QDMA Staff Members Matt Ross and Heather Meaker
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ATHENS, GA (November 29, 2017) – The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) is pleased to announce that Heather Meaker has been promoted to Events and Field Operations Manager and Matt Ross has been promoted to Assistant Director of Conservation.

Heather Meaker, who is now in her fifth year on the QDMA staff, previously served as a coordinator of field operations and supported QDMA Branch volunteers and Regional Directors in grassroots activities. She also planned events like the annual QDMA National Convention. In her new role as Events and Field Operations Manager, Meaker will have more oversight of grassroots operations, and the scope of her event planning will expand beyond Convention to include the Deer Steward program and regional events.

"Heather has been a valuable member of the QDMA team since she started with our organization over four years ago," said John Eastman, Senior Director of Operations. "Since she took on QDMA's Event Planning responsibility, our Conventions have grown in both attendance and attendee satisfaction. Heather has also been a leader in supporting our Regional Directors and QDMA volunteers. This promotion recognizes her growing impact within QDMA and the strong potential she exhibits to help QDMA achieve its mission."

"Being so far from family and where I grew up, QDMA has really become my home away from home. I gained a new passion and understanding of hunting," said Meaker. "I'm very excited for our 30th anniversary Convention in New Orleans, July 19-22, 2018, and I expect to see a huge turnout to help us celebrate where we started, where we are and where we are going!"

Matt Ross first joined the QDMA Staff in 2006 as a Regional Director supporting QDMA Branch volunteers. In 2009, he was promoted to Certification Programs Manager and directed QDMA's Deer Steward program and Land Certification program, among other responsibilities. As Assistant Director of Conservation, Ross will assist the Director of Conservation, Kip Adams, with research priorities and grant opportunities. He will also supervise Conservation field staff, and he is tasked with monitoring the attainment of QDMA's recently launched five-year mission goals.

"Matt has been a cornerstone of our Conservation Department for more than a decade," said Kip Adams, Director of Conservation. "His drive, initiative and work ethic have helped advance QDMA's mission, and I'm proud he's being recognized for his efforts with a promotion to Assistant Director of Conservation."

"QDMA has an exceptional record of always looking out for the welfare of wild deer and deer hunters," said Ross. "As a hunter myself, I'm proud to be part of such a tremendous team and dedicated staff. I look forward to helping the organization to continue growing, succeeding and implementing solid conservation strategies that make a difference."

The QDMA Board and staff congratulate Heather Meaker and Matt Ross on their promotions and look forward to working with them in their new roles.