Washington D.C. (June 1, 2026)- The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Association) proudly shares the news that Ron Regan, Executive Director of the Association, is recognized as one of this year’s recipients of the Count Lajos Károlyi Merit Award during a ceremony held at the historic Károlyi Hunting Castle in Palárikovo, Slovakia. Hosted by Count József Károlyi, the ceremony honored individuals whose dedication and leadership have made a lasting contribution to wildlife conservation, sustainable hunting, and the preservation of our hunting heritage.
“Ron’s distinguished career in conserving our natural resources is marked by lasting achievements,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association. “We are deeply grateful for his outstanding contributions to our conservation success story.”
Highly respected in the international conservation community, this medal celebrates fair chase, responsible wildlife management, and the shared values of hunters and environmental stewards worldwide. Count Lajos Karolyi was a founding member of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation in the early 1930’s, in France, and the Association is a member of the Council.
“To say I am deeply grateful for this international recognition would be an understatement,” Regan said. “I began my career in 1979 as a seasonal wildlife technician in Vermont, and the 46 years since have been equally rewarding. My passion for conservation and serving the conservation community has been grounded in the rich contributions and professional friendships I’ve shared across borders.”
These awards celebrate the commitment, vision, and hard work of those who help advance wildlife conservation, responsible wildlife management, and the values that unite our international hunting and conservation community.
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
