President's Message

I’ll be honest, I’m not entirely sure what to say for my first President’s Message. If you’ve been part of the Association for Conservation Information (ACI) for a while, then you already know what a truly special group this is. ACI is filled with some of the most talented and passionate wildlife communicators, educators, videographers, graphic designers, writers, and editors you’ll find anywhere.

Over the years, I’ve had the chance to help out in different ways, from judging contest entries, helping host a conference, serving on a committee or serving on the board. Every time, I’ve felt like I somehow landed a seat at the cool kids' table. The people I’ve worked with are, truly, the best of the best in conservation communication and education. So, to now be stepping into a leadership role in an organization I admire so deeply? It’s exciting, a little intimidating, and definitely humbling. “Big shoes to fill” doesn’t even begin to cover it.

The good news is I won’t be doing it alone. Past presidents like Jenifer Wisniewski, Lance Cherry, Blake Podhajsky, and Micah Holmes are still around and (hopefully) ready to field what I expect will be many, many questions from me. So, apologies in advance for all the texts and phone calls coming your way, but thank you for continuing to support ACI and me.

To everyone who encouraged me to put my name in the ring and to all of you who voted for me, thank you. Truly. It’s an honor I don’t take lightly. I promise to do my best to keep ACI strong, relevant, and moving forward in our mission to champion conservation communication and education.

Before we dive into two years of updates, requests for contest judges, and me convincing you why you really need to come to next year’s conference in Oklahoma (you do!), I want to share one of the most important lessons I’ve learned through ACI:

GET INVOVLED

Whether it’s volunteering to judge, joining a committee, or serving on the board, say yes. I can tell you from experience that the more you put into ACI, the more you get out of it. I’m a better designer and writer thanks to the work I’ve seen as a judge. I’ve built connections with board members that allow me to reach out to top professionals in our field for advice and inspiration. Even co-hosting a conference turned into an invaluable learning opportunity.

But more than that, the people I’ve met here have become some of my closest and most cherished friends.

So, don’t be shy. The next time you see a call for volunteers or an open spot on a committee or the board, raise your hand. You won’t regret it. I promise.

Here’s to another great chapter with ACI. I’m so glad you’re here.

Aaron Meier

ACI President,

Nevada Department of Wildlife

The Bi-Monthly Catch-up

Shark Scientist Educates and Entertains ACI Audience in KEYNOTE ADDRESS

In a 2022 article headlined in Smithsonian Magazine, “Discovery Channel’s ‘Shark Week’ Is Packed with Misinformation and Junk Science,” Dr. David Shiffman and his team use scientific methodology to support this headline and the sub headline, “Scientists watched 202 episodes and found them filled with unreliable information and white male experts named Mike.”... [READ MORE].

Watch the 2025 ACI Keynote Address by Dr. David Shiffman in its entirety here:

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Article by Dan Dennison

Communications Director

Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources (ret.)

Reinventing the Game Warden Reality Show Genre

Engel Entertainment Introduces The Game Warden Channel

During the 2025 ACI Conference in Atlantic City, NJ, representatives of Engel Entertainment revealed its new YouTube channel as well as new production agreements with several states...[READ MORE].

Watch Engel Entertainments ACI Presentation here:

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Article by Dan Dennison

Communications Director

Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources (ret.)

How to Talk to the Public about your Science

Tailoring a Message

Dr. Shiffman highlighted some important points to ponder as you begin to craft your own message:

Do we want to educate?
Do we want to inspire behavior change?
Are you promoting your work?
Do we want to have a debate?

[READ MORE]

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Article by Abigail Clark

Volunteer and Wildlife Outreach Technical Assistant

Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife

2025 Kay Ellerhoff Spirit of ACI Award Recipient

Since 1986, the Kay Ellerhoff Spirit of ACI Award has been awarded to individuals who have embodied exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication and profound commitment and enthusiasm to the ACI membership.

And this year’s recipient, Joanne Martonik, is no different. Joanne has consistently exemplified what it means to go above and beyond the call of duty. Her dedication to our community is evident and her overall passion for helping others through leadership, collaboration and the ultimate pursuit of knowledge is something to be admired.

