Gretchen Heffler Joins COHA as Director of Development for Southern California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - August 3, 2009 - The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) is pleased to announce the addition of Gretchen Heffler as the Director of Development for Southern California.
"Gretchen Heffler has been involved in the promotion of wildlife conservation and the protection of our hunting heritage in Southern California for the nearly a decade," said COHA President, Bill Gaines. "She not only has shown a commitment to these resources and traditions, she understands the tremendous political threats they currently face in our state. Her proven dedication to the future of our outdoor heritage is well known in the Southern California by those who treasure the majesty of being on the mountain or in the marsh at daybreak and seeing the world come alive. We are honored to welcome her to COHA."
Gretchen will continue her fundraising and leadership in Southern California's conservation community, and help COHA build volunteer infrastructure for the next generation of conservationists.
"COHA has made tremendous strides in building alliances with organizations, outdoor industry and individuals who care deeply about wildlife conservation and our ability to hunt in California. However, those that oppose these traditions are more organized and better funded than ever, and are actively trying to chip away at these rights. From ammunition to hunting dogs, they view California as the most fertile ground for launching an anti-hunting agenda that would quickly sweep the nation. COHA must stand tall in California for the sake of outdoorsmen and women throughout the nation," said Gretchen.
Gretchen joins COHA after previously serving with Ducks Unlimited, where she led the development efforts in Southern California and Arizona since 2001. Prior to joining Ducks Unlimited, Gretchen was employed by MSGI Direct, marketing Capital Campaign fundraising programs. Gretchen also worked as Director of Marketing and Sales for two international performance tour companies (music festival and event production) and spent 10 years at the University of Southern California as the Assistant Director of Direct Marketing. During her tenure, she produced both telemarketing and direct mail annual giving programs.
Born in Ventura, California, Gretchen has a BS and an MPA in Public Administration with an Emphasis in Systems Management, Statistical Analysis and Labor Relations from the University of Southern California.
Gretchen enjoys fishing, hunting and music. Gretchen played with the U.S.C. Trojan Marching Band and currently plays with the Pommerado Community Band.
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About the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) is a partnership of conservation organizations, outdoor industry, other related interests and individuals who support science-based wildlife management and the preservation of our hunting rights in California. COHA is a 501(c)4 political advocacy organization dedicated solely to influencing legislative, regulatory and administrative policy decisions which promote wildlife conservation and our outdoor heritage. For more information, visit www.outdoorheritage.org
