Alabama Black Belt Adventures founder named to national board

Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) founder Thomas Harris will assist with national conservation efforts after recently being named to the National Board of Directors for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.

The Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Board of Directors meets quarterly.

“Being invited to serve as a board member within this respected organization and working with such a distinguished leadership team is a special honor,” Harris said. “The mission of Quail Forever aligns perfectly with our family’s commitment to restoring grasslands, promoting accessibility and advocating on behalf of upland bird enthusiasts.”

Harris founded ALBBAA in 2009 and currently serves as the organization’s president. He has served on boards for the Alabama Wildlife Federation and the Alabama Land Forest Trust and was honored in 2019 with the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award. 

Harris also developed Gusto, an 1,800-acre upland preserve featuring habitat for quail and other wildlife in Hope Hull in Montgomery County. He has long been a devoted quail conservationist.

“Anyone who knows Thomas Harris understands he’s passionate about upland hunting and that he’s truly devoted to conservation,” said Pam Swanner, Executive Director of ALBBAA. “His visionary leadership has shaped our organization for more than a decade and brought positive changes to the rural communities we serve. We know, firsthand, he will be a major asset for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. There’s no better advocate for outdoors stewardship, especially bobwhite quail conservation, than Thomas.”

An Auburn graduate and retired investment banker, Harris resides in Hope Hull with his wife, Cindy. They own more than a dozen bird dogs.

Marilyn Vetter, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s president and chief executive officer, said Harris’ presence on the national board will “help propel the organization to new heights.” 

The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association is committed to promoting and enhancing outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities in the Black Belt in a manner that provides economic and ecological benefits to the region and its citizens.

The Black Belt includes the following counties: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox.