DALLAS – Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Executive Director, Gray N. Thornton, announced to the DSC Board of Directors March 20th that he has chosen not renew his employment contract and will vacate his post in March of 2008 to explore new opportunities and contribute in new directions to the conservation of the world’s wildlife and wild places. Thornton will remain Executive Director through March 31, 2008 to ensure a smooth transition over the next twelve months and to lead the Club’s January 2008 convention efforts – his eleventh Dallas Safari Club convention since taking the helm of the organization in November of 1997.
“After ten years of service to Dallas Safari Club and more than 17 years dedicated professionally to non-profit organizations in the sporting industry, the time has come for a new sunrise for me personally” Thornton stated in his notice to the Board of Directors.
“Dallas Safari Club has been my life and our members my family. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve DSC and have enjoyed contributing to the growth of the organization which today is respected around the globe as an industry leader and innovator” he added.
“When I joined Dallas Safari Club as Executive Director, I set personal goals for its organizational and convention growth and recognition within the conservation community. I take great pride that through the dedication and hard work of a core group of volunteers, unmatched in the industry, and dedicated staff, who each contribute at a level beyond any other team I have led; we have accomplished and surpassed these goals” Thornton stated.
“Gray Thornton is Dallas Safari Club” Barbara Franklin, the Club’s President stated to the DSC Board after the announcement. “During his tenure the Club’s membership and convention net revenues have grown five fold, annual revenues and grants to mission programs have increased ten fold and the organization is now recognized for our conservation, education and advocacy initiatives worldwide. He will be sorely missed as our Executive Director but we are confident he will remain an active and contributing member and advisor to our association” Franklin added.
