and State Record Fish programs.
Assistant Finanical Servicese Chief Melanie Crane* has worked in the Financial Services Division of the Missouri Department of Conservation since June 2000. She assists the Foundation by providing accounting and financial reporting. Melanie has a degree in accounting and computer information systems, a Master's degree in business administration with an emphasis in human resources, and is working on an emphasis in accounting. Melanie enjoys fishing and local streams around her family home.
Realty Services Technician Robyn Hilliard* provides advanced adminstrative support to the Missouri Department of Conservation's Realty Services staff, Realty Committee, and Director’s Office, in addition to staff of the Foundation. Robyn has pre-department experience as a word processing supervisor for an accounting firm. Prior to her current position, Robyn served the Department as an administrative staff assistant for Private Land Services Division and administrative assistant for the Director’s Office. She also provided previous, valued assistance to the Foundation, and is pictured here (at right) receiving an award in recognition of her service from former Foundation president Jan Phillips.
*The Foundation reimburses the Missouri Department of Conservation for administrative and financial services provided by Conservation Department staff.
