Officers and Directors

TERM EXPIRES 2025

Twenty years ago, Glen Landrus was selected for a Washington bighorn sheep hunt, which sparked his passion to be involved in giving back to promote the future of wild sheep and their habitat. After his Washington sheep hunt, he learned about the Wild Sheep Foundation (then FNAWS) and joined at the state level. He was elected to the board of the Washington chapter in the late 1990s, later serving as secretary and then more than ten years as the chapter president. The chapter’s board developed recruitment and banquet programs that increased both membership and banquet profit by 400%, while keeping administrative costs to 4%. More importantly, he reports, they inspired the membership with excitement, hope and a desire to give back to the wild-sheep resource. Today, he is a Summit Life member of WSF.
 
For more than two decades, Glen has served as a high-school agricultural education instructor. Most of this teaching experience was at a small school at the gateway of Hells Canyon in southeastern Washington. Glen’s students have won 13 state competitions and gone on to national competitions in everything from livestock evaluation to parliamentary procedure. In 2002, he