Board of Directors

CHARLIE KELLY

Chair | Arizona

TERM EXPIRES 2026

Charlie Kelly, a Phoenix native, grew up enjoying Arizona’s outdoors through camping, fishing, and hunting. In 1998, a desert bighorn sheep hunt sparked a lifelong passion, leading him to pursue and complete his FNAWS in 2005. He’s hunted sheep across North America and shared that experience with his son Danny, who earned his FNAWS at 18, as well as other family members.

Charlie began volunteering with the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society in 2003 and has since served as President, Treasurer, and committee chair. He also chairs the Arizona Livestock Loss Board, supporting wolf recovery efforts and aiding livestock producers.

A life member of several wildlife organizations, including the Wild Sheep Foundation, he was inducted into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame in 2021. After selling his precast manufacturing business in 2018, Charlie dedicated more time to conservation, serving with Arizona non-profits and on the WSF board. He has held multiple leadership roles, including WSF Vice Chair, and chairs several key committees for 2024–2025.
 

KYLE STELTER

Vice Chair | British Columbia

TERM EXPIRES 2028

Kyle is a passionate conservationist dedicated to protecting wild sheep and preserving wildlife for future generations. A devoted husband and father, Kyle blends his roles as a hunter, advocate, and conservation leader to make a meaningful impact.

He served on the Wild Sheep Foundation Board of Directors, including two years as Vice-Chairman, and currently chairs the Membership and Marketing and Communications Committee. Since 2021, he has led the Wild Sheep Society as CEO, overseeing a 400% membership growth and directing $1.35 million to mission programs in just two years through initiatives like the Monarch Membership program.

Kyle is also President of the Mountain Wildlife Conservation Society, a Canadian charity focused on habitat preservation. His work has fostered partnerships across conservation organizations, significantly advancing efforts in British Columbia.

With a clear vision to grow North America’s conservation impact and elevate the Wild Sheep Foundation’s leadership in the field, Kyle remains committed to ensuring wild sheep populations thrive. It would be an honor for him to again serve as a Director for the Foundation.
 

JANN DEMASKE

Secretary | Colorado

TERM EXPIRES 2026

Born into a hunting family in Wyoming and a Colorado resident since 1978, I’ve been passionate about wildlife conservation since childhood. I hold a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Health from the University of Northern Colorado. After working in occupational health, my husband and I launched several successful businesses in Northern Colorado. I eventually shifted focus to raise our two daughters and now devote my time to homemaking and what I call “sheep stuff.”

I serve on the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) Board, originally appointed in 2020 and re-elected in 2022. I chair the Ladies Luncheon, Artemis Award, and 1Campfire Initiative Committees, and serve on the Auction Solicitation, Development, and Marco Polo Society Committees. I’m a life member of WSF and the Marco Polo Society. I also served six years on the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society (RMBS) board, four as secretary, and continue as banquet chair.

I’m a life member of RMBS, Wild Sheep Society of BC, Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance, Texas Bighorn Society, Grand Slam Club Ovis, and Dallas Safari Club, and a dedicated volunteer with Timberline Windsor Church.
 

LARRY JACOBS

Treasurer | Oregon

TERM EXPIRES 2027

Larry Jacobs was raised on a North Dakota farm, where he developed a strong work ethic early in life. Always eager for new opportunities, he traveled to Oregon for summer work, started a custom construction company at age 20, and still operates it 47 years later alongside his farm and ranch business.

In 2002, after drawing an Oregon bighorn sheep tag, Larry joined OR-FNAWS to give back to wildlife conservation. He became a board member in 2003, served as VP in 2004, and held the role of President in 2005, 2006, 2016, and currently. He has led numerous habitat improvement projects in Oregon, including guzzlers, spring developments, weed control, and juniper removal. Since 2004, he’s represented OR-FNAWS in the Hells Canyon Initiative and has been involved in public land management planning across OR, WA, and ID.

Larry plays a key role in annual chapter fundraisers. His dedication has earned him the OR-FNAWS Jo Josephson Lifetime Achievement Award (2007), the WSF Gordon Eastman Award (2010), and the WSF Outstanding Achievement Award (2016). Passionate about bighorn sheep, public lands, and wildlife conservation, Larry remains a driving force in protecting these vital resources.

