MEET THE STAFF
DEKE WHITBECK
President
Deke and his family have deep roots in Arkansas. Born and raised in Little Rock, Deke graduated from the University of Arkansas with a finance degree. He is an avid sportsman and has a passion for conservation and its impact on Arkansas. Deke stepped into the role of President of the Foundation in November 2016 and implemented various new programs and events across the state supporting the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Deke and his wife, Sarah, have two beautiful daughters, Cate and Charley, and love spending time with the girls exploring Arkansas’s outdoors.
RUTH-KATHRYN KELLY
Director of Operations
Ruth-Kathryn Kelly, a native of West Memphis, joined the Foundation in 2016. As Director of Operations, she helps oversee the organization’s daily business activities, specializing in data management and bookkeeping. She holds a degree in public relations from the University of Alabama. Her passion is helping facilitate and assist in the mission of both the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as well as the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. She resides in Conway with her husband, Bobby M. Kelly III and her two daughters.
TYLER LAWRENCE
Director of Events
Tyler was born and raised in Arkansas, growing up on the banks of the Little Red River near Pangburn. He holds a business administration degree from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Prior to joining AGFF, Tyler served as Regional Director for the National Wild Turkey Federation and has been involved with nonprofit conservation organizations througout his career. Tyler is a lifelong hunter and angler, passing on those passions to his two sons, Pierce and Beau. Tyler and his wife, Jennifer, live in Greenbrier.
JIBBIE TYLER
Senior Director of Development and Corporate Partnerships
If Jibbie has a choice to be inside or outside, she will always choose outside. She enjoys the beauty of the Natural State and finds an excuse to be in it as much as possible. Born and raised in Little Rock, she joined the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation in May 2022 where she leads development efforts and oversees the organization’s corporate partnerships. Jibbie has two children, Breck and Presley, and she loves sharing her appreciation of Arkansas’s gorgeous landscape with them.
MATT BAKER
Special Projects Coordinator
Matt, an Arkansas native, enjoys the state’s outdoors, developing a love for hunting and fishing in Greenbrier where he spent most of his youth. Matt earned bachelor’s degrees in accounting and psychology from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Formerly a business development officer in banking, he built connections and helped businesses grow. Now living in Conway with his fiancé Caroline, and their two dogs, Matt is excited to promote the Foundation’s message to Arkansas youth while continuing to complement the progress AGFF has made over the past 40 years.
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As Chairman of the Board, I am proud to support and encourage the dedicated work of our organization. Our unwavering commitment to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission drives us forward. By investing our time and resources, we not only achieve our goals but also inspire others to join us in making a meaningful impact. Together, we build a brighter future for conservation initiatives across Arkansas.”
DR. HAYDEN FRANKS, Chairman Physician, Franks Dermatology, Little Rock
THOMAS SHURGAR
Vice Chairman
Partner
Oak Crest Wealth
Management
Little Rock
TJ LAWHON
Secretary
Attorney
Wright Lindsey Jennings
Little Rock
DR. JEFF WISENER
Treasurer
Dentist
Wisener Cooper Fergus
Dental
Rogers
JOHN RUTLEDGE Past Chairman
Regional President First Security Bank Little Rock
ANDY MILLER, Little Rock
BILL NEWTON, Conway
BOB COOPER JR., Fort Smith
BOB GUNDERMAN, Little Rock
DR. BRENT BENNETT, Texarkana
BRENT BIRCH, Little Rock
BRYANT SMITH, Little Rock
CARTER CLARK, Fayetteville
CHRIS GOSNELL, Magnolia
CORY DAVIS, Southwest Arkansas
DAVID JOHNSTON, Searcy
ED DRILLING, Little Rock
EDDIE RODGERS, Little Rock
FRANKLIN BASS, Hot Springs
GAR LILE, Benton
GARY DAN FUTRELL, Nashville
GREG FELTUS, Little Rock
HUNTER BALE, Little Rock
JAY MOSS, Stuttgart
JOE COOK, Jonesboro
JOHN TEETER, Fayetteville
JON ROSS HENDERSON, Conway
JORDAN JOHNSON, Little Rock
KAYLE BROWNING, Greenbrier
KENNY GUNDERMAN, Little Rock
KYLE HAMILTON, Happy Rescue Corner
LARRY BOWDEN, Little Rock
LIBBY DAVIS, Little Rock
MARSHALL SAVIERS, Fayetteville
DR. MICHAEL FAKOURI, Monticello
RANDY MILLIGAN, Conway
ROBERT FELTUS, Little Rock
RORY HERNDON, Hot Springs
DR. ROY BURRELL, Pine Bluff
RYAN HERINGER, Jonesboro
SCOTT TABOR, Little Rock
SHAY SEBREE, Little Rock
STEVEN SON, Jonesboro
THOMAS WHITNEY, Little Rock
TODD ROSS, Conway
TOMMY COUGHLIN, Bentonville
TRACY FINN, Fayetteville
WADE HILL, Dumas
WIL MAXWELL, Monticello
WITT STEPHENS, JR., President Emeritus
YVETTE PARKER, Little Rock
Simmons First Foundation believes in the power of supporting our communities. We are honored to provide this donation, which will provide a better outdoor experience for all Arkansans with disabilities.”
TOMMY MAY, Chairman Simmons First Foundation
ENHANCING OUTDOOR ACCESSIBILITY
Simmons First Foundation
The Simmons First Foundation has teamed up with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation to improve outdoor accessibility for people with mobility impairments. This initiative includes a $60,256 donation from the Simmons Bank Foundation to fund adaptive recreation equipment such as offroad track chairs that facilitate terrain navigation. The program also aims to enhance access to hunting, fishing and wildlife-watching activities through specialized equipment and ADA-compliant facilities.
The AGFC aims to revitalize its offerings to mobility-impaired users during mentored hunts and other outdoors opportunities through equipment such as offroad track chairs. These electric wheelchairs are equipped with rubberized tracks that allow the user to overcome many types of terrain, providing greater access to hunting, shooting, angling and wildlife-watching opportunities for mobility-impaired individuals.
“Increasing access to the outdoors and AGFC facilities is more than a goal of the agency, it is mission critical,” said Austin Booth, AGFC director.
“It is so important that we consider how to provide all Arkansans with the opportunity to engage with
the outdoors. With today’s technology, we are more capable than ever of offering these experiences to mobility-impaired individuals.”
In addition to the chairs, the AGFC is also looking to invest in additional adaptive gear for fishing, archery, hunting and paddling that would be available at its nine nature centers as a means of being more inclusive to all guests. Additional public access points such as ADA-compliant fishing piers and trails at AGFC facilities are also being discussed.
“We plan to create a portal on the agency’s website geared toward awareness of the many opportunities available to people in Arkansas’ outdoors and the adaptive recreation gear available to them to continue their journey into the outdoors,” said Spencer Griffith, AGFC deputy director of education and outreach. “Our companions at the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation have been vital in connecting the AGFC with many new partners like Simmons First Foundation to make great strides in our mission. These sorts of partnerships are the key to ushering in a new era of the outdoors for everyone.”
The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation is heavily involved in raising money and awareness to improve wildlife habitats, educating Arkansas youth, and maintaining the state’s outdoor legacy.
FORT SMITH REIMAGINE CAMPAIGN
In 2023, the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation launched the Reimagine campaign at the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith. This initiative aims to enhance the nature center’s facilities and offerings to improve visitor experiences and accessibility. The campaign includes upgrades to existing exhibits, the development of new educational programs, and improvements to outdoor amenities such as trails and fishing areas around Wells Lake. Key features of the nature center include a 1,200-gallon aquarium showcasing native fish; interactive displays that educate visitors about local ecosystems; and ADA-compliant trails providing access to various natural habitats. The center also offers educational opportunities through classrooms and a multipurpose room designed for community events and wildlife workshops.
Part classroom, part museum and part playground, the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center helps visitors of all ages better understand their natural surroundings and
feel more connected to the world around them. Serving the Arkansas River Valley since 2006, the center annually welcomes thousands of returning and new visitors alike. By helping re-envision what the space can be, the Reimagine campaign will ensure the center continues to educate and delight guests of all ages for generations to come.
THE NATURE CENTER
170 acres
Built in 2006
14,000 square feet
AGFC is currently in the concept development phase of creating an immersive and innovative experience that provides conservation education and outdoor recreation opportunities to all visitors. The agency plans to build upon the facility’s current strengths and affirm its role as the area’s central hub for learning about and participating in outdoor recreation. The fundraising goal for the Reimagine campaign is $3 million+.
For more information on the campaign, contact Jibbie@agff.org
I am passionate about the outdoors and nature and I want more kids and families to get excited about the outdoors. I had friends in church that started taking me outdoors and it’s been a blessing to me.”
BENNIE WESTPHAL, Former AGFC Commissioner
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS FISH HABITAT ALLIANCE
The Northwest Arkansas Fish Habitat Alliance is dedicated to improving fish habitats in regional lakes and reservoirs. The organization collaborates with various partners, including high schools and community groups, to carry out habitat enhancement projects.
One notable project involves students from Cedarville High School who, in collaboration with the city of Fort Smith, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and MossBack Fish Habitat, built and deployed fish habitat structures in Lake Fort Smith. This project is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate aging lakes and reservoirs, many of which have lost natural woody habitats essential for maintaining healthy fish populations.
