Ignacio, Colo- Four Corners SCI is pleased to announce that Kerrie Romero, of Moriarty, New Mexico, is the 2025 Jim Willems Commitment to Conservation Award Recipient.
“We are excited to present this award to an amazing woman who is fighting so hard for our hunting and outdoor freedoms in New Mexico,” said Four Corners SCI President Jason Deweese.
The Four Corners SCI board of directors created the Jim Willems Commitment to Conservation award to recognize a person within the Four Corners area who has gone above and beyond for conservation efforts.
Kerrie Cox Romero is a proud born and raised New Mexican. With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from New Mexico State University, she cut her teeth in the corporate world as a Credit Analyst for Farm Credit of New Mexico and later as a Senior Analyst with the Bank of Texas. She resides with her husband and three children in Stanley, New Mexico.
In 2013, Kerrie embraced a role in the outfitting industry as a lobbyist, advocating for outfitters, thus impacting wildlife and the hunting and angling community. This work affects current and future generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Her passion for the industry was immediate, and the 2024 legislative session marked her 12th year of dedication to conservation in New Mexico.
As the Executive Director of the New Mexico Council of Outfitters and Guides, Kerrie brings a personal connection to her role. She is also the Board Secretary for the Professional Outfitters and Guides of America. Kerrie’s love for the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and alpine skiing, is evident in her work.
Despite the many career paths available to her, Kerrie has chosen to dedicate her time to advocacy. She can often be found at the Round House in Santa Fe and New Mexico Game and Fish Commission meetings, working to draft beneficial legislation or improve proposed rules. Her commitment to these efforts is tireless.
She has worked to educate the public concerning the challenges that she and other outfitters will face with a wolf introduction (hunting opportunities may be lost, and they may be forced out of business).
“We have the opportunity to choose the direction of our careers,” says Mia Anstine, chair of SCI’s Regional Representatives. “Kerrie has chosen to advocate for conservation. We wish more people in our community were as dedicated to their efforts in conserving wildlife.”
Commitment to Conservation Award:
The Four Corners SCI Jim Willems Commitment to Conservation Award recognizes a local man or woman who has gone above and beyond in the realm of wildlife conservation. The award winner is nominated by chapter members and voted upon by the chapter’s board of directors. The candidate must display great stewardship of the outdoors. Their passion is present via their commitment to local conservation through volunteer and/or monetary giving. The recipient demonstrates involvement in local and/or national organizations that focus on the betterment of local wildlife, habitat and hunting. They have the ability to bring others into local conservation through knowledge, experience and education. Finally, the winner has a commitment to the recruitment of the next generation of conservationists.
About Four Corners SCI:
Four Corners SCI is a local non-profit that supports conservation, humanitarian, and educational projects in the Four Corners area. Through the funds raised the chapter assists with Colorado Parks and Wildlife with studies and hunter education projects. They support local youth groups such as 4-H and the rodeo team. They sponsor families who want to learn field to table hunting practices as well as sponsor disabled veterans to make their outdoor dreams come true. Four Corners SCI also focuses on legislation, speaking up for our rural community in regards to agriculture, wildlife, and other conservation issues. The chapter supports lobbyists at the Colorado Capitol in a means to keep up with current issues that affect the Four Corners Area.
