Incoming leader plans to put emphasis on producing more ducks

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — Michael H. Mooney has been appointed as chairman of the board for Delta Waterfowl.

Mooney, 54, is an avid waterfowl hunter and conservation-minded leader from Chicago who spends several days each hunting season at Swan Lake in Illinois and Heron Lake in Minnesota. Mooney brings a passion for waterfowl conservation, as well as strong experience in board governance and fundraising to the role of chairman.

“Delta Waterfowl is a proud conservation organization with a rich, 110-year history rooted in waterfowl science,” Mooney said. “During my tenure as chairman, I want to ensure Delta continues to use the best science to implement duck production programs that make a meaningful impact — to add ducks to the fall flight.”

Prior to joining Delta’s board in May 2018, Mooney sponsored Delta Waterfowl Hen House projects in southwestern Minnesota to enhance duck production in the Prairie Pothole Region.

“I was impressed with the staff and mission of Delta Waterfowl, so I raised my hand and asked if I could serve the organization,” Mooney said. “Hunters are often the greatest conservationists. I was inspired by Delta founding father James Ford Bell’s call to put back as many or more ducks than hunters at his club shot each season. Delta is a waterfowl research leader, and applies that research in the most cost-effective, proven ways to produce ducks.”

An investment advisor for Goldman Sachs who manages assets for families, Mooney has been married to his wife, Lynda since 1997. The couple has two children, Sean and Caitlin. Mooney also serves on the boards of Footwear Unlimited Corporation and Catholic Charities of Chicago. He is a founding board member of the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools, and of the advisory board for Highsight, which provides scholarships and mentoring for at-risk, inner-city youth. Mooney has also served on the governing committees and boards of Sacred Heart Schools in Chicago, St. Clement Church, Chaminade College Preparatory, Gilda's Club Cancer Center, the Saddle and Cycle Club, St. Ignatius College Prep and Heron Lake Farms. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and an MBA from Washington University’s Olin School of Business.

Mooney intends to continue to foster Delta’s strong commitment as The Duck Hunters Organization.

“Delta Waterfowl will proudly serve as leaders in duck production, habitat conservation, research and education, and hunter recruitment and retention (HunteR3) throughout North America,” he said.

Mooney succeeds William M. Yandell III, a real estate developer from Memphis, Tennessee. During Yandell’s term, Delta made monumental gains in habitat conservation through the inclusion of the organization’s Working Wetlands program and by working with Manitoba to develop the GROW program. Both ensure that breeding ducks have excellent places to nest and raise broods. Delta’s innovative duck production programs — Predator Management and Hen Houses — have continued to thrive, and Delta launched HunteR3, an initiative that includes the University Hunting Program, First Hunt and Defending the Hunt.

“Everyone at Delta extends their gratitude to Will Yandell for his excellent leadership, vision and dedication to ducks and duck hunters during his service as board chairman,” said Dr. Scott Petrie, Delta’s chief executive officer.

In addition to Mooney’s appointment, George C. Freeman III of Richmond, Virginia, is the new vice chairman. Robert B. Trainer Jr. of Houston, Texas, was appointed treasurer.

Other returning Delta board members include Yandell; Charles C. Hager Jr. of Bozeman, Montana; John H. Dobbs Jr. of Memphis, Tennessee; Daniel C. Hughes Jr. of Jackson, Mississippi; G. Ruffner Page Jr. of Birmingham, Alabama; Thomas G. Henning of Lake Charles, Louisiana; Patrick J. Rothwell of Chevy Chase, Maryland; Timothy B. Robertson of Virginia Beach, Virginia; W. Frank McCreight of Westworth Village, Texas; Dick Carmical of Monticello, Arkansas; Kenneth M. LaGrande of Sacramento, California; Angus R. Cooper III of Mobile, Alabama; Charles A. Elcan of Nashville, Tennessee; Robert E. Bartels Jr. of South Bend, Indiana; Robert D. Sopuck of Sandy Lake, Manitoba; John W. Childs of Vero Beach, Florida; John S. Dale of Waubay, South Dakota; Thomas J. Landwehr of Shoreview, Minnesota; and Dr. Scott Petrie, CEO of Delta Waterfowl.

Delta welcomes five new board members: Benjamin G. Bordelon of Lockport, Louisiana; John M. Dunlap of Newmarket, Ontario; Rosemary G. McIlhenny of Nashville, Tennessee; David Moore of Lake Forest, Illinois; and Don Valentine of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

George R. Eaton of Caledon, Ontario; John A. MacQuarrie of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; John Robinson of Calgary, Alberta; and William G. Turnbull of Calgary, Alberta, serve Delta as directors at large.

For more information, contact Dr. Scott Petrie at (701) 712-1982 or spetrie@deltawaterfowl.org.

Delta Waterfowl Foundation is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group working to produce ducks and secure the future of duck hunting in North America. Visit deltawaterfowl.org.