Honoring Judy Stokes-Weber

You can not think about ACI without also thinking about Judy Stokes-Weber. As many of you know, Judy stepped down from her long-time post as ACI Treasurer, a position that she mastered with sheer leadership, professionalism and true ACI spirit...[READ MORE].

ACI Awards

One of the most popular and successful ACI programs is the annual awards contest, which recognizes excellence and promotes craft improvement through competition. Please view this years winners by visiting our WINNERS GALLERY!

Welcome our NEW ACI Board Members

Photo top (L-R): Lance Cherry (CAHSS), Aaron Meier (NDOW), Dan Dennison (Hawaii DLNR- retired), Devin Lindley (Choctaw Nation Dept of Wildlife Conservation).

Photo bottom (L-R): Natalie Andes (Georgia DNR), Linda DiPiano (NJDEP Fish & Wildlife), Katie Paey (NJDEP Fish & Wildlife), Blake Podhajsky (Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife).

ACI's Official Podcast

Episode 12: Immediately Past with Blake Podhajsky

If you don't know Blake Podhajsky, Immediate Past President of ACI, you've been hiding under a rock. Blake has been a presence at the Association for Conservation Information for more than a decade now, and his recent two-year stint as president of the association resulted in a revamped conference planning process, a new association logo and a brand-new . Blake has become a good friend to me over our years together in the association, and I thought it would be fun to poke around the areas of his life many of you may not know much about to hopefully reveal a bit about who Blake is, his vision for ACI and where he thinks we're going in the future. And if you are a fan of good practical jokes, stay tuned for a good one from ACI friend and mainstay, Eli Garnish.

Check out all our episodes for FREE on Spotify:

Other Items of Interest

ACI 2025 CONFERENCE

SAVE THE DATES: JULY 20-23, 2026

The ACI Conference will take place in Oklahoma City, OK, July 20-23, 2026. Our friends from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation are excited to welcome you to OKC for a week of collaboration, networking and craft improvement.

[READ MORE]

UPCOMING WEBINARS: AI AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Whether you're leading a team or boots-deep in field work, discover how AI tools can amplify your conservation expertise.

AI for Conservation Leaders
Date: October 30, 205
Time: 1-3p, ET

Cost: $51.80

Using AI Tools for Conservation Outreach

3, 1-hour Session Series

Dates: Jan. 20, 27 & Feb 3, 2026

Time: 1-2PM ET

Cost $10 per session or $25 for series

Learn more and download flyer HERE.

AFWA MANAGEMENT ASSISTANTANCE TEAM (MAT) OFFERINGS- OPEN FOR REGISTRATION:

Transforming Archery, Transforming Systems: Adaptive Leadership in Action (NEW!)

2-hour webinar | $51.80 | November 5, 2025, from 1:00-3:00 PM Eastern

How do you shift a sport from niche to mainstream, from back-forty tradition to community staple? This interactive session uses the Alabama Community Archery Strategy as a real-world case study to explore how adaptive leadership can foster systemic change.

Chaordic Leadership

3-hour webinar | $56.95 | November 12, 2025, from 1:00-4:00 PM Eastern

Conservation work is evolving rapidly. Leaders today are expected to navigate not only environmental challenges but also deep social shifts and systemic complexity. It’s clear we need new ways of leading—ways that are more adaptive, purpose-driven, and aligned with the interconnected nature of the work itself.

Beyond Resolution: Conflict Transformation for Collaborative Teams

3-hour webinar | $56.95 | November 18, 2025, from 1:00-4:00 PM Eastern

What if conflict isn’t a problem to fix, but a portal for growth? This webinar introduces conflict transformation—a relational, values-based approach that goes beyond managing tension. Ideal for anyone facing recurring conflict in teams, communities, or personal relationships, this session offers reflection, insight, and an invitation into a deeper workshop experience. Discover how shifting your mindset around conflict can lead to stronger connection, deeper repair, and more grounded leadership.

To view descriptions of AFWA MAT TEAMS Current Offerings, please click HERE.