Outdoor Writers Association of America - The Voice of the Outdoors, OWAA Legends

July 21, 2006

For more information contact:
Kevin Rhoades, krhoades@owaa.org
406-728-7434 or 800-692-2477

Jim Low Elected President of Outdoor Writers Association of America

Missoula, Mont. – The Outdoor Writers association of America (OWAA) at its 79th annual meeting in Lake Charles, La., June 20, elected Jim Low as president of the association for 2006-2007.

Low will serve one year as president of OWAA followed by a year as chairman of the board. A native of Jefferson City, Mo., Low is the print news services coordinator for the Missouri Department of Conservation. He holds degrees in journalism and wildlife management from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

“Jim brings much energy and enthusiasm to our group of outdoors communicators,” said Kevin Rhoades, OWAA executive director. “He’s lined up an eager group of committee volunteers, and his objectives are in line with serving OWAA’s most immediate needs.”

“I’m excited about leading OWAA,” said Low. “We are at a pivotal point in the group’s 80-year history, with a host of opportunities to grow into our nickname, “The Voice of the Outdoors.”

Low’s byline has appeared in Bassin’, Rifle & Shotgun, Popular Lures, Reptile & Amphibian, Better Homes and Gardens and Australian Birding magazines. He has won awards for writing and photography from OWAA and the Association for Conservation Information, and he has received nine outdoor ethics writing awards from the Izaak Walton League of America.

Low served stints as a division photographic officer for the United States Army, a reporter for the West Plains Daily Quill (Mo.) and news editor for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He edited Ohio, Indiana and Illinois game and fish magazines. In his present job, he reaches more than half a million newspaper readers, radio listeners and television viewers weekly. He and Diane, his wife of 25 years, live in Jefferson City.

The 1,600-member Outdoor Writers Association of America is the oldest and largest association of professional outdoor communicators in the United States. It was organized in 1927 by members of the Izaak Walton League of America and includes professional communicators dedicated to sharing the outdoor experience. OWAA’s professionals include writers, photographers, outdoors radio- and television show hosts, book authors, videographers, lecturers and artists. The association is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For more information, go to www.owaa.org.

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