Michael Butler

Tennessee Wildlife Federation

Michael Butler has served as Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s chief executive officer since June 2002. Michael works with elected officials, state and federal agencies, and civic leaders to implement sound natural resources policy. He joined the Federation as technical advisor to the executive director in 1996, working with the organization’s Conservation Policy Advisory Council and board of directors to develop natural resource policy. Prior to his role at the Federation, Michael earned his master’s degree in fish and wildlife management from Montana State University.

The Tennessee Wildlife Federation tackles Tennessee's most urgent conservation issues through public policy and strategic programs that serve our wildlife and community. Tennessee was once home to an estimated 7 million acres of grasslands. Even now, the state loses an average of 27,359 acres of grasslands each year between 2008 and 2016. Restoring this critical habitat is key for the success of native wildlife and plants.