Washington D.C. (July 28, 2026) – The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies proudly shares the news that Patricia Allen, Director of Communication at the Association, is recognized as this year’s Kay Ellerhoff Spirit of ACI Award winner. Allen was presented with this award during the Association for Conservation Information (ACI) Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This prestigious award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment and efforts on behalf of ACI.
“Patricia is a true leader and is widely respected in her field. She has a positive attitude, extensive knowledge about conservation and communication, and a passion to connect people with the outdoors and inspire conservation,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association. “The Association is thrilled to see Patty honored for her passion of conservation and communication.”
Since 1986, the Kay Ellerhoff Spirit of ACI Award has been awarded to individuals who have embodied exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication and profound commitment and enthusiasm to the ACI membership. ACI is a non-profit organization of natural resources communicators. ACI serves to further natural resource conservation and exchange and is made up of professionals representing state, federal and Canadian wildlife conservation and parks and natural resource agencies as well as private conservation organizations.
“Patty has consistently exemplified what it means to go above and beyond the call of duty,” said Ron Regan, Executive Director of the Association. “Her dedication to our community is evident and her overall passion for helping others through leadership, collaboration and the ultimate pursuit of knowledge is something to be admired.”
When Allen found out she was the recipient of this year’s award, she responded: “It is an incredible honor to receive the Spirit of ACI Award. Being recognized like this by my fellow natural resources communicators from across the nation was such a wonderful surprise, and truly humbling. Huge thanks to everyone who makes this community so inspiring!”
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration to advance favorable fish and wildlife conservation policy and funding and works to ensure that all entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides member agencies with coordination services on cross-cutting as well as species-based programs that range from birds, fish habitat and energy development to climate change, wildlife action plans, conservation education, leadership training and international relations. Working together, the Association’s member agencies are ensuring that North American fish and wildlife management has a clear and collective voice.
ASSOCIATION OF FISH & WILDLIFE AGENCIES
