Mike Walker, Scottsdale, Elected Vice President of Outdoor Writers Association of America

At June’s annual conference of the national Outdoor Writers association of America (OWAA), the association’s board of directors elected Mike Walker, Scottsdale, Ariz. third vice president.
 
As third VP Walker will double as this year’s OWAA industry liaison, and he’ll also assist with conference planning and coordinate OWAA Sections – special member-created segments of the outdoor communicators group that includes broadcasters, photographers and newspaper writers.
 
“Mike brings a keen business savvy to the association, and I look forward to tapping his entrepreneurial spirit to help meet the changing needs of our members,” said OWAA Executive Director Kevin Rhoades.
 
Walker produces and writes for two nationally syndicated radio programs he created, “The World of Ducks Unlimited” and “Toyota Outdoors.” He also writes a marketing column for Soundings Trade Only magazine.
 
Walker brings a long list of credentials to the job, and he’s been an active committee volunteer and chair, and he just completed his second stint on OWAA’s board. Before starting his agency in 1982, he was public relations manager for the Armour-Dial Corporation in Phoenix.
 
After graduating from the Kansas University School of Journalism in 1969, he did two overseas tours as a U. S. Naval Officer before earning a master’s degree and taught journalism at Ft. Hays State University in Kansas. Today he runs the Walker Agency, a business that specializes in automotive, marine, lifestyle recreation, and conservation clients.
 
The 1,300-member Outdoor Writers Association of America is the oldest and largest association of professional outdoor communicators in the United States. It was organized in 1927 by members of the Izaak Walton League of America and includes professional communicators dedicated to sharing the outdoor experience. OWAA’s professionals include writers, photographers, outdoors radio- and television show hosts, book authors, videographers, lecturers and artists. The association is headquartered in Missoula, Mont.