Catherine Appling-Pooler is NDA’s New Director of Policy

March 6, 2024 By: NDA Staff

We are pleased to welcome Catherine Appling-Pooler of Oklahoma as the National Deer Association’s new Director of Policy. Catherine will lead NDA’s Advocacy and Policy work and operate our Advocacy Center, which informs NDA members and deer hunters through action alerts and news on policy matters affecting deer and hunters.

” I am thrilled to take on the responsibility as Director of Policy for the National Deer Association,” said Catherine. “It’ s an honor to contribute to wildlife policy and advocacy, and I am deeply excited to work alongside passionate individuals dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future for wild deer and their habitats, and safeguarding the timeless tradition of hunting.” 

Catherine joins NDA from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, where she was legislative liaison and engaged with the department’s Commission, the executive leadership team and conservation partners. She conducted in-depth analysis of policies affecting wildlife and the department, and she monitored and tracked proposals through the legislature. She also cultivated relationships with state legislators to promote understanding of wildlife issues and departmental objectives. Prior to this role, Catherine was the director of scheduling for the Oklahoma Office of the Lieutenant Governor. Her first job was as a communications specialist for Lennox International. 

Catherine Appling-Pooler comes to NDA from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, where she was a legislative liaison. She’s seen here assisting with conservation work on paddlefish and black bears.

Catherine earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and a master’s degree in international agriculture from Oklahoma State University.

How can you receive action alerts to deer policy issues in your local area? Join NDA as a free member and ensure we have both your e-mail address and at least a zip code on file. You’ll receive NDA’s national newsletter as well as locally targeted notifications regarding policy matters and conservation news in your area.