In another initiative, Har-Ber High
School agriculture classes are working on planting eel grass to enhance aquatic vegetation in local lakes. This vegetation provides critical hiding places and breeding grounds for fish, boosting their populations and improving overall lake health. This hands-on project not only supports fish habitats but also offers students practical learning experiences in plant propagation and ecosystem management . These and other projects highlight the Northwest Arkansas Fish Habitat Alliance’s commitment to involving the community and educational institutions in conservation efforts, aiming to create sustainable fish habitats and enrich local ecosystems .
I have made my living in the outdoors for over 15 years, and I have always been passionate about introducing our youth to fishing and hunting. That’s why I am excited about our new program. It combines education with conservation while giving students ownership in improving our local lakes. As we continue to place more pressure on our lakes in northwest Arkansas, this program will improve the ecosystem of our waters. I am honored to be a part of this group.”
GREG BOHANNON, Professional Angler
2024 ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH FOUNDATION BY
THE NUMBERS
43 YEARS SUPPORTING AGFC $ $8 RAISED FOR EVERY DOLLAR SPENT AGFC PROGRAMS WE SUPPORT MORE THAN
MORE THAN $3 Million Raised to support Youth Shooting Sports
MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION generated for conservation and education through the IMPACT FUND
45K
ANGLERS AT 339 STOCKED FISHING DERBIES
FAMILY & COMMUNITY FISHING PROGRAM
200,000
Visitors Explored Our Nine Nature Centers
5,000 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN YOUTH SHOOTING SPORTS
13,000
Engaged Students
ARCHERY IN THE SCHOOLS PROGRAM
GET
IT FOR GAME WARDENS
Supporting Arkansas's Game Wardens with Essential Equipment and Resources
Get It for Game Wardens is an initiative established by the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation to support the state's game wardens, providing essential equipment and resources not covered in the annual budget. Founded in 2021, the program aims to address the financial shortfalls that can affect the ability of game wardens to protect natural resources and enforce wildlife regulations effectively. The program has garnered support from various organizations and individuals, raising more than $86,000 to purchase multiple Rambo E-Bikes, medical backpacks, thermal drones, boats, a new K9 and more.
MALLARDS FOR MARION
Honoring a Conservation Legend through Duck Hunts and Youth Support
A leader in conservation, lifelong outdoorsman and legendary retailer Marion McCollum passed away in June 2023. An inductee of the AGFF Arkansas Outdoors Hall of Fame, he leaves behind a legacy of passion for the outdoors expressed in his commitment to youth and the institution that is Mack's Prairie Wings in Stuttgart. To honor his legacy, AGFF President Emeritus Witt Stephens, a longtime friend and colleague of Marion's, established Mallards for Marion as a tribute to Marion's years of service to Arkansas's outdoors.
The program consists of duck hunts across the Grand Prairie each waterfowl season featuring some of Arkansas's most storied hunting clubs and duck holes. Funds raised from the campaign will directly benefit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Youth Shooting Sports Program to expand coaches’ training seminars and classes, improve access to shooting facilities, as well as fund equipment needs.
In 2023, more than $100,000 was raised through Mallards for Marion.
ARKANSAS OUTDOOR SOCIETY
Fostering Community and Conservation through Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Activities
The Arkansas Outdoor Society was formed to foster and sustain interest in hunting, fishing and outdoor activities while raising awareness about wildlife conservation. AOS creates a community dedicated to preserving Arkansas's natural heritage through exclusive events such as excursions, social gatherings, educational programs and service opportunities. Membership options include single and double memberships, offering benefits like event invitations and AOS-branded merchandise. Local chapters, such as those in central and northwest Arkansas, connect communities with outdoor activities and conservation efforts. For more details or to become a member visit the AOS page on the AGFF website.
PAST YEAR EVENTS
Mentored duck hunt with students from University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Wild game dinner
Spring Slam Pint nights
Pheasant hunt
Mentored youth deer hunts
EVENTS IN THE NATURAL STATE
Events held by the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation are attended by over 6,000 donors each year, raising more than $1.27 million to support the AGFC.
There’s something for everyone across the state, including fundraising banquets, golf tournaments, trap tournaments, fishing tournaments, and more.
Each year, over 1,700 people attend the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet, recognizing men and women from across the state who have been instrumental in expanding the use and enjoyment of Arkansas’s outdoor resources and broadening conservation education.
Northwest Arkansas’s is attended by over 500 people, with auctions, raffles and fun for all.
Want to support your local game wardens? The Foundation's events this year in Mt. Ida and Mountain Home raised over $70,000.
