MEMPHIS, Tenn. - July 23, 2019 - Mike McShane, of Johns Island, South Carolina, was elected to Ducks Unlimited's national board of directors during the organization's 82nd annual national convention held recently in Hawaii.

"Ducks Unlimited's board of directors provides the leadership we need to fulfill our mission to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl," said DU Chairman of the Board Paul Bonderson Jr. "DU board members do not get paid for their work. These dedicated men and women volunteer their time and resources because they are passionate conservationists. I welcome each new board member and look forward to working with them in the years to come."

A former chairman of the South Carolina Natural Resources Board and current vice chairman of the South Carolina Conservation Bank, McShane has been a champion of conservation efforts throughout the Lowcountry region and played an integral role in developing DU's land protection program in the area. His volunteer positions with Ducks Unlimited have included At-Large-Board member, Public Policy Committee and Conservation Programs Committee member.

"I think it's critical that we protect the remaining wild places for future generation," McShane said. "Ducks Unlimited is an efficient, effective organization focused on securing waterfowl habitat for generations to come, but those habitats are vital for hundreds of other species and for people. We all need clean water, flood water absorption and storm protection. Wetlands provide all of that at minimal cost."

Mike and his wife, Gigi, reside at Ravens Point Plantation, a family property protected by a conservation easement. They have protected 3,034 acres of critical Lowcountry habitat through the Nemours Wildlife Foundation. These efforts have ensured the long-term conservation of Foundation property, which serves as an educational wildlife management area and outdoor classroom in the heart of the ACE Basin.

In addition to new board member elections, this year's convention featured a celebration of the successful completion of DU's ambitious "Rescue Our Wetlands: Banding Together for Waterfowl" campaign, which raised an astonishing $2.34 billion and conserved 2,236,435 acres of habitat for waterfowl, other wildlife, people and the communities in which they live.

The celebration featured an address from DU Major Donor and Wetlands America Trust trustee James Cox Kennedy, chairman of Cox Enterprises.

Team DU also honored the career of retiring Ducks Unlimited CEO Dale Hall and formally welcomed new CEO Adam Putnam.

This year's convention also featured opportunities for conservation-related education, special tours and entertainment and a Friday keynote addresses by U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt.

Axalta Coating Systems CEO Robert Bryant accepted DU's Corporate Conservation Achievement Award on behalf of Axalta during the Friday business session. The award was created to recognize corporations from the United States, Canada or Mexico that have made exceptional contributions to conservation in North America.

The second annual Wings Over Wetlands Awards Gala, held to honor DU's top volunteers, was again hosted by conservationist, environmental journalist and television personality Jeff Corwin.

Special thanks to First National Bank of Omaha, provider of the official Ducks Unlimited Visa card, for sponsoring this year's convention.

Next year's Ducks Unlimited National Convention will be held May 26-30 in Orlando, Florida.