After just one meeting with Ohio Wildlife Center’s founder Dr. Don Burton in 2011, Jeff Walker knew that this was an organization with a crucial mission unlike any other in the community.
“I had lunch with Dr. Burton and his passion for Ohio Wildlife Center was palpable,” Walker recalled. “This, coupled with my interest in helping wildlife, made the opportunity to serve on the board something I was very excited to do.”
In the eight years since that meeting, Walker has served as a trustee on Ohio Wildlife Center’s board, with the last five years in the leadership role as board chair. He formally leaves the board at the end of 2019, in large part due to his new professional role as Chief Operating Officer for the City of Hope National Medical Center based in Los Angeles, California.
During his board service, Walker noted that the most difficult challenges arose after Dr. Burton passed away from ALS disease in 2014. “It was a very low point, but the staff and board came together to carry on his vision and passion,” Walker said. “We all were determined to continue the important work and be a voice for Ohio wildlife,” he said.
Several major projects were completed during Walker’s tenure as board chair, and he points to the commitment of the leadership, staff and volunteers as important links in carrying Dr. Burton’s legacy forward.
“We completed a robust strategic plan for growth and impact, we completed the construction of the Songbird Aviary, the Bonner Barn and the new PRF clinic, and we produced strong and improved results each year from the WildNite for Wildlife event,” Walker noted. These achievements have been crucial in advancing the mission in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education, he noted, while providing the resources necessary to support the entire organization.
“Like any non-profit organization, we rely heavily on the generosity of donors,” Walker said. “It will be important for Ohio Wildlife Center to continue to demonstrate its mission to existing and future donors. The Center will need to innovate and continue developing other revenue streams beyond philanthropy and the best example of that is SCRAM!,” Walker added.
Ohio Wildlife Center Executive Director Dusty Lombardi expressed the sentiments of the entire staff and board for Walker’s service and leadership these past eight years: “We are so grateful and appreciative for Jeff’s dedication and guidance for the years he has served. He inspired and motivated the team, while always supporting our goals to move the organization forward to new levels of service.”
Walker transitioned from the board chairmanship this fall when board Vice President Valerie Swiatek moved into the board chair role.