Our board

James L. Cummins, a certified fisheries and wildlife biologist by training, is executive director of Wildlife Mississippi. His professional interests include developing and maintaining private, voluntary, incentive, tax, and market-based solutions to environmental problems, especially as they relate to southern forests. He conceived the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program and the Healthy Forests Reserve Program. He assisted in developing the southern strategy for the Healthy Forests Initiative. He is a vice president of the Boone and Crockett Club, a board member of Bear Trust International, and a member of the Binational Softwood Lumber Council. He is a former Commissioner of the Mississippi Forestry Commission and the former Chairman of the Mississippi Institute for Forest Inventory. He is also a private forest landowner.

Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam is a hunter, angler, and lifelong advocate for conservation and agriculture.  Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. Since 1937, DU has conserved hundreds of millions of acres across the US, Canada and Mexico, thanks to more than 1 million members, volunteers and supporters.

Prior to his role as CEO, Adam was the Commissioner of Agriculture for the state of Florida where he led the nation’s largest state agriculture department and was responsible for the management of 1.3 million acres of state forests, running the state Energy Office, and promoting the state’s $9 billion agriculture  industry.  As Commissioner, Putnam was a strong advocate for Florida’s water resources. During his tenure he expanded Florida’s Best Management Practices Program for water to more than 7 million acres, saving an average of 19 million gallons of water daily.  As a result of his leadership in water policies, in 2017 Adam was the first elected official awarded the U.S. Water Prize from the U.S. Water Alliance.

Prior to serving as Commissioner, Adam served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Elected in 2000, Putnam was the youngest member of Congress at the time and the youngest ever from Florida. He distinguished himself as the leading voice for specialty crop agriculture in the nation’s Farm Bill, international trade and food safety.  Adam served as co-chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus; as a member on the Agriculture, Financial Services, Resources and Rules Committees; and chaired a subcommittee on the Government Reform and Oversight Committee. After just two terms, he was elected by his peers to be Republican Policy Chairman, and as the Republican Conference Chairman in 2006.

Adam is a fifth-generation Floridian and a graduate of the University of Florida where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Food and Resource Economics. He has also been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and served as a Rodel Fellow at the Aspen Institute. In 2010, he was the E.T. York Distinguished Lecturer at the University of Florida. Adam and his wife, Melissa, reside in Memphis and have four children.

Brandon Maddox founded Silencer Central in 2005, where he is currently CEO.  Silencer Central, headquartered in Sioux Falls, SD, is the largest firearms silencer dealer in America with locations in the forty-two states where silencers are lawful.

After attending undergraduate and pharmacy school at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Brandon obtained and maintains his pharmacy licensure in North Carolina, Florida, and South Dakota.  After pharmacy school, Brandon entered the pharmaceutical industry with Glaxo based in Research Triangle Park, NC.  Maddox’s career rapidly progressed through sales, sales training management, marketing management, and sales management.  He completed his MBA at Duke University.  Brandon is married to a fellow pharmacist from South Dakota, and they have two girls in high school.

Silencer Central started as a hobby job to help Brandon obtain easier access to suppressors for hunting the grasslands of the Dakotas.  He quickly realized the process to acquire a suppressor was laborious, which, in his mind, explained why so few hunters were purchasing silencers… because of the difficult government process.  He made a career out of streamlining and simplifying the process to buy a silencer, mostly by working directly with regulators to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the federal, state, and local compliance requirements.

Brandon has and continues to be active in legislative issues impacting his business and customers.  He founded the South Dakota Firearms Industry Association and has testified at numerous state congressional hearings on firearms related issues.  Maddox is honored and excited to be able to further his commitment to preserving the future of America’s Sportsman.

Joe is the President and CEO of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (“NSSF”), the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (“SAAMI”) and the Chairman of the Project ChildSafe® Foundation.  He has spent roughly 40 years in a variety of technical, legal, and executive management roles in the manufacturing sector.

He is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (“CAHSS”), is a Corporate Representative to the World Forum on Shooting Activities (“WFSA”), and a Technical Advisor to the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE).

Joe also serves on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross and is a past Chairman of the Board of Goodwill Industries of Southern New England, where he is still serving as a member of the Goodwill Operations Committee.

He graduated cum laude from the Quinnipiac University School of Law and is licensed to practice law in Connecticut, Maine and in the United States Supreme Court.

He is a 2014 recipient of the Anthony V. DeMayo Pro Bono Award, presented by the Connecticut Bar Association.

Francisco Bergaz is the Managing Director of Bekun LLC an investment firm based in Miami, FL that invests in a broad and diversified class of private and public assets.

As an individual with over 20 years of management success in the Spirits and Food Industries covering many aspects of each.

Francisco served on the Bacardi Limited board, a 162 year old corporation and the largest privately held spirits company worldwide.

He served on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Foundation board and is a current Boone & Crockett Member.

Francisco is a partner in of Rivers and Glen a hunting and fly fishing outfitter based in Charleston, South Carolina.

He attended Fordham Business School in New York City.

Francisco currently spends most of his time in South Carolina pursuing hunting, fishing and conservation efforts.

Ralph W. Castner has been President of Rush Creek Advisors, LLC since June 2018. Rush Creek Advisors provides executive level financial advisory services in the retail and payments industries. Prior to his position at Rush Creek Advisors, Mr. Caster was Chief Financial Officer of Bass Pro Shops from October 2017 until June of 2018. Prior to his position at Bass Pro Shops, Mr. Castner was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Cabela’s, Inc. from January 2017 until October 2017. Cabela’s was merged with Bass Pro Shops on September 25, 2017. From March 2006 to December 2010, Mr. Castner was Chairman of the Board of World’s Foremost Bank, Cabela’s wholly-owned subsidiary which issued its Cabela’s Club Visa Card. From July 2003 to January 2010, Mr. Castner was Cabela’s Director of Accounting and Finance and Treasurer of World’s Foremost Bank. Prior to joining Cabela’s he was employed by First Data Corporation from 1990 to 2000. Prior to joining First Data Corporation, Mr. Castner was a certified public accountant with the public accounting.

Mark Cherpes is President and CEO of FN America; a wholly owned subsidiary of Fabrique Nationale (FN) Herstal S.A., one of the world’s largest and premier firearms manufacturers.

Mark was named to lead FN America (formerly FN Manufacturing and FNH USA) in June 2014. During his tenure with FN, Mark has served as the Executive Vice President, Vice President of Military Operations and Director of Military Programs. Mark was instrumental in facilitating the SCAR and GAU 21 programs with the U.S. Military.

Prior to his leadership role at FN America, Mark was employed as the President of SWE-DISH Satellite Systems Inc. in Reston, VA., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SWE-DISH Satellite Systems AB of Stockholm, Sweden. SWE-DISH is a supplier of high performance satellite communications technology to U.S. Federal agencies and U.S. Department of Defense customers.

In addition, Mark worked as a defense trade consultant at the Embassy of Sweden in Washington, D.C. supporting the business development efforts of Swedish companies in the U.S. that included Saab Defense and Haglunds Vehicle.

Prior to moving to the commercial sector, Mark provided management support within the Office of the Secretary of Defense during his time at SENTEL Corporation. Serving as the Point of Contact for all Congressional inquiries, Mark monitored all Navy and U.S. Special Operations Command projects. As an analyst with Jorge Scientific Corporation and R.M. Vredenburg, Mark provided management support to the NAVAIR Navy International Programs Office and the U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sales Procurement Office.

Mark has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance from George Mason University.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Childress joined the CSF Board of Directors to bring the same level of enthusiasm and dedication he brings to racing to ensuring the rights of hunters and anglers. Calling himself an outdoorsman, Childress is as much about giving back to wildlife, hunting and fishing as he is about being a successful business man.

Childress is Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing (RCR), a 17-time championship-winning organization. An independent driver who got his start in 1969, Childress climbed out of the seat in the 1981 season, handing over the driving duties to the late Dale Earnhardt. Together they made NASCAR history, winning 67 races, six Cup Series championships, and along the way established RCR as one of the premier teams in all of motorsports. Childress is also the proprietor of Childress Vineyards in Lexington, N.C., as well as the Yadkin River Angus cattle ranch.

Another great passion Childress has is big-game hunting and the conservation and preservation of wildlife habitat in the United States and throughout the world. His work with groups like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation, among many others, provides him the opportunity to make a difference in preserving wildlife habitats for generations to come.

Jeff Crane joined CSF in 2002 and brings over 40 years of experience in on-the-ground natural resource management and policy expertise at the federal, state and international levels. A life-long outdoorsman, Jeff spent five years working in the US Congress and was instrumental in establishing the Maryland legislative sportsmen’s caucus prior to joining CSF. In addition, he has experience developing wildlife habitat management plans in the United States and South Africa. During his eight years in Africa, Jeff obtained his professional hunter’s license and guided hunts for big game animals. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master of Business Administration.

At CSF, Jeff ensures a steadfast and successful relationship between the bipartisan National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus. He develops and manages the organization’s strategic business strategy and policy priorities, and serves as the primary liaison between CSF and leaders within the governmental and non-governmental conservation community. Jeff also supervises all program areas to achieve overall organization goals, including, but not limited to directing and supervising development, administration, fundraising, strategic planning and the day-to-day operations of the organization.

Jeff served as the Chairman of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council (HSSCC), a federal advisory council that reports to the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior. He is a past Chairman of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP), the largest coalition of hunting conservation organizations. He is a Boone and Crockett member, served on the Government Affairs Committee for Safari Club International (SCI) and served as Vice-Chairman of Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Committee for the National Rifle Association (NRA). Additionally, he serves as the Co-Chairman of Legislative Policy for the Alliance for America’s Fish & Wildlife.

Beth Cross is the Chief Revenue Officer at GrabAGun, a leading digital retailer of firearms and outdoor equipment and a key partner in the sportsmen’s industry. With over 20 years of strategic leadership, Beth is a recognized expert in navigating the complex intersection of digital commerce and the outdoor sector. Prior to GrabAGun, she served as Chief Operating Officer at GunBroker.com, where she spearheaded initiatives that expanded the platform’s global reach, and held a pivotal leadership role at Sportsman’s Warehouse during a transformative era of technological growth. 

 A steadfast advocate for the sportsmen’s community, Beth’s professional work is rooted in a lifelong commitment to regulatory excellence and the preservation of the American wilderness. Raised among Oregon’s vast public lands, she developed a deep connection to fishing and forest conservation—a foundation that continues to inform her advocacy for the outdoor industry. Today, she leverages her competitive spirit and executive expertise to ensure that future generations of hunters and anglers have the same access to the woods and waters that defined her youth. 

Representing the fifth generation in his family’s wholesale distribution companies, Tripper Dickson currently leads Sports South as President and CEO.  The distribution businesses focused in the pharmaceutical and shooting sports industries have been rooted in Shreveport, Louisiana and operated by the family since 1841.

At Sports South, the country’s leading shooting sports wholesale distributor, Tripper is applying his previous professional experience in investment banking, his drive for continuing the family legacy, and his passion for hunting and the outdoors in operating all facets of the business.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University, summa cum laude in economics and finance and his M.B.A. from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

From the box stands to the bayous, enjoying Louisiana’s great outdoors with his family has been central in Tripper’s life.  He is determined to ensure this same opportunity exists for future generations.

Chris Dorsey is founding partner of Denver-based Dorsey Pictures, a leading producer of lifestyle television with more than 20 series and specials in production for a wide range of networks including, History Channel, Discovery, National Geographic, HGTV, DIY, GAC, Travel Channel, and Outdoor Channel.

He’s also helped launch more than 45 outdoor television series–more than anyone in history. Dorsey’s approach of fusing brand DNA with entertaining programming has made him a sought-after speaker in the television and marketing world where branded entertainment is an ever-growing genre.

Prior to his career in television, Dorsey served as a publishing executive running some of the largest outdoor magazines in America, including Sports Afield and Ducks Unlimited. His work has appeared in a wide variety of national publications including The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Television Week, National Geographic, Writer’s Digest, and scores of outdoor periodicals. He’s the author of seven books on outdoor, natural history, and business subjects.

