Benjamin Tuggle

Dr. Tuggle is a distinguished conservation leader and diversity champion with over 40 years at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, retiring in 2019 as Assistant Director for Science Applications. He played a key role in fostering collaboration among government agencies, tribes, and private organizations to advance science-based conservation. As Regional Director for the Southwest Region, he managed complex natural resource issues, including endangered species and cross-border conservation efforts. He established key programs such as the Wolf-Livestock Interdiction Program and the first urban National Wildlife Refuge in the Southwest. Earlier in his career, he founded the first Cooperative Wildlife Unit at a Historically Black College, expanding diversity in conservation leadership. He also helped launch the Chicago Wilderness Initiative, promoting urban conservation. Dr. Tuggle continues to advocate for scientific integrity, conservation innovation, and minority representation in natural resource management.