Tomorrow

By SCI Past President John McLaurin

Originally published in the June 2025 edition of Safari Times.

As the calendar approaches July, we once again prepare for the transition of leadership within Safari Club International — from one Executive Committee to the next. It is a time of renewal, of looking forward to tomorrow while never forgetting the journey we’ve taken together.

For me personally, this moment carries a special significance. This is my final column, as your President, in Safari Times as I term-limit out and prepare to step into the role of SCI’s 41st Past President. But more on that in a moment.

SCI operates on a 1 July to 30 June fiscal and leadership year. Any changes resulting from our May Board elections come into full effect at the start of July. To ensure continuity and momentum, SCI conducts a Transition Executive Committee (EC) meeting each June, where outgoing and incoming leaders come together to steward the organization’s business and ensure a seamless handover. This practical, thoughtful tradition is part of what makes our organization resilient and future-focused.

And speaking of transitions — what an exciting moment for SCI!

We ushered in another historic first this year with electronic voting, thanks to the dedication and diligence of the Election Committee: Joe Pedersen (Chair), Jeff Kennedy, Stephanie Wottrich and staff Jeremy Claire and Regina Lennox. What used to take hours now takes less than 30 minutes, thanks to a seamless, highly functional and almost instantaneous voting system. My heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding work. You are a part of shaping the future of SCI with efficiency and vision.

It is my great pleasure to welcome our new EC members: three outstanding new Vice Presidents: Susan Hayes, Jon Lee and Mark Robinson.

I would also like to recognize the changes in position. Tyler Daniels will be the new Corporate Secretary, Jeff Meyerl steps into the role of President and Mike Crawford President-elect. In their new roles, these remarkable individuals will bring their passion, expertise, experience and a deep commitment to the mission of SCI. I am filled with confidence and optimism knowing that our organization is in such capable hands.

SCI is strong. SCI is growing. SCI is leading.

Today, we are recognized across the globe as the foremost defender of the Freedom to Hunt and Sustainable Use Wildlife Conservation. Our new EC will undoubtedly propel SCI to new heights of success with the continuance of our Strategic Plan. And yet we know that the work is far from over. Every day new challenges emerge — attacks on our heritage, misinformation about hunting, threats to conservation efforts. But we are not deterred. We are ready.

This year, Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. proved just that. More than 100 of our members stood proudly for our cause, participating in over 200 meetings on Capitol Hill. We had two days of receptions. These included celebrating the naming of the building that is home to our Hunters’ Embassy and the Armand and Mary Brachman Advocacy Center. The building, now officially named the Warnock Building in honor of Dr. Gerald Warnock, continues to be the heart of SCI’s presence in Washington, D.C. as SCI advances critical advocacy, education and better understanding of sustainable use wildlife conservation.

We honored Senator John Curtis of Utah as our Federal Legislator of the Year and Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana as our Governor of the Year. This is a testament to the meaningful relationships SCI continues to build with decision makers at the highest levels.

And that’s just the beginning.

We are hosting historic year-on-year record-breaking Conventions in Nashville. Our Chapter network is expanding across the U.S. and internationally. The SCI Record Book continues to set new standards and successes. From top to bottom SCI is surging with momentum, and that is because of you.

To every SCI member, you are the reason for our success. You are SCI. Your belief, your energy, your support — these are the lifeblood of our movement. I hope that you are as proud as I am of what we have accomplished. I am extraordinarily proud.

I can say with conviction SCI has never been stronger, never been bolder and never been more needed. There is no doubt in my mind that next year will be our best yet, as every year thereafter will surely be.

We don’t shrink from the future. We run towards it. That’s who we are. That’s what we do.

As I reflect on my term as your 41st President, I cherish my time as President and am humbled by all that we have achieved together — staff and volunteers united by purpose and heart. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve you, SCI and our mission. I am grateful beyond words for the trust you placed in me. Now as I transition to Past President, and pass this column to Jeff’s capable hands, I am more committed than ever to supporting SCI’s continued success.

I’d like to leave you with a few thoughts about LDRSHIP — a powerful acronym that has guided me throughout my professional life and leadership. It symbolizes values I hold dear and without which it is impossible to lead or have a high-performing organization:

• Loyalty to our mission and our enduring values
• Duty to act when action is needed, and to always put SCI’s mission before convenience
• Respect for one another, for wildlife, for different perspectives united by the same purpose
• Selfless Service the quiet backbone of every successful leader and every thriving community, in this ask not what SCI can do for you but rather what you can do for SCI
• Honor the standard by which we measure ourselves and our legacy
• Integrity doing the right thing even when no one is watching
• Personal courage the strength to speak out, stand tall and lead forward.

These are not just words. They are standards. And they are worth striving for every single day. Because leadership, real leadership, demands constant commitment to becoming better — for SCI, for our mission and for the wildlife we cherish.

If you are a part of SCI, you are a leader and an advocate for the Freedom to Hunt and for Sustainable Use Wildlife Conservation. You are the voice, the shield, the standard bearer for hunting’s future. That’s a responsibility we each carry proudly. Because hunting is not just a passion, it is the proven path to wildlife conservation and the future depends on us defending it.

Finally, as I close this chapter of my service to SCI, I’m reminded of the song “Tomorrow” as performed by the remarkable British singer Sydnie Christmas. I love her version of this song that talks about whatever happens today, the sun comes out tomorrow. It has a message that speaks of heart, resilience, hope and the light that always returns no matter the storm. That message resonates with me deeply, because with that heart and love for our wildlife, our hunting heritage and the will to engage aggressively, honestly, forthrightly, thoughtfully — we will prevail in what is right.

It has been an extraordinary honor and privilege being your 41st President. Thank you for allowing me to serve you all. May God bless you, bless our wildlife and bless our hunting heritage.

With my deepest gratitude and pride

John McLaurin

41st President, Safari Club International