A Day in the Life of a Regional Representative
By Mika Rezac, Regional Representative, KS
A day in the life of a Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Regional Representative is dynamic and multifaceted, filled with a variety of responsibilities centered around conservation efforts and community engagement.
My name is Mika Rezac, I am a Regional Representative in eastern Kansas. I am passionate about working with our chapters to ensure that they are fully equipped and encouraged to work towards our organization’s goal of habitat preservation- forever!
My day-to-day activities and engagements vary depending on what time of year it is. Fall and late winter are my busiest times with chapters hosting their annual fundraising banquets. During this season, the majority of my time daily is filled with pre-banquet or post-banquet interactions with chapters. Each morning consists of a schedule review and about an hour of “checking-in” with chapters. I like to follow up with chapters that have just finished events the previous weekend to discuss how the event went and how I might be able to help the chapter with post-banquet tasks such as membership reporting. I also contact chapters who have events the upcoming weekend to ensure that they are prepared for their event and have all required supplies, forms, proper licenses are in place, and if there are any additional tasks they need assistance with to be ready for their banquet. My Friday and Saturday nights during this time are usually filled with banquets! It’s important to me to be available to our chapters in-person if possible during these events - both to assist should any issues arise, and to celebrate with them as they pull off these incredibly complex events!
Outside of banquet season, I focus on customer service, continuing to build relationships and promote the organization's mission of conserving pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education, and land management policies. This occurs through emails, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings with chapters, committees, and landowners. Additionally, I spend time networking with other conservation organizations, government agencies, and local businesses to collaborate on projects and secure funding. I typically attend two to three meetings a week with chapters and partners, as well as many virtual engagements!
Fundraising is a huge part of what our chapters do, and I get to help them decide how to use the money they raise. I dedicate a part of my day to ensuring that chapters have all of the information and materials necessary to discuss and determine how they would like to distribute those funds. There are opportunities to donate back to Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever at a state or national level for youth, education, and advocacy purposes, as well as limitless options for purchasing seed for plantings, equipment for habitat management, and funding outreach events for youth and adults of all ages. Where the chapters choose to donate their funds is completely at their own discretion, so it is extremely important to me that they are provided accurate and thorough information regarding their available options.
Overall, a typical day in the life of a Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever regional representative is dedicated to promoting wildlife conservation, building partnerships, and making a positive impact on the environment and the community. If you are interested in joining or even starting a new chapter- reach out to me or one of the other Regional Reps for more information!