Ohio Outdoor News named Ducks Unlimited Ohio Chairman Bill Ebert its 2018 Person of the Year.

Ebert has been an active Ducks Unlimited volunteer for three decades. His DU career began in New York, where he helped re-start the Shenango Chapter in Greene, New York. Ebert became chapter chairman, then district chair and zone chair.

He moved to Ohio 21 years ago and continued his active role in the organization. He's held nearly every position in state leadership. Mike Moore, Ohio Outdoor News editor, said it's that dedication which earned Ebert the recognition.

"Bill has been steadfast in his commitment to DU, with over 30 years with the organization, volunteering and giving his time," Moore said.

Ebert, from Blanchester, said he's honored to be recognized by Ohio Outdoor News.

"There was a little bit of disbelief," he said of the award. "But I do it because I believe in the cause. And every friend I have is from DU. We're family."

Aaron Dynes, Ducks Unlimited regional director in Ohio, has worked with Ebert for 14 years.

"DU is part of Bill's life. After all these years, he's still thinking about how he can help DU more," Dynes said.

"When you see someone who has been doing it for that long, it energizes other people. Bill helps other folks see their efforts for DU and relate it back to achieving the mission."

In February, Ebert was appointed to his second term as state chairman, which he will hold through 2019.

Read the story in Ohio Outdoor News.