Because of his connections to the celebrity community, Dorsey has been retained to assist in developing campaign strategies for a wide variety of political candidates ranging from those seeking the Oval Office to governorships, Senate and House seats. His ability to craft messaging that appeals to America’s 50 million sportsmen–whether creating branded entertainment or highlighting the ties between political candidates and the passions and concerns of American sportsmen–has been at the core of his success.

Dorsey lives in Denver, Colorado, with his wife Amy and twin sons Luke and Nathan.

Michael Fertitta is a Managing Director at JDH Capital, a private investment firm based in Houston, Texas. JDH Capital is the owner of Savage Firearms, Pure Archery Group, Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets, and Michael serves on the Board of Directors for each company. 

A native of Beaumont, Texas, Michael graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998 and earned his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2001. Michael started his career in the energy sector. Since 2010, Michael has served in various capacities for the Hildebrand Enterprises family of companies, including Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Hilcorp Energy Company and Harvest Midstream Company, and his current role as Managing Director of JDH Capital since 2020. 

Michael has been an avid outdoorsman since high school and currently enjoys many hunting and fishing adventures. As a resident of Houston, Texas and part-time resident of Jackson, Wyoming, when not in the office Michael can be found chasing redfish on fly along the Texas coast, quail and whitetail deer hunting in South Texas, or hunting, fly fishing, skiing and hiking in wonderful Wyoming and its neighboring western states. 

Brad Franklin has been involved with the motorsports industry for over 40 years, he has served as General Manager of the Government Relations, Certification and Compliance Division for Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A., directly involved with product compliance and regulatory issues as well as land and water access issues and represents the company in advocacy issues both State and Federally. 

Brad is a prior gubernatorial appointee and served on the California Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission as well as serving as Chairman of the American Watercraft Association, Chairman of The Great Outdoor Fund . He is an active member on many committees of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Franklin has been involved with CSF is some way or fashion since 2003.

Having grown up as the son, grandson, and great grandson of a Washington State timber family, he is very much at home in the outdoors. Is an avid Fly fisherman, both salt and fresh water, A big game hunter and upland bird wing shooter. in his spare time you may find him with his German Shorthaired pointer, knee deep in a clear mountain stream, fishing offshore or in the woods.   

Peder von Harten is a leading voice for business strategy and marketing across a variety of industries including land, cattle, travel, retail, and hospitality.  He has been featured in both Forbes Magazine and Sporting Classics for his work in hunting, land management, ranching, and entrepreneurship while also starting Piper Ranch Media, a branding and marketing company that provides consulting work to hypergrowth companies. Within the publication space, Piper Ranch produces a variety of publications including its flagship, Porch + Prairie, a quarterly publication devoted to the heart of our American heritage. An avid big game and upland hunter, you’ll find him consistently on the road anywhere from Georgia to Montana in pursuit of a good hunt.

Jason grew up in Grand Island, Nebraska, and as a teenager, he worked for the family business as an apprentice in the Hornady Manufacturing ballistics lab. Jason went on to college at the University of Wyoming, where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1992. After graduation from college, Jason worked as a manufacturer’s representative for Sportco Marketing in the Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana area. At Sportco, Jason represented numerous outdoor brands, including: Bear Archery, Shimano, Nikon, Thompson/Center Arms and several others. Following Sportco Marketing, Jason became Director of Sales and Marketing for Redfield Riflescopes in 1996, then went on to work for Dunkin-Lewis a manufacturer’s representative agency, as Director of Key Account Sales. While working for Dunkin-Lewis, Jason represented Johnson Outdoors, Swarovski, Thompson-Center and Plano. Key accounts included Cabela’s, Academy, and TSA. In 2006, after 14 successful years in the Outdoor Industry, Jason accepted a position with the family business at Hornady Manufacturing as Director of Sales, and currently serves as Vice President. He is an avid hunter and shooter, and has participated in regional and national level shooting competitions. Jason’s passion for hunting/shooting is demonstrated by his pursuits both here in North America and Internationally. As a shooting industry sales professional, Jason has been fortunate to work with over 150 companies. He has served on several boards and is currently involved with the International Hunter’s Education Association (IHEA), the Heartland Public Shooting Park, and also serves as the company alternate for the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturer’s Institute (SAAMI) boards.

