Committee Charge:  Related to this strategic priority of the Association, the Leadership and Professional Development Committee plays a primary role in guiding actions of the Association that develops tools and programs to help States develop new generations of agency leaders who are prepared to address current and future conservation needs in their state, region, and across the US.  The Committee charge is to:

1. Provide oversight and direction to the Association's Management Assistance Team (MAT) – Work with MAT and provide guidance so that MAT is most effectively targeting the most important leadership development and agency management needs of state fish and wildlife agencies and Association members.
   
   
2. Create leadership development activities that may be used by State Association member agencies - Facilitate development of a Leadership Development Initiative to provide training and consulting services to States that will help them best address leadership development needs within their borders; facilitate and lead development of a Leadership Institute that provides exceptional training and networking opportunities for the next generation of conservation organizations’ top-leaders.
   
   
3. Communicate with Association members on trends related to leadership development and professional development – Communicate with Association members and disseminate state-of-the-art knowledge on trends, latest information, and “Best and Improved Practices” in leadership development. Provide resources so members may share their knowledge and experiences.
   
   
4. Coordinate with the National Conservation Leadership Institute Board of Directors – Work with the National Conservation Leadership Board of Directors to facilitate state fish and wildlife agency involvement in the National Conservation Leadership Institute and provide continuity in leadership development programming.

The Committee Members are: