After meeting the Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Contests’ Coordinator, Ann Bluntzer in 2001 I had two thoughts, Wow, what a cool lady, and WOW, what a great job she was doing. 

My first meeting with Ann was one evening in the Kleberg Bank Lobby, while attending an opening for the viewing of the beautiful winning photographs for the Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Contest.    At that time I was a landowner in the contest and had come to see the photo exhibit. 

As an owner of the B Bar B Ranch Inn, located in Kingsville, Texas,   I was already a huge proponent of conservation of wildlife.  When hearing about Roger Zessin , and all the folks starting the photo contest in our area, we immediately joined as landowners.    I was very interested in the way the contest could promote our ranch and the effects it would have on the awareness to others of the wildlife that is indigenous to our area. 

This contest has touched my family in so many ways over the years.  We had such a great appreciation for our photographer, Joe Holman.  His perseverance in all kinds of weather and uncomfortable conditions was enlightening to us.  He was so great with my children who were three and six at the time.  They loved to go with Joe and watch through his camera lens.  At the time of the first contest my nephew Colby, lived with us.   Joe found an adolescent bobcat to photograph on our property and Colby became very intrigued while Joe was photographing this bobcat for several days.  We were thrilled when Joe captured a winning photograph of that bobcat. 

Some years later,  I learned of an opening to be filled for the Executive Directorship of the Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Contest.  Today I know this is where I belong and exactly where I am supposed to be. 

Everyone, including the staff, workers and volunteers connected to this organization have great stories to tell.  This nonprofit organization has taught us so much.  I am sure that Roger, and all the folks who created this contest envisioned how it would enrich lives but they couldn’t have known how deeply it would affect all of the people associated with the organization.  The credit for the success of the organization truly goes to all the volunteers, supporters, Board of Directors and the past coordinator/directors including Michelle Horine for the fabulous work she did.   

I would like to invite you to come by the office to say hello.  I look forward to working with all our contributors, landowners, photographers and businesses and with our combined efforts; I see a bright future for our organization.  Together we can accomplish future goals that will strengthen our wildlife habitat, along with helping landowners in the quest to develop their holdings.  We can preserve our heritage for future generations to enjoy and during this process; our photographers are continuing to record nature’s facts and beauty which is a reliable source of our past.