Nomination statement for Sherry Williams, recipient of the Florida Chapter of The Wildlife Society's 2016 Influential Woman in Wildlife Award:

Sherry Williams is a Biologist for the Seminole County Greenways and Natural Lands Division. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Marine Biology from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada. She has lived and worked in Florida as a biologist since 1990. Sherry's experience in Florida began with studying Atlantic salt marsh snakes for Volusia County Mosquito Control District. Later, she worked for the Florida Park Service as a District Biologist writing management plans, was involved in all aspects of prescribed fire, was responsible for invasive species management at 5 parks and all other resource related issues. Prior to coming to Seminole County, she worked for St. Johns River Water Management District as a Resource Planner, writing management plans and conservation easements as well as assisting land managers with resource management activities. In her present position, she is responsible for the invasives program on 10,000 acres of natural lands, passive parks, paved trails and active parks. Sherry is also responsible for the fire, monitoring, and grants programs, and coordinates volunteers for Natural Lands Program. In addition, Sherry serves as Chair of the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, the Steering Committee Chair for the Central Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) and Vice President for the Cuplet Fern Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.

All these are qualifications for a good biologist in Florida. What qualifies Sherry Williams for the Influential Woman in Wildlife Award are her tireless energy and enthusiasm in leading the programs and associations that she is involved with. But, most importantly, Sherry Williams is an inspiration who engages volunteers and interns and fosters their interest in wildlife and conservation in Florida, growing them to become professionally involved in the field. Sherry Williams get things done and sparks others to do the same.