Business, Conservation Leaders Join Wildlife For Everyone Foundation Board

James V. Eckles, of Beaver County, and B. Michael Schaul, of Mechanicsburg, have been named to the board of directors of the Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation.
            Eckles, President of Pittsburgh-based JSA Architecture and Engineers and Plans Examiners Inc., is a native of Pennsylvania and a lifelong hunter and conservationist.
            Schaul, President of State College-based The WHM Group, is a long-time leader in economic develop and conservation across Pennsylvania. He served three Pennsylvania governors in various positions.
            WFEEF, based in State College, was established to provide private support to enhance wildlife habitat, scientific research and education, land preservation and youth programs, and for a science and research center.
            Russell Schleiden, WFEEF Board Chairman, welcomed the two men to their first meeting as members of the board in January, when the following officers were elected: Schleiden, of Centre Hall, Chairman; Janet Nyce, of Green Lane, President; John Blaschak, of Montoursville, Vice President; Schaul, Secretary; and Jim Crawford, of Montoursville, Treasurer.
            In addition, John Riley, of Mount Pocono; Jim Davis, of Richboro, and Jim Fish, of Coraopolis, were re-elected to three-year terms on the Board. Riley, a charter member of the Board is founder of Riley and Company Inc. Davis is director of disposal operations for the East Group, and Fish is area Vice President for Pennsylvania and West Virginia, both with Waste Management.
            More on the new board members:
            Eckles supports several conservation organizations based in sound hunting practice, including Safari Club International, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Quail Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation and the National Rifle Association.
            He grew up hunting traditional Pennsylvania game with family and friends, and witnessed changes in habitat and game populations both up and down over the years. He's also hunted in many countries around the world and completed the Grand Slam of the African 29.
            A registered architect in many states, Eckles also holds a national license in the practice of architecture. He is also a veteran of the United States Army.
            Schaul serves on the boards of directors of several not-for-profit or government-related organizations, including the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, Pennsylvania Wetlands Protection Advisory Committee, Pennsylvania Learning Network, Shippensburg University Council of Trustees (chairman) and Past Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education.
            He provides overall management direction and strategic leadership to The WHM Group, which is a multi-discipline corporation committed to enhancing wetlands by creating or preserving and protecting them. Among the company's areas of focus are the development of the value and function of wetlands; wetland mitigation efforts; new wetland development; wetland banking; and other wetland-support activities, such as plant and animal species supply.
            Schaul also is president of The ESG Group Ltd., in Harrisburg.
            Prior to his move to the private sector, he served as Deputy Secretary of Commerce in Pennsylvania and coordinated interagency economic development initiatives. He also was director of the Governor's Action Team and negotiated job-creating investments with the private sector across the state.
            The meeting was held at Bald Eagle State Park's newly opened “Nature Inn.” The Board was given a brief tour of the inn focusing on its state-of-the-art green building technologies.
            For further information contact Peg Hosterman by sending email to: info@wildlifeforeveryone.org or by calling 814-238-8138.


2/7/2011

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