Chapter Updates
ORTWS Student Rep 2026 Ballot Announcement
Posted on: Oct 12, 2025ORTWS is excited to announce a new opportunity for students: the Student Representative position is now on the ballot for the 2026 election cycle. Read on to learn how you can get involved!
ORTWS is thrilled to promote an opportunity for students passionate about wildlife science, conservation, and leadership: the Student Representative position is officially on the ballot this next election cycle — and it’s not just symbolic. This is a full-fledged voting seat on our Board of Directors!
🐝 Buzz-worthy leadership
Students will have a direct voice in shaping the future of ORTWS. As a voting member of the Executive Board, the Student Representative will help guide chapter decisions, contribute to strategic planning, and represent the interests of student chapters across Oregon. This role isn’t just honorary — it’s influential.
🌟 What Makes It Fun (and Powerful)
This position is perfect for someone who’s ready to dive into leadership, build connections across the state, and make a real impact. You’ll get to:
- Collaborate with students, schools, and wildlife professionals
- Help build resiliency across career stages
- Parcitipate in National TWS issues and events
- Help organize and lead student activities at our Annual Conference
🌿 Get Involved Beyond the Board
As Student Representative, you’ll also have the chance to join one (or more!) of our dynamic committees. Here are just a few you might love:
- 🦉 Conservation Affairs Committee – Help shape ORTWS’s voice on policy and conservation issues
- 🦫 Workshops & Field Trips Committee – Plan hands-on learning experiences for members
- 🦦 Communication Committee – Share stories, updates, and media with our community
- 🦌 Awards & Grants Committee – Help recognize outstanding contributions and support student funding
- 🐻 Diversity Committee – Promote inclusivity and equity in wildlife science
This is a one-year elected position, and we’re looking for someone who’s ready to jump in, represent their peers, and help build a stronger, more connected student community across Oregon.
As Student Representative, you’ll be expected to attend regular ORTWS Board meetings — held every other month for about four hours. You’ll also join the Student & Early Career Professional Affairs Committee, which meets monthly for 30 minutes to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. Meeting times are chosen based on availability, so we do our best to accommodate everyone’s schedule. The 2026 Board meeting calendar is already set and can be provided upon request.
📬 Questions? Want to learn more? Reach out to Eliana Pool // eliana.pool@ortws.org — she’s happy to help you explore the role and answer any questions about the election process.
Launch your leadership journey. Influence real decisions. Become Oregon’s Student Rep! 🐾
2026 ORTWS Board Nominations & Elections
Posted on: Sep 28, 2025Interested in running for the Oregon Chapter Board of Directors during our next election cycle? Check out this article for details on available positions, how to submit your nomination, and more!
Are you interested in becoming more involved with the Oregon Chapter of The Wildlife Society (ORTWS)? Or, do you know someone who may be interested in a leadership position with ORTWS? By running for an elected position with the ORTWS you not only expand your networking opportunities, but you will also be contributing to one of the oldest and largest wildlife professional organizations in the U.S. Please consider throwing your hat in the ring and helping lead your state chapter of TWS!
ORTWS has three (3) officer positions, three (3) board member positions, and one (1) student position open for the 2026 elections:
- President-Elect
- Vice-president Elect
- Secretary
- Student Representative
- At-large Board Members (3)
The Board meets periodically throughout the year to plan the Annual Conference, organize workshops, provide input on pressing conservation issues, consider grant requests, and to serve the interests of the Chapter and Oregon’s wildlife.
This year’s elections will not include candidate photos to reduce biases in who is elected to the board. Please submit a nomination including your name, biography, and interests for members to review. We are looking for new board members who are excited to engage in our ongoing activities and bring new ideas to the table!
Considering joining the ORTWS board? Learn more before making your decision:
- Learn more about our board positions and board member expectations
- Peruse the ORTWS Operations Manual
- Reach out to the co-chair of our Nominations Committee, Mikal Cline at mikalcline@ortws.org
- Interested in a specific position? Consider contacting a current board member to hear about their experiences. Contact information for all board members is available on our website.