New York Chapter of
The Wildlife Society
Executive Officers
President (Membership Chair, Program Chair): Michael Reid
Michael Reid has been a Wildlife Biologist with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection since 2003. Primary responsibilities range from mitigating the effects of wildlife on drinking water quality to ensuring the protection of regulated species during construction projects through informing project design. Michael joined the Executive Committee of the New York Chapter of The Wildlife Society in 2024 to assist in the invaluable experience of bringing wildlife professionals together for networking and collaboration.
Contact: newyorktws at gmail.com
President-Elect/Vice President: Gabriella "Ella" Hiesel
Ella Decker works for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) with the Division of Fish & Wildlife. She holds a Bachelor of Technology degree from SUNY Cobleskill in Wildlife Management. Ella grew up hunting and spending time in the Adirondacks. Her outdoor interests and education led her to a career in the wildlife field. Ella enjoys her job because it allows her to be outdoors and engage with communities to promote awareness and appreciation for New York's diverse wildlife. She is excited to be a part of the NYTWS Executive Committee and hopes to share her enthusiasm for educating others, connecting with the public, and supporting wildlife professionals. All of which align perfectly with the goals instated by the New York Chapter of The Wildlife Society.
Contact: nytws.secretary at gmail.com
Past-President (Executive Committee Chair, Program Chair): Stephan Beffre, CWB®, QAWB
Stephan Beffre is a Certified Wildlife Biologist and FAA-Qualified Airport Wildlife Biologist working for USDA Wildlife Services. His job entails developing and implementing methods to reduce wildlife-aircraft collisions at airports; managing white-tailed deer in state parks, preserves, and urban and suburban communities; and mitigating damage caused by overabundant Canada geese. One of Stephan’s favorite memories with Wildlife Services was when he distributed oral rabies vaccines from a small, single engine aircraft over the mountains of West Virginia. Prior to joining Wildlife Services, Stephan held positions with the National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, non-profits, and a private sector consulting firm.
Stephan graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Wildlife Conservation Biology from the University of Rhode Island where he first joined The Wildlife Society. Later in his career, he earned a Graduate Certificate in Leadership Essentials from Cornell University. He is Chair of the Westchester County Airport Wildlife Hazards Working Group, President of the South Lake Association, and has served as NYTWS Secretary since 2019. Outside of work, Stephan enjoys backcountry camping, fishing, hunting, motorcycles, and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Contact: nytws.president at gmail.com
Treasurer: John Vanek, PhD, AWB®
John Vanek is a state Zoologist with the New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP). John joined NYNHP in 2021 as a Zoologist following postdoctoral research on the ecology and evolution of urban wildlife. Originally from Long Island, John is a broadly trained naturalist and wildlife scientist with expertise in herpetology, mammalogy, and urban wildlife. John has a B.S. in Wildlife Science from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (go Stumpies!), an M.S. from Hofstra University where he studied the ecology of Eastern Hog-nosed Snakes, and a Ph.D. from Northern Illinois University where his dissertation focused on urban wildlife ecology and conservation (from snakes and salamanders to coyotes and domestic cats). He enjoys long walks on the beach, oxford commas, and the smell of garter snake musk in the morning.
Contact: nytws.treasurer at gmail.com
Secretary: Dan Aitchison
Executive Committee Members
Member-At-Large: Steve Grodsky, PhD
Steve is a broadly trained, applied ecologist. He specializes in the emerging field of renewable energy ecology - the study of interactions among energy development, ecosystems, and people. He has been a long-time member of The Wildlife Society, having served on the Executive Board of the NCTWS chapter. He currently serves as faculty co-advisor to the student chapter of The Wildlife Society at Cornell University.
Student Representative: Haley Turner
Haley Turner is a PhD student at Cornell University studying mammal population ecology. She grew up admiring wildlife and wanting to make a difference in conservation. During her graduate studies, she has supported students through weekly mentoring and programs like the Central New York Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP). In NYTWS she aims to connect with, help, encourage, and learn from other students passionate about wildlife and conservation. In her free time she enjoys reading, hiking, and hanging out with her cat.
ELECTIONS
*** The New York Chapter of The Wildlife Society
executive committee positions are filled. Thank you for your votes!***
Honorary Members
Name
Michael Reid
Stephan Beffre
Dan Bogan
Amanda Vescovi
Johanna Duffy
Budd Veverka
Peter Iacono
Dave MacDougall
Valorie Titus
Michael Fishman
Rich LeClerc
Angie Berchielli
Tim Green
Lynn Braband
Reason
Past President
Past President
Past President
Past President
Past President
Past President
Past President
Past President
Past President
Past President
Past President
Past President
Past President
Past President
Dates
2026-2027
2025-2026
2024-2025
2023-2024
2022-2023
2020-2022
2018-2020
2016-2018
2014-2016
2010-2014
2008-2010
2006-2008
2004-2006
2002-2003