QDMA National Board taps ACE Basin Branch leader

Joe Holt and Nicole Garris with a guest workshop speaker

Late season success for Nicole Garris

The hunting conservation group that was born in Colleton County, is adding a Colletonian to their national board. The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) was founded by Hendersonville resident Joe Hamilton nearly 25 years ago. Current Walterboro QDMA Branch President Nicole Garris has been selected to join the National Board of QDMA. Garris will be the first female national board member for QDMA, giving them greater diversity moving forward into their 25th anniversary year in 2013. The ACE Basin Branch of QDMA was selected as the 2012 Branch of the Year at their National Convention this past summer. “QDMA has some of the finest and most dedicated volunteers anywhere,” said Garris. “With my background in Branch leadership and my experience in helping Fortune 500 companies, I am excited about helping the organization to grow its membership, volunteers and outreach. QDMA recognizes that women are increasingly involved in hunting and wildlife habitat management,” said Garris. “I want to make sure we take actions to encourage women to get involved in QDMA, both as members and in Branch leadership roles.” Under her leadership, the ACE Basin Branch of QDMA has sponsored various disabled hunter and wounded warrior deer hunts, held annual workshops for their members, and been instrumental in executing the Venison for the Hungry program. Garris has also worked to establish a QDMA in South Carolina license plate program. She resides in Williams with her husband, Joe Holt.

To view past blog entries about the ACE Basin branch of QDMA click here.