The board wasted no time in naming Rob Keck’s replacement shortly after his departure. George Thornton takes over the organization after the shake up that saw two executives forced out and the sudden resignation of Rob Keck in response to the shake up.
Thornton brings 36 years of agribusiness experience in a variety of positions and organizations. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. A Georgia native, he has lived in five states, four countries in addition to visiting more than 50 other countries. He currently resides with his wife, Beth at Creekside Farm, Elberton, Ga. with plans to relocate to Edgefield, S.C.
Mr. Thornton takes over an organization that has pretty much accomplished it’s original mission of restoring the wild turkey and needs to redefine its mission to remain as a viable organization with many outdoorsmen. NWTF has never reveled what the audit showed that lead to the departure of the two executives so speculation persists in many circles. Many feel there has been lots of money has been spent to fund extravagant hunts for executives within the NWTF. Whether this is true or not I can’t say but I’ve certainly heard it many times when talking with people about the NWTF.
NWTF does a lot of great stuff, getting kids into hunting, women to join our ranks, as well as assistance to help those with handicaps to enjoy our sport. NWTF also works to restore habitat for turkeys as well as other wildlife. I’m sure that these things will continue and to work into the new mission of the NWTF under the leadership of George Thornton.
Story by Dan McLaughlin AKA Moose
