Taniya Bethke Joins Council Team As Director Of Operations

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Haley Faith
[email protected]

(Washington, D.C.) – The Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports is pleased to welcome Taniya Bethke as the new Director of Operations.

Taniya served the past 4 years as the R3 Coordinator and Division Staff Specialist of Education for South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. In that role she helped drive R3 efforts for the state of South Dakota, establishing R3 as a cornerstone of her agency. Taniya has actively engaged across both the Midwest and Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) regions to collaborate on R3 efforts, including administration of a Multistate Conservation Grant to create the Small Game Outreach Toolkit. She is also an active member on the AFWA Engagement and Connections Work Group and actively strives to connect people from all walks of life with outdoor recreation opportunities.

As Director of Operations, Taniya will work with Executive Director, Dr. Steven Leath, to advance the development of the Council while ensuring successful and consistent operation of the organization. Ms. Bethke will provide leadership on the National R3 Symposium and provide primary leadership for national and regional R3 training and education programs. Bethke will also co-lead the National R3 Implementation Workgroup and the effort to demonstrate national progress on R3 efforts and provide leadership for the Council’s efforts to grow hunting and shooting sports by innovative new approaches.

“I am beyond excited to work with The Council on the next phase of R3,” Taniya states. “A powerful foundation has been built and we’re all looking ahead. These are new times, with new challenges to obliterate and new customers to serve. There are bridges to be built, and I’m all-in.”

Taniya’s love of the outdoors extends outside of her profession. She loves camping and hiking with her family and friends, shooting her bow, hunting, wildlife photography and drawing, and teaching her 2-year-old daughter, Fio, how to fish. Taniya and her husband, Aric are expecting their second daughter this summer and can’t wait to show her their love of wild spaces.

“Taniya is an immeasurable asset to the Council. Her strong skillsets, informed perspective, and dynamic personality will help drive the Council towards a bright future,” states Dr. Steven Leath. “We are fortunate to have Taniya join our team.”

To get in touch with Taniya, please contact her via email at [email protected].