PLACE OUTLINE O AGFF LOGOS A different way to LI HOT SPRINGS
Sponsored by Farmers Bank & Trust, the South Arkansas Outdoor Socia event in Magnolia that includes a banquet, family and community fishing derby and fishing tournament.
The new honoring Marion McCollum, features a big hunt auction with proceeds benefiting Youth
JACKSONVILLE MOUNTAIN HOME
SPRINGDALE
PINE BLUFF
JONESBORO
MAGNOLIA
HOT SPRINGS
$1.14 MILLION DOLLARS RAISED OVER 4000 ATTENDEES
Find an Event Near You
Check out agff.org/events, or scan the QR code to find an event near you! Whether you're interested in attending a banquet with auctions and raffles, a golf or trap tournament, or want to support your local game wardens, we have something for you!
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS
The Foundation's Corporate Partnership Program is designed to showcase select companies that are dedicating resources to advance key conservation and education efforts throughout the state.
Each partner receives a tailored sponsorship package that aligns with their budget and marketing goals. From youth shooting sports to fishing education, the program offers a wide variety of AGFC conservation programs and projects for partners to support.
Corporate partners can collaborate with the AGFC on initiatives such as sponsorships, cause-marketing campaigns, and employee engagement projects. These partnerships connect corporations with their stakeholders in meaningful ways through conservation efforts. By leveraging AGFC’s brand affinity and popularity, the long-term goal is to sustain outdoor activities for future generations of enthusiasts. For more information, please contact Jibbie Tyler at Jibbie@agff.org.
COMMITTED PARTNERS IN 2024
IMPACT FUND SPOTLIGHT
Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program
The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation established the Impact Fund to support critical conservation initiatives and habitat projects across Arkansas. This fund helps finance projects that can often leverage matching dollars, sometimes at a ratio of 3:1 or higher.
In 2024, AGFF contributed $200,000 to the Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program that will be matched to provide over $800,000 of funding for the program. These funds will be used to expand coaches’ training seminars and classes, improve access to shooting facilities, as well as fund equipment needs.
Funds supporting youth shooting sports are managed within the Foundation's MidwayUSA Foundation endowment. Established in 2014, this endowment has grown to over $4.5 million, thanks to the generosity of donors and the MidwayUSA Foundation.
WAYS TO GIVE
IMPACT FUND
The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation's Impact Fund is a pivotal initiative aimed at bolstering conservation programs and habitat projects throughout Arkansas. The Impact Fund empowers donors to direct their contributions to specific outdoor areas they are passionate about, including wildlife habitat restoration, enhancing public access and advancing fish and wildlife research projects.
One of the standout features of the Impact Fund is its ability to leverage donations through matching programs, often achieving ratios as high as 3:1. This amplification means each donation can be significantly increased, enabling more comprehensive and effective conservation efforts.
ENDOWMENTS
Legacy endowments contribute significantly to the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation’s mission.
Two established endowments honor former AGFC Director Steve N. Wilson and former Foundation President Steve Smith. Established in 2017, Steve Smith & Steve N. Wilson Endowments empower the Foundation to undertake projects supporting the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
The Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Endowment, created in 2015, supports the AGFC’s Youth Shooting Sports Program.
The Arkansas Water Quality Endowment, set up in 2017, finances projects enhancing Arkansas’s water quality, such as the Arkansas Unpaved Roads Program which reduces sediment runoff and maintenance costs.
The Judy and Randy Wilbourn Endowment funds the Scott Henderson Fellowship at Hendrix College. This unique opportunity gives students the opportunity to gain invaluable experience by collaborating directly with the AGFC Research Division on the Central Arkansas Urban Wildlife Project.
PLANNED GIVING
A gift given today shapes tomorrow. Planned giving allows donors to make significant, enduring contributions impacting future generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Our Leaving a Legacy program offers various planned gift options to align with donors’ interests and resources.
PLANNED GIFTS CAN ENCOMPASS:
Gifts in living wills or trusts
Legacy endowments
Gifts of securities
Beneficiary designations
Gifts of personal or real estate property
Retirement plan assets
Annual fund membership program
Capital gifts
Memorials and honorariums
Gifts in-kind
Corporate matching gifts
The Game and Fish Foundation is honored to support initiatives that benefit the hard-working men and women of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Through our collaboration, we aim to enhance resources and recognize their dedication and contributions to conserving and managing our state's natural resources.
Join the AGFF Annual Membership Program Today!
The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation is an invaluable partner to the Commission. Their unwavering support in campaigns, events and funding initiatives has been instrumental in advancing our mission and supporting our employees. Congratulations on another spectacular year of collaboration and achievement!”
AUSTIN BOOTH, Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
