Mike Butler

Michael Butler is a native Tennessean who grew up in Jackson and has since lived in each grand division of the state. Greatly impacted by his experiences outdoors from an early age, Butler's passion for Tennessee’s wildlife and great outdoors led him to study wildlife and fisheries science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and then earn his masters of science in fish and wildlife management from Montana State University. Upon returning to Tennessee in 1996, he was recruited to join the Tennessee Conservation League, which later changed its name to Tennessee Wildlife Federation. In 2002, Butler was promoted to the chief executive officer, a position he holds presently. His work over the years with the Federation has allowed him to engage in and address several of Tennessee’s most significant wildlife and conservation needs. Butler has served on numerous conservation and community-oriented boards, providing leadership on several initiatives. At a state level, he is a member of the Tennessee Valley Authority's Regional Energy Resource Council, the Lone Oaks Farm Advisory Committee, University of Tennessee Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Advisory Board and Governor Lee's Asian Carp Task Force. At a national level, Butler served as a member of the board of trustees for the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation from 2006 until 2012 as an appointee of President George W. Bush. His past honors include achieving his Eagle Scout and being recognized as the Tennessee Chapter of The Wildlife Society’s 2004 Outstanding Wildlife Professional of the Year award. Currently, he is a professional member of the Boone and Crockett Club, The Wildlife Society, and a member of other national wildlife conservation organizations. He lives outside of Franklin with his wife Wallis, their three daughters—Wesley Anne, Campbell, and Ella—and their Labrador Retrievers.