07/26/2026
Congratulations to the Wildlife Society Western Section's next President-Elect Tiffany May! Get to know your next President-Elect!
Tiffany May:
I became involved with the Western Section of The Wildlife Society in 2016 as a member of the student chapter at the University of Nevada, Reno, where I served as secretary and treasurer and helped plan the 2017 Student Conclave. Since then, I have remained actively engaged—presenting research, supporting student activities, and serving on the planning committee for the 2026 Annual Meeting in Monterey. The Western Section has shaped both my personal and professional life more than any other organization. Through its programs and events, I have built lasting friendships, found extraordinary mentors, and collaborated with exceptional colleagues. I have experienced the Western Section's impact in fostering thoughtful discussion, supporting members, and sustaining a strong sense of community during these challenging times.
I have been fortunate to work across a wide range of ecosystems in Nevada and California, from rangelands and alpine lakes to intertidal systems, through research and fieldwork with universities, consulting firms, non-profits, and federal and state agencies. My career began in amphibian disease ecology at the University of Nevada, Reno, where I studied Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. In 2019, I began working with the Aquatic Ecology Program in Yosemite National Park, which led to my master's research on Yosemite toad reintroduction within the park, several seasons of fieldwork, and ongoing collaboration through my volunteer work and my current role as Field Conservation Supervisor at the San Francisco Zoo. Between 2019 and 2025, I worked across California in roles including salmon conservation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in Humboldt County, surveying for threatened and endangered species throughout Southern California with the Fisher Lab at the U.S. Geological Survey, and mentoring middle and high school students in ecological research. Outside of my professional role, I am the co-founder of HERpetology et al., an organization dedicated to supporting women and gender non-conforming individuals in herpetology, and will soon begin my position on the board of Save the Snakes, an organization whose mission is to conserve snakes around the world through education, research, and community support. I continue to volunteer in educational outreach and fieldwork whenever I get the chance. Through these experiences, I have developed strong skills in communication, collaboration, and adaptive problem-solving—leading field crews, working with diverse stakeholders on restoration projects, and navigating complex protocols and policies.
As President, I aim to build on the Western Section's strong foundation by strengthening our connection between the North American Model of Wildlife Management and ecological research and conservation, adapting to the future needs of our field and our world. I will strive to grow our partnerships with cultural and academic organizations, such as indigenous communities and museums. I am committed to expanding outreach to elementary-high school students to inspire the next generation of conservationists and to develop new pathways for their engagement within the Western Section. I am dedicated to fostering a community where members feel supported, valued, and connected—not only through professional development, but also through meaningful opportunities for collaboration, personal connection, and engagement beyond our day-to-day work. I would be honored to serve as President and to help guide the Western Section in strengthening our impact and supporting our thriving community of wildlife professionals.
