Ducks Unlimited Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ducks Unlimited has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, information technology, and chapter operations.

Driven by conservation, Ducks Unlimited is dedicated to conserving North America's dwindling waterfowl populations and their habitats, ensuring a future for hunting and a healthy environment for all.

Leadership Roles at Ducks Unlimited

  • Chief Executive Officer - Adam Putnam
  • Chief Financial Officer - Darin Blunck
  • Chief Financial Officer & Interim Executive & Vice President & Secretary - Randy Graves
  • President-FGCU Chapter - James Swaford
  • Chapter President - Nicholas Grabek
  • President - Robert Spoerl
  • President - Tyler Avery
  • President - Ryan Mangiere
  • Chapter President, Banquet Chairman, Regional Advisors Internship - Andrew Bellamy
  • Chief Information Officer - Arnold Matson
  • Adam Putnam - Chief Executive Officer

    Adam Putnam, the Chief Executive Officer at Ducks Unlimited, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. Overseeing all facets of the non-profit's mission, Putnam ensures alignment with the core objective of waterfowl habitat conservation established during the Dust Bowl era. This leadership role involves guiding initiatives that address the critical decline of North American waterfowl populations and their habitats. By fostering partnerships and driving programmatic success, Adam Putnam directly impacts the organization's ability to secure a future for hunting and a healthy environment. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on long-term sustainability and expanding the organization's conservation footprint across the continent.
    Adam Putnam

    Darin Blunck - Chief Financial Officer

    Darin Blunck, the Chief Financial Officer at Ducks Unlimited, manages the organization's financial health and fiscal strategy. Overseeing all financial operations, Blunck ensures robust resource allocation to support critical conservation efforts and habitat restoration projects. This leadership position involves meticulous budget management, financial planning, and reporting to stakeholders, guaranteeing transparency and accountability. By optimizing financial performance and identifying funding opportunities, Darin Blunck directly contributes to the sustainability of Ducks Unlimited's mission. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for maintaining the organization's capacity to address the historical challenges of waterfowl population decline and habitat preservation.
    Darin Blunck

    Randy Graves - Chief Financial Officer & Interim Executive & Vice President & Secretary

    Randy Graves, the Chief Financial Officer & Interim Executive & Vice President & Secretary at Ducks Unlimited, provides critical oversight across financial, executive, and administrative functions. Managing the organization's financial stewardship, Graves ensures fiscal responsibility and supports strategic decision-making. This multifaceted role involves guiding interim executive operations and serving as Secretary, maintaining corporate governance and compliance. By integrating financial acumen with executive leadership, Randy Graves directly contributes to the operational stability and programmatic advancement of Ducks Unlimited's conservation mission. The combined responsibilities underscore a deep commitment to the organization's long-term success and its objectives in habitat and waterfowl preservation.

    James Swaford - President-FGCU Chapter

    James Swaford, the President-FGCU Chapter at Ducks Unlimited, leads local chapter initiatives focused on conservation and membership engagement. Overseeing chapter operations, Swaford mobilizes volunteers and resources to support Ducks Unlimited's continental mission of habitat preservation. This leadership role involves organizing fundraising events, promoting conservation awareness, and recruiting new members within the FGCU community. By fostering local action, James Swaford directly contributes to the broader impact of Ducks Unlimited's work in protecting waterfowl populations and their environments. The President-FGCU Chapter's dedication is essential for grassroots support and the continued success of conservation efforts.

    Nicholas Grabek - Chapter President

    Nicholas Grabek, the Chapter President at Ducks Unlimited, spearheads local chapter activities aimed at advancing conservation goals. Overseeing chapter operations, Grabek drives engagement with members and the community to support habitat restoration and waterfowl protection initiatives. This position involves coordinating fundraising events, educational outreach, and volunteer efforts that directly contribute to the organization's mission. By galvanizing local support, Nicholas Grabek ensures that chapter-level actions translate into tangible conservation outcomes. The Chapter President's commitment is vital for building a strong network of conservationists and sustaining the momentum of Ducks Unlimited's critical work.

