Thomas E. McCullough Memorial Award

The Thomas E. McCullough Memorial Award (McCullough Award) is the most prestigious award given by the Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF). It is presented annually at the AWF Convention banquet to two people: one to the "Outstanding Conservationist of the Year" in the professional category and one in the non-professional category. The professional category focuses on nominees who work in the field of wildlife biology, natural resources or other areas involved with the welfare of Arizona's wildlife and natural resources and have contributed above and beyond their normal duties to the promotion of conservation of wildlife and natural resources in Arizona. The non-professional category focuses on nominees who work as volunteers in the conservation of wildlife and natural resources and have made outstanding contributions in time, effort, projects, etc., on a voluntary basis.

Nominations for the McCullough Award may be submitted by members of any club, association, agency or organization. The Executive Committee acts as a screening committee for all nominations received and forwards nominations found to be in proper form and worthy of consideration to the Board of Directors for their final determination.

No individual may receive the McCullough Award more than once. The nomination should include a complete resume of the nominee, including a list of accomplishments which might qualify him or her as "Conservationist of the Year". The president of the AWF is not eligible for the McCullough Award during his/her term in office. Nominations must be submitted to the AWF office in time to be considered by the Board of Directors at its last meeting prior to the month in which the Annual Convention is to be held.