Mr. Thomas B. Kibler, Vice-Chairman

Thomas Kibler is a native Floridian, just like his parents. His father introduced him to the pleasures of hunting and fishing at an early age, and since then he has turned his passionate appreciation for fish and wildlife into an outlet for community service.

Governor Lawton Chiles appointed Kibler to the former Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC) in 1995, which included automatic appointment to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) when the GFC ceased to exist in 1999.

In 1998, Kibler served as the GFC’s Chairman. Then, in 2002, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the Wildlife Foundation of Florida (WFF).

Kibler attended the University of Florida before going to work on the family ranch in 1973. He has been President of the Kibler Agricultural Corporation since 1980. His experience as a rancher has given him a unique perspective on wildlife.

“You start seeing the relationship between taking care of the land and benefits to wildlife. It’s made me want to be involved in making things better,” Kibler said. “I really feel good about the projects WFF has funded. They’re absolutely necessary for wildlife and habitat.”

Kibler served on the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors from 1979 to 2003, and was President for three terms. From 1996 to 2002, he served on the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and was President 2000-01. His other civic involvements include service on the Boards of Directors for the Rotary Club of Lakeland, the Taxpayers League of Polk County and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.