    Robert Spoerl - President

    Robert Spoerl, the President at Ducks Unlimited, directs strategic initiatives and operational oversight for a key segment of the organization. Overseeing critical programs, Spoerl ensures that conservation efforts align with the overarching goals of protecting North American waterfowl habitats. This leadership position involves guiding teams, fostering collaboration, and driving the successful execution of conservation projects. By championing innovative approaches, Robert Spoerl directly enhances the effectiveness of Ducks Unlimited's mission. The President's focus remains on maximizing conservation impact and ensuring the long-term viability of waterfowl populations and their ecosystems.

    Tyler Avery - President

    Tyler Avery, the President at Ducks Unlimited, leads strategic planning and execution for a designated area of organizational focus. Overseeing key operational domains, Avery ensures that conservation strategies are effectively implemented to preserve waterfowl habitats and populations. This role involves guiding teams, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and driving the achievement of critical conservation milestones. By advancing strategic objectives, Tyler Avery directly amplifies the impact of Ducks Unlimited's conservation mission. The President's leadership is instrumental in navigating complex environmental challenges and securing a sustainable future for North America's natural resources.

    Ryan Mangiere - President

    Ryan Mangiere, the President at Ducks Unlimited, directs high-level strategic operations and program development. Overseeing critical organizational functions, Mangiere ensures that conservation initiatives effectively address the needs of waterfowl populations and their habitats across North America. This leadership position involves guiding teams, fostering innovation, and driving the successful implementation of conservation projects. By advancing strategic priorities, Ryan Mangiere directly contributes to the enduring success of Ducks Unlimited's mission. The President's commitment is essential for maintaining momentum in habitat preservation and ensuring a healthy environment for future generations.

    Andrew Bellamy - Chapter President, Banquet Chairman, Regional Advisors Internship

    Andrew Bellamy, the Chapter President, Banquet Chairman, Regional Advisors Internship at Ducks Unlimited, manages multifaceted responsibilities crucial for local chapter success and regional development. Overseeing chapter activities, Bellamy orchestrates fundraising events, particularly banquets, to generate vital support for conservation projects. This comprehensive role involves driving membership engagement, coordinating volunteer efforts, and contributing to regional advisory initiatives. By integrating leadership across these key areas, Andrew Bellamy directly enhances the operational capacity and fundraising effectiveness of Ducks Unlimited at the local and regional levels. The dedication to these roles ensures sustained progress in habitat conservation and waterfowl protection.

    Arnold Matson - Chief Information Officer

    Arnold Matson, the Chief Information Officer at Ducks Unlimited, architects the organization's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Overseeing all IT operations, Matson ensures that technological advancements effectively support conservation initiatives and enhance operational efficiency. This role involves managing data security, implementing innovative software solutions, and providing the technological backbone for widespread conservation efforts. By leveraging technology, Arnold Matson directly enables better data analysis for habitat preservation and streamlines communication across the organization's extensive network. The Chief Information Officer's strategic vision is crucial for adapting to evolving technological landscapes and maximizing the impact of Ducks Unlimited's conservation programs.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ducks Unlimited Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ducks Unlimited?
    Ducks Unlimited is led by Adam Putnam (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Darin Blunck (Chief Financial Officer) and Randy Graves (Chief Financial Officer & Interim Executive & Vice President & Secretary).
    Who is part of Ducks Unlimited’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ducks Unlimited includes leaders such as Adam Putnam (Chief Executive Officer), Darin Blunck (Chief Financial Officer), Randy Graves (Chief Financial Officer & Interim Executive & Vice President & Secretary) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ducks Unlimited have?
    Ducks Unlimited has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ducks Unlimited’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ducks Unlimited includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Interim Executive & Vice President & Secretary, President-FGCU Chapter, Chapter President.