September 20, 2006

Contact: Miles Moretti
Tel.: 801-230-2207
E-mail: president@muledeer.org

Mule Deer Foundation Announces New President/CEO

RENO, Nev. – The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) recently announced that Miles Moretti of Salt Lake City, Utah, will become the organization’s president/CEO as of October 1, 2006. Moretti has been with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for the past thirty years, first as a field biologist and most recently as its deputy director.

“After looking at many qualified candidates, the board of directors felt that Moretti’s background and geographic local made him the best fit for the long-term plans of the Mule Deer Foundation,” said Chairman Pat Juhl, who has been acting president/CEO for the past two years. “We feel he will be a tremendous asset to MDF.”

MDF’s president serves as chief executive officer and is charged with implementing policies and programs of the Foundation for the benefit of mule deer. Moretti will be responsible for the success of all aspects of the Foundation, including fund raising, administration of project funding, membership development, communications, office and field staff, annual convention, merchandise programs, volunteer relations and the annual budget.

Moretti said, “Juhl has been able to lay the groundwork for us to move MDF forward and become a leader in wildlife conservation in North America. We have many challenges and opportunities ahead.” He expressed gratitude to Juhl for his unwavering dedication and leadership over the past two years and added, “Pat’s leadership has taken the organization from a difficult time to positioning the organization where we are today.” Moretti also recognized MDF’s members and active volunteers as being the backbone of the organization.

Since announcing his retirement from the State of Utah and his new position with MDF, Moretti has had a very positive response from those he worked with in government. He has spoken with several state wildlife directors who want to work closely with MDF and are excited to partner with the organization.

Moretti plans to focus on projects on the ground, putting membership dollars towards restoring mule deer habitat. He also wants to reach out to members and revive active chapters in states where MDF has been strong in the past. “I am very excited about being a part of the MDF team,” Moretti said.

The Mule Deer Foundation is a national non-profit 501c3 organization, with over 10,000 members. MDF’s mission is to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitats. MDF is dedicated to restoring, improving and protecting mule deer habitat (including land and easement acquisitions) resulting in self-sustaining, healthy, free ranging and huntable deer populations; encouraging and supporting responsible wildlife management with government agencies, private organizations and landowners; promoting public education and scientific research related to mule deer and wildlife management; supporting and encouraging responsible and ethical behavior and awareness of issues among those whose actions affect mule deer; and acknowledging regulated hunting as a viable component of mule deer and black-tailed deer conservation.

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For information about the Mule Deer Foundation or to join please call 1-888-375-DEER (3337).