Cathy Shropshire began her career in natural resources in 1977 as curator of mammals at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, a division of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.  In 1989 she transferred to the Game Division of the Agency where she coordinated work on the hunter harvest survey and other human dimensions projects and coordinated black bear efforts in the state.  In 1999 she transferred back to the Museum as the Coordinator for the Natural Heritage Program. Cathy retired in June 2001 and took the position of Executive Director of the Mississippi Wildlife Federation.  Cathy has been involved with several natural resource organizations over the years including serving on the board of the Black Bear Conservation Committee from 1992 until her retirement.  She now serves a Secretary for the Mississippi Black Bear Restoration Task Force. Working in game, nongame and endangered species management has given her a keen awareness of the need to work together to protect all our natural resources.  Through the Federation she is able to work with a variety of institutions, organizations and individuals to foster an understanding of and commitment to conserving our natural heritage for future generations.  A native of Texas, Cathy holds a B.A. from the University of Mississippi, a M.A. from Texas Tech University and a Ph.D. from Mississippi State University.  She and her husband, Tommy, reside in Terry, Mississippi.