Bozeman, Mont. – The Wild Sheep Foundation welcomes a new Executive and Director to its Board of Directors.
"We're pleased to have these solid and dedicated wild sheep family members on our Board," said Gray N. Thornton, the President and CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation. "With all that's going well for wild sheep, they're not without challenges in some jurisdictions. That puts more on our plate. I see the diversity of geographical regions and backgrounds of these new Directors as a vital plus as we set a course for the future conservation efforts for these iconic species."
Kyle Stelter from Courtney, British Columbia, was elected as the new Chair at the Foundation's spring Board meeting in Bend, OR. Stelter has served as a director for five years, and most recently as Vice-Chair. Kyle is a past President of the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia, a WSF Affiliate, and currently serves as its CEO. John Harris from Wheatland, WY, was also appointed by the board to fill a current vacancy.
"Effective May 1, we are proud to welcome our new Executive Team and seat the newly elected Board of Directors, said Kyle Stelter, WSF new Chairman. "It is an honor and a privilege to serve alongside such a talented, experienced, and dedicated group of leaders. The trust placed in us by the members of the Wild Sheep Foundation is not taken lightly. Together with our world-class staff and committed volunteers, I am confident we will meet the challenges and opportunities ahead with conviction, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to putting and keeping wild sheep on the mountain."
WSF Officers elected include:
- Kyle Stelter (Courtenay, BC) Chair
- Sam Cunningham (Amarillo, TX) Vice Chair
- Jann Demaske (Windsor, CO) Secretary
- Bralli Clifford (Lander, WY) Treasurer
Directors include:
- John Harris (Wheatland, WY), newly appointed
- Clint Bentley (Henderson, NV)
- Larry Jacobs (Sherwood, OR)
- Larry Johns (Verdi, NV)
- Kevin Kehoe (Anchorage, AK)
- Emilio Rangel W. (Monterrey, MX)
- Logan Young (Windsor, CO)
- Gray N. Thornton (Manhattan, MT) President & CEO
Stelter added, "On behalf of the Wild Sheep Foundation Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome John Harris as our newest Director. John has a long and respected history as a dedicated conservationist within the wild sheep community, and his previous service on the Foundation's Board brings valuable experience and perspective. I sincerely thank John for stepping forward in support of our mission, and I look forward to working alongside him and our entire Board as we continue advancing wild sheep conservation."
The WSF Board of Directors consists of 11 members who serve 3-year terms, plus the President & CEO, who serves as a non-voting member. All WSF Directors candidates must be a member in good standing of the Foundation, have attended at least two annual Sheep Show® conventions before his or her nomination, must have served on a committee of the Foundation, or served as an officer or director of a Chapter or Affiliate of the Foundation, or performed other comparable service acceptable to the nominating committee that would demonstrate a commitment to the Foundation and wildlife.
About the Wild Sheep Foundation: The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF), based in Bozeman, Montana, is a leading international conservation organization dedicated to wild sheep and their habitats. Founded in 1977 by sportsmen and conservationists, WSF has invested more than $156 million in conservation efforts worldwide.
Through initiatives focused on habitat enhancement, population restoration, scientific research, education, and advocacy, WSF works to fulfill its mission to "Put and Keep Wild Sheep on the Mountain®." These efforts have helped restore North American bighorn sheep populations from historic lows of approximately 25,000 in the mid-20th century to more than 85,000 today.
WSF serves a global membership of more than 11,000 supporters and collaborates with partners across North America, Europe, and Asia to ensure a sustainable future for wild sheep. Learn more at www.wildsheepfoundation.org.