CLINT BENTLEY

Nevada

TERM EXPIRES 2027

Born in Parowan, Utah, I attended Utah State and Southern Utah University before serving four years active duty in the U.S. Navy. I’ve lived and worked in Southern Nevada for over 50 years and was President/Owner of ICI Contractor, handling commercial general contracting in four states for 30 years.

I’ve been a dedicated member of the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn for over 30 years, serving as Board member, President, and volunteer, contributing to the planning and construction of Big Game Guzzlers. I’m also a Summit Life Member and Chadwick Ram Society member of the Wild Sheep Foundation, along with multiple other NGO affiliations.

I served six years on both the Nevada State Wildlife Commission and the Public Works Board, holding leadership roles in both. Since 2000, I’ve actively worked on wildlife and public land access issues, including wilderness designations, national monuments, and military land use.

BRALLI CLIFFORD

Wyoming

TERM EXPIRES 2028

As Jack O’Connor said, “A man is either a sheep hunter or he isn’t.” With nine sheep hunts behind me, I definitely am one. But it’s about more than just sheep—it’s conservation, food sourcing, travel, challenge, and community.

I began hunting as an adult, not knowing what to expect. Since then, I’ve hunted in eight of the 13 countries I’ve visited across six continents. I’ve formed lifelong friendships with guides, outfitters, and conservationists, experienced incredible places and cuisines, and pushed myself beyond limits I thought possible.

I was born and raised in Wyoming, where I still live with my husband, my best friend and adventure partner. Together we work in healthcare, manage four businesses, and have raised three kids. Now empty nesters, we enjoy life with our energetic black lab.

Volunteering with conservation groups is a passion. I serve as Treasurer for the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation, where I manage all bookkeeping. I’m driven to promote and protect wild sheep and their habitat—working to “Put and Keep Wild Sheep on the Mountain.

SAM CUNNINGHAM

Texas

TERM EXPIRES 2027

Born and raised in the Texas Panhandle, Sam Cunningham was introduced to the outdoors by his grandfather, who instilled in him a lifelong commitment to conservation. He holds a BS in Microbiology from Texas Tech and a PhD in Molecular Biology from UTMB, where he also completed medical school and residency in Otolaryngology.

Sam developed a passion for wild sheep in his 40s and completed his FNAWS, a personal milestone. He has since dedicated himself to sheep conservation, hunting extensively across North America and Africa. He is a Life Member and Marco Polo Society Member of the Wild Sheep Foundation, serving as Chairman of the Chapter and Affiliates and Marco Polo Committees. He is also President of the Texas Bighorn Society, sits on its Scientific Committee, and serves on the Desert Bighorn Advisory Council of Texas.

Sam collaborates with TPWD, landowners, NGOs, and universities to advance bighorn conservation. He is a Life Member of Dallas Safari Club and Grand Slam Club Ovis, and a Regular Member of the Boone and Crockett Club and its Wilderness Warrior Society.

He lives in Amarillo, Texas, with his wife Tracy and practices otolaryngology/head and neck surgery.

KEVIN KEHOE

Alaska

TERM EXPIRES 2028

Kevin grew up in Western New York, where his passion for hunting began with grouse and small game. He served as a Special Forces Officer in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2001. A decorated combat veteran, his honors include the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star.

After the Army, Kevin led and launched several businesses before retiring in 2016. In 2014, he was invited to restart the Alaska Wild Sheep Foundation, which now thrives with nearly $2 million in annual revenue and over $1 million donated. For his leadership, he received the WSF Outstanding Achievement Award (2019) and Alaska's Conservationist of the Year (2022).

An accomplished hunter, Kevin has taken all four North American wild sheep, the North American 29, and nearly all of Africa’s Dangerous Seven. He now hunts with his daughter and grandson.

Kevin brings strategic planning, leadership, and business expertise to the WSF Board. He believes in the Foundation’s mission, values its exceptional team and volunteers, and sees vast potential for its future.

LARRY JOHNS

Nevada

TERM EXPIRES 2028

Larry Johns has dedicated over 35 years to wildlife conservation. Beginning in the late 1980s with Safari Club International (SCI), he served as National Banquet Coordinator, Chapter Developer, and later as a national director-at-large and Ethics Committee co-chair. He founded a construction company in 1990 while continuing his SCI service, including as president of the Sutter Buttes and Northern Nevada chapters.

Larry currently chairs the Wild Sheep Foundation’s (WSF) Ethics Committee and manages the Sheep Show Raffle—a role he will resign from if elected to the WSF board, in accordance with the WSF Conflict-of-Interest Policy. He is a WSF Summit Life Member, Chadwick Ram Society member, and recipient of the 2022 WSF President’s Award.

Nominated by the SCI Northern Nevada Chapter, Larry received endorsements from past WSF chairmen and other respected conservationists. Bitten by "Sheep Fever" after harvesting a Dall’s Sheep in 2018, Larry cherishes the memories of a 2019 father-son mountain goat hunt in British Columbia. He is dedicated to advancing WSF’s mission to “Put and Keep Sheep on the Mountain®.” He lives in Reno, Nevada with his wife Gay, their three children, and nine grandchildren, many of whom share his love for hunting.

EMILIO RANGEL W.

Monterrey, MX

TERM EXPIRES 2027

Emilio Rangel W. is CEO of Monterrey, Mexico based Ecumene Desarrollos a real estate investing firm and brings more than 25 years of NGO, private sector and governmental agency leadership experience to the Wild Sheep Foundation board of directors. Rangel, a former Ducks Unlimited Mexico Executive has served as President of the Wildlife Management Trust, National Association of Water Works Institutions of Mexico, CEO of Water Works for the state of Nuevo Leon and Director General of the National Rural Registry of Land. Rangel received a Master of Science degree in Wildlife Management and a BS in Agricultural Engineering. 

Emilio and his son Emilio, Jr. and business partner Rene Hernandez are owners of Rancho La Palmosa and are responsible for the repatriation of more than 500 free-range desert bighorn sheep to their native range in Coahuila. La Palmosa received WSF’s Special Conservation Award in 2016 for their work to put and keep desert bighorn sheep back on Coahuila’s mountains. Rangel is the first Mexican citizen to serve on WSF’s Board of Directors.

LOGAN YOUNG

Yukon

TERM EXPIRES 2026

Born and raised in the Northern Rockies, Logan Young went on his first sheep hunt at age 6 and won North American Youth Hunter of the Year at 7. He has attended the Sheep Show every year since birth and is deeply committed to wild sheep conservation. Logan holds a degree in Agricultural Business with minors in International, Applied, and Agricultural Economics from the University of Wyoming. He co-owns and operates Midnight Sun Outfitting in the Peel River Watershed, Northern Yukon. 

The Young family has a rich hunting legacy, donating hunts to launch the <1 Club, the Ladies Luncheon hunt, Membership Drive, and Endowment Fund. Logan has supported wild sheep conservation for over a decade through auction work and advocacy. He is proud to represent Outfitters, Canadians, and all hunters to “Put and Keep Sheep on the Mountain,” believing that hunting, outfitting, and conservation are inseparable and must be defended now more than ever.

GRAY N. THORNTON

Montana

President/CEO

Gray N. Thornton is the President and CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF), a leader in wild sheep conservation. Prior to joining WSF in 2008, he led the Dallas Safari Club and worked with Safari Club International, transitioning from a corporate sales career to conservation leadership. A respected public speaker, Thornton has addressed audiences worldwide, including international parliaments and former heads of state.

He has received top honors such as the Wildlife Utilisation Award and Distinguished Service Award from the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa, and the President’s Award from the Guide Outfitter Association of British Columbia. As a writer, he earned a Katie Award for best Outdoor Story of the Year.

Thornton has served on several conservation and outdoor industry boards and is a life member of many affiliated organizations. An accomplished international hunter and angler, he completed his FNAWS with a desert bighorn sheep in 2017. He also enjoys ice climbing, adventure motorcycling, and formerly raced superbikes.

He holds a B.S. in Management and Marketing from California State University, Fresno, with additional studies in Wildlife Management from Colorado State University. He lives in Manhattan, MT with his wife Renée and their Vizsla, Sienna.