Legend Biography

George Thornton has served as Chief Executive Officer of the National Wild Turkey Federation since June 2008. Under Thornton’s leadership, the NWTF has signed memorandums of understanding with all 50 state wildlife management agencies, along with federal agencies that conduct forest and wildlife management.

In 2013, the NWTF launched its “Save the Hunt. Save the habitat.” initiative. This initiative is designed to:
-Raise $1.2 billion to conserve and enhance 4 million acres of essential upland wildlife habitat
-Recruit 1.5 million new hunters
-Open access to 500,000 new acres for hunting, shooting and outdoor enjoyment
by the end of this decade

Mr. Thornton serves on the White House, Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council (WHHCC) and the Board for the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS)

Previously, he served as President and CEO of Agriliance from July 2001 through August 2007. Under Thornton’s leadership, Agriliance became the largest agricultural products distributor in North America with $4.1 billion in annual revenue.

In 2006, Thornton was named agribusiness leader of the year by the National Agricultural Marketing Association.

Thornton has served on many civic and industry boards.

He was raised in Georgia, and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He currently resides with his wife, Beth, in Edgefield, S.C.

Contact information:
Office: (803) 637-7605
gcthornton@nwtf.net