Chapter Officers

Matt Ihnken is a Certified Wildlife Biologist® and the Solar Wildlife Lead at NextEra Energy Resources, LLC. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Fish and Wildlife Biology. Matt has held numerous positions within The Wildlife Society over the years. He believes that working groups and state chapters are a critical piece of The Wildlife Society, providing members a place to go to discuss issues important to them, but also providing guidance to the TWS board. His goal is to continue to increase the presence of the Michigan Chapter both to members and the TWS board and give members an opportunity to have a voice in policy discussions and decisions in the Great Lakes State and beyond.

Paul is a professor in the Wildlife Biology and Natural Resources Management programs at Grand Valley State. He received his BS (biology) and MS (natural resources management) from UW-Stevens Point and my Ph.D. (fisheries and wildlife) from MI state. He have previously served as an executive board member and treasurer for the MI TWS chapter and is happy to serve the chapter again.

Clay is a wildlife ecologist at Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) where he develops mammal population surveys and inventories natural communities and forest resources. He received his B.S. in Natural Resources at Central Michigan University and his M.S. in Wildlife Ecology at Mississippi State University.

Rachel Kanaziz is a Wildlife Technician with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. She received her BS from Adrian College and MS in Ecology from Colorado State University, researching life history on ground squirrels. 

To be announced...

Samantha Courtney is a Deer Biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. After receiving her B.S. from Michigan State University (MSU), she spent five years traveling the country working various wildlife jobs. She began graduate school at MSU focusing on deer behavior in relation to chronic wasting disease, receiving her M.S. in 2023.