Pittsburgh, Pa. (Aug. 14, 2025) — The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) today announced the hiring of two nationally respected conservation leaders to fill new roles: Chief Conservation Officer (operations) Mark Hatfield and Vice President of Conservation Karl Malcolm. The additions mark a major investment in RGS & AWS’ leadership and ability to scale habitat conservation across North America.
“These are transformational leaders who have built impactful careers in conservation,” said RGS & AWS President and CEO Ben Jones. “We’re building a team that matches the urgency and opportunity facing forest wildlife. Mark and Karl bring the experience and the vision we need to lead the future of working forest conservation.”
Hatfield, who most recently served as the national director of science and planning at the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), brings decades of experience in nonprofit operations, conservation strategy and organizational growth. He led NWTF’s $50+ million Keystone Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, negotiated in 2022, stewarded and expanded the NWTF and Natural Resources Conservation Service partnership and has managed field programs, finances and staff at national scale.
“RGS & AWS has a proud history and a powerful mission,” Hatfield said. “I’m honored to help strengthen its operational capacity so the entire conservation team and our volunteers can do what they do best – restore habitat, build partnerships and make a difference on the ground and in communities.”
Malcolm, previously assistant director of renewable resources for the Forest Service’s Eastern Region, is a policy expert and field biologist with global conservation credentials. His early work included directly supporting the establishment of China’s first privately funded nature reserve, and his Forest Service leadership role positioned him as a close partner of RGS & AWS in recent years.
“Ruffed grouse, woodcock and the healthy forests these iconic species help define need proactive, science-based conservation action,” Malcolm said. “This role allows me to combine my background in policy, relationship building and boots-on-the-ground project delivery in a way that will benefit forests, wildlife and all of us who cherish these special places.”