Rebecca Humphries started her career in wildlife as an employee of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. She quickly realized that State wildlife management suited her better and in 1978, she joined the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Her 32 year career with the agency was a progression of field biologist positions to Wildlife Division Chief and culminated with her last seven years as Director.

Becky’s tenure saw the agency through a number of challenges, however her leadership in managing the agency in addressing Bovine Tb in wild deer and Chronic Wasting Disease, brought her to leadership roles with the Association of Fish and Wild Agencies. She not only won their two most prestigious awards for her work, but she was named chair of the Fish and Wild Health Committee and led the National Fish and Wildlife Health Initiative.

In 2011, Becky left public service and joined Ducks Unlimited as Director of Conservation Programs. In 2013, The National Wild Turkey Federation enticed Becky to join them in South Carolina as the Chief Conservation Officer. In 2016, Becky was named the Chief Operations Officer and in April of 2017, she was named as the CEO for NWTF.

Becky is a loyal Michigan State University Spartan fan, having earned her BS in Wildlife Management from MSU. She also attended the University of Wisconsin (Business Administration) and holds an honorary PhD from Central Michigan. Becky is a professional member of Boone and Crockett Club and chairs the Wildlife Health Sub-Committee. Becky has three grown children and lives in both Michigan and South Carolina. She has adopted Clemson University as her home team in South Carolina.

A native of Fort Bragg, California, Mr. Luoma received his bachelor’s degree in Forestry from Humboldt State University in 1986 and has been a Registered Professional Forester in California since 1990. Prior to joining The Westervelt Company, Mr. Luoma held multiple positions over a 29- year career with Louisiana-Pacific Corporation ranging from forestry and procurement to structural panel manufacturing and business general management at the executive level. Over the course of his LP career, he lived and worked in Eureka, California; Hayden Lake, Idaho; Hayward, Wisconsin; and Nashville, Tennessee.

Mr. Luoma joined The Westervelt Company, headquartered in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as President and CEO in March 2017. He retired on December 31^st, 2023, but remains affiliated with the company in an advisory role. The Westervelt Company is a 140-year-old company in its fourth generation of family ownership.  The company owns and manages 600,000 acres of commercial timberland, two large lumber manufacturing facilities, an ecological restoration and mitigation business, covering seven states in the U.S., and an agricultural/recreation business on the North Island of New Zealand.  The Westervelt Company has been known for its commitment to excellence in land stewardship, sustainability, and innovation throughout its history.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Luoma has served on many industry association boards and committees including The American Wood Council, The Wood Products Council, Forest Resources Association and the National Alliance of Forest Owners.  He is the current Chairman of the Softwood Lumber Board and Working Forest Initiative. He is a regular member of the Boone and Crockett Club, the National Wild Turkey Federation and Ducks Unlimited.  Mr. Luoma, and his wife Nancy have been married for almost 40 years and are now living in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Tom Mahlke is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mid-States Distributing LLC.  Tom’s background includes 37+ years of strategic marketing, business development, sales management, operations and general management experience across numerous consumer product and business services industries. His professional experience includes executive operating responsibility for both large global businesses and early stage, growth companies.  He specializes in strategic marketing, wholesale and retail distribution, brand building and organizational development.  Tom Joined Mid-States in November, 2012 and since then has led a strategic transformation of the company through several game changing initiatives.  He has spearheaded the creation of a centralized sourcing, procurement and distribution company (Midco) and the acquisition and activation of a 750,000 square foot distribution center, leading the growth from a start up to a business generating over $450mm in revenue.  Mahlke also lead the acquisition of an apparel and footwear brand that is one of the cornerstones of the Private Brand portfolio.  He also drove the design and development of a centralized Sourcing, Marketing and Commercialization Team.  Additionally, under Mahlke’s leadership, the company relocated to a new office complex in Fort Worth, TX in 2019 that includes a state of the art production studio and training center, and new product development Team.      

Prior to Mid-States, Tom was the CEO of Solvi Brands LLC, a consumer products company conceived by the late beverage visionary Sidney Frank – creator of Grey Goose Vodka and Jagermeister.  In addition, he was the CEO of Gila Brew Co., a start-up alcoholic beverage company. Tom grew both companies with the support of private equity investors and led a successful sale process.  

Prior to joining Solvi Brands, Mahlke was with Doane Pet Care Company where he served as Senior Director of Strategic Marketing & Business Development for the $1.2 billion pet food company.  As Doane’s most senior marketing executive, he led a series of initiatives that transformed the company’s brands, product lines and channels of distribution, making it an attractive addition to Mars, Inc. which acquired Doane in 2006. 

 Earlier, Mahlke held key marketing roles at Kimberly-Clark Corporation and IBM Corporation, and led the HTH Water Products division of Arch Chemicals.  At Kimberly-Clark, he led the management of some of the company’s leading assets, including KLEENEX Facial Tissue, for which he delivered the highest market share for KLEENEX in its 75-year history.  He continued his work with IBM, where he was tasked with the marketing responsibilities of IBM Global Services in their quest to become the premier marketing company in the IT industry.  At HTH Water Products, Mahlke spearheaded the strategy development and implementation of a bold new direction for the business, resulting in significant increases in sales and profits.   

Mahlke holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Florida State University, where he was elected a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, National Scholarship Fraternity.  He previously earned two appointments from the United States Coast Guard Academy. 

Joseph Manchin III served as a United States Senator for West Virginia from 2010 to 2025, bringing decades of experience in public service and governance. A longtime leader of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and a founding member of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus, Senator Manchin has been a steadfast advocate for sportsmen and women, conservation, and responsible access to the outdoors throughout his career. Senator Manchin was a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, where he served as Chair, as well as the Appropriations, Armed Services, and Veterans’ Affairs Committees. Prior to his tenure in the Senate, he served as the 34th Governor of West Virginia from 2005 to 2010 and as West Virginia Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005. Senator Manchin is known for his bipartisan approach, focusing on energy policy, economic development, and national security. He has been a vocal advocate for an all-of-the-above energy strategy that utilizes all of our resources while balancing environmental sustainability with economic growth, emphasizing the importance of innovation in coal, natural gas, and renewable energy. In addition to his work in public policy, Senator Manchin is dedicated to supporting his home state through various philanthropic initiatives, including education and workforce development programs. He is actively involved in promoting civic engagement and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. Senator Manchin graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in business administration, reflecting his lifelong commitment to economic development and sound financial stewardship. 

Corey Mason is the Chief Operating Officer and Executive VP of Conservation for the Wild Sheep Foundation. He works extensively with state, federal and international management authorities, policy makers, and like-minded organizations to support conservation and sustainable use of our natural resources.

Prior to the Wild Sheep Foundation, Corey served as CEO of Dallas Safari Club for seven years and had a 16-year career with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department where he held the positions of Regional Director, Program Leader, and Management Area Biologist.

Corey serves on the Frontline Foundation Board, state Advisory Committees for mule deer, whitetail deer, and desert bighorn sheep, is a member of IUCN’s Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Group and served on the national Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council. He is a Past President of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society.

Corey is a published author, including both popular and peer-reviewed scientific articles.  He is a Certified Wildlife Biologist® and holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Wildlife Management.

John Paul Morris grew up in the heart of the Ozarks in southwestern Missouri, where a deep connection to the outdoors was formed at an early age. Guided by his father, he spent countless days hunting and fishing, experiences that instilled a lifelong appreciation for conservation and a belief in leaving the land better for the next generation. 

John Paul is deeply passionate about bowhunting, waterfowl hunting, and nearly any pursuit that takes him out of the office and into the great outdoors. These interests continue to shape both his personal life and professional mission. 

He currently serves as Chief Customer Officer for the Great American Outdoors Group, which includes Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and White River Marine group. In this role, he is dedicated to serving outdoor enthusiasts and strengthening the connection between customers, conservation, and the outdoor lifestyle. 

John Paul has previously served on the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Board, where he remains a strong advocate for the mission of protecting and advancing the rights of sportsmen and women. His commitment to conservation, access, and advocacy continues to guide his leadership and community involvement. “I couldn’t be more excited to re-join the board of one of the finest conservation groups in America!” 

Charles S. Potter, Jr. is president and CEO of the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation. For more than 40 years he has been a leader in conservation throughout North America, both as a professional and as a volunteer. Since 2000, he has been the “Voice of the Outdoors” as host of WGN Radio’s “Great Outdoors Show,” America’s most popular radio show on conservation issues. 

Potter is also the author of two books: “Following the Flight” (published in 1999) chronicled the migration of ducks and geese from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and his latest, “A Lifetime In Waders” (2022) is a compilation of stories covering four decades of outdoor adventures with friends and family. 

Potter is executive producer of the IMAX 3D movie “Wings over Water,” developed in coordination with McGraw, Ducks Unlimited, and the National Audubon Society to ensure that wetland and waterfowl conservation enters the mainstream conversation. He has served on numerous national and international conservation boards, worked with gubernatorial and presidential campaigns to advance agriculture and conservation policy, and developed agriculture and sporting properties across the United States in association with his conservation interests.  

His honors include induction into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, receiving the Chevron/Times Mirror Conservationist of the Year Award, and being named a Reader’s Digest “Hero of The Land.” 

Simon Roosevelt is a principal of Olimpia Fund Management, Ltd., a multi-family investment group based in the U.S. and abroad. Formerly he was general counsel for the investment management fund KCM, LLC. Prior to that he was an attorney with the law firm of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft.

Simon is an avid hunter and conservationist whose interests have involved him in a wide variety of conservation and environmental projects in North America, South America and Africa. Current projects include the Conservation Roundtable, a forum that brings together the CEO’s of American hunting, environmental, and land conservation organizations to discuss and act on larger issues of common concern. In addition, Simon is at work on a book portraying the essential connection between American hunting and conservation. Intended primarily for non-hunters, the book will be a tribute to American hunting- its conservation legacy, its crucial role in conservation today, and its integral part in the shaping of American character and heritage.

Simon is a Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for the New York City Region. He is a member of the Boone & Crockett Club, and the Camp Fire Club of America; he is a trustee of the Scenic Hudson Land Trust and Scenic Hudson, Inc.; and he is a member of the President’s Advisory Council of the National Wildlife Federation.

Being born into a hunting family Steve was exposed to small game hunting early on by his father and three older brothers.  The family excelled in Scouting and being the fourth of the four boys to attain the rank of Eagle Scout Steve attained a sense of service to others and community.  An expectation that his father instilled upon all of the boys and gave impetus to Steve to give back which has shaped his Safari Club International and life journey.

In 1977 as a High School Junior he was selected by the Minnesota Chapter of Safari Club International to attend SCI’s American Wilderness Leadership School in Wyoming.  The impression left upon him by two of the volunteers of the Safari Club International Conservation Foundation started Skold down a path that has shaped his life as a conservation volunteer and big game hunter.  Steve first became a SCI member in 1980 and soon became involved with SCI’s chapter and international governance structure.  He has been involved with two of chapters as a board member and officer, served on many of the National SCI and the SCI Foundation committees, and on July 1, 2020 completed his term as SCI President.

While SCI has been Steve’s main volunteer focus over the years, he has been a member of Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Ruffed Grouse Society, and is a life member of Pheasants Forever and the Wild Sheep Foundation.  While working on a committee to get dove hunting legalized in Iowa it became apparent that the state needed a group to represent Iowa Sportsmen and Sportswomen, so Steve and two others started the Iowa Conservation Alliance consisting of 16 conservation organizations.

Serving these multiple organizations over the past 40 years has led Steve to understand the importance of industry relations and recognize that all hunters, fishermen, conservation organizations, and professional associations will need to work together to protect our natural resources and future hunting and fishing opportunities.

When not hunting or traveling to visit his twin 26 year old daughters Steve and his wife Sue run The Skold Companies, four specialty contracting entities providing commercial construction material and installation across nine upper Midwest states.  Along with these entities Steve is a partner in a steel fabricating company with his brother -in-law.  Although full retirement is yet two years away, capable managers in place for each of the entities allow Steve and Sue to get away from their Des Moines, Iowa home and spend time in Arizona and Minnesota with a few hunting and fishing trips fit in as well.

Mark Smith is the President & CEO of Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc, a leading firearm manufacturer and iconic American brand, where he has over a decade of proud service. He joined the company in 2010 as Vice President of Supply Chain Management, and has been a member of the senior executive team at the company ever since, eventually taking the helm in January of 2020. Prior to joining Smith & Wesson, Mark was a Director with the consulting firm of Alvarez & Marsal, where he advised and assisted clients with bankruptcy turnarounds, M&A transactions, and other complex business problems. Early on in his career, he worked in various operational management roles for Ecolab, Inc. (a developer and marketer of programs, products, and services for the hospitality, foodservice, healthcare, industrial, and energy markets) and Bell Aromatics, (a manufacturer of flavors and fragrances).

Having grown up in the north woods of Canada, Mark spent most of his childhood exploring the outdoors. From an early age he was given a lifelong love and passion for fishing – passed down from his father – taking his first float plane trip at 6 years of age. During the winter months, he was a competitive skier, a passion he still enjoys today and now also enjoys snowmobiling, hunting, trap shooting, and hiking. Mark is passionate about hunting, fishing, and the outdoors – and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same. He serves on the boards of Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) and Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturer’s Institute (SAAMI).

Jason Vanderbrink is Co-CEO of Vista Outdoor, CEO of Sporting Products. Jason previously served as Senior Vice President of Sales for all the company’s brands. He joined Vista Outdoor’s sales organization in 2005 and has held roles with increasing responsibility. Jason has more than 18 years of increasing leadership experience in the outdoor industry, including five years with The Cullerton Company.

Vanderbrink earned his bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University and his master’s degree from Missouri State University. He completed the University of Oxford Advanced Management and Leadership Programme in 2013. He serves on the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) Board of Governors, was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Vista Outdoor and is honored to be considered for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Board.

During his tenure as President of Sporting Products, Vanderbrink has driven rapid and award-winning new product innovation, oversaw the acquisition of Remington and HEVI-Shot and demonstrated record sales and profitability. He is also an avid outdoorsman who is passionate about hunting and shooting. He lives in Boerne, TX with his wife and daughter.

Proud member of the following organizations:

• NRA Ring of Honor
• SCI life member
• DSC life member
• Wild Sheep life member
• FNAWS life member
• RMEF life member
• Houston Safari life member
• Pheasants Forever life member
• Quail Forever life member
• Ruffed Grouse life member
• NWTF life member
• Mule Deer Foundation life member

David Wielicki founded the South Carolina Waterfowl Association (SCWA) on December 16, 1986. He has served as the Chief Executive Officer of SCWA since the organization’s inception. David graduated from Auburn University in 1983 with an honors degree in Wildlife Management. During his undergraduate and graduate studies, he spent three years in Manitoba, Canada assisting waterfowl researchers on waterfowl and wetland ecology projects while conducting his own research on aspects of mallard nutrition during the summer molting period. David’s research was funded by the Delta Waterfowl Foundation. He received his Master of Science degree from the University of Manitoba. Prior to founding the South Carolina Waterfowl Association, David worked for Ted Turner managing more than 2,000 acres of coastal rice field impoundments. David has 38 years of experience as a waterfowl biologist and manager. David grew up in North Alabama hunting and fishing with his father, Tony Wielicki. David is an avid waterfowl hunter and fisherman who enjoys sharing the outdoors with his wife Joette and his two children Gracie and Tony and their spouses Matt Couch and Madison Wielicki.  His duties at SCWA include working closely with the SCWA Board of Directors, strategic planning, major gifts fundraising, waterfowl habitat development, and policy issues.