Jake Messerli, a driving force for California Waterfowl’s conservation and education efforts, has been named chief operating officer of CWA.

Messerli, 39, has served as vice president of conservation programs for nine years. He began working for California Waterfowl as a waterfowl habitat biologist in 2001.

As a biologist, one of his biggest projects was designing the marsh at Bird Haven Ranch, one of the most prestigious private clubs in California’s legendary Upper Butte Basin.

As vice president, Messerli has been instrumental in developing California Waterfowl’s new 2018-2023 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes the importance of hunting and hunters in all that CWA does. Messerli has also overseen the acquisition of five CWA properties used for public hunting, educational programs and habitat conservation; as well as development of California Waterfowl’s successful and rapidly growing Hunt Program, which provides private-land hunting opportunity for the public.

California Waterfowl Chief Operating Officer Jake Messerli and his Lab Lucy/PHOTO BY TOM RASSUCHINE

In his new role, Messerli will have day-to-day strategic and operational responsibility for all California Waterfowl programs.

“As part of the management team for the last nine years, Jake has been heavily involved in the success and growth of California Waterfowl,” said CWA President John Carlson, Jr.

“He is well respected among our partners, members, board, staff and major foundations and donors," Carlson said. “I am extremely excited and happy that Jake is stepping up to this new role, and I see great things in CWA's future!”

With Messerli in charge of operations, Carlson will now focus on cultivating existing and new relationships with public and private funders and partners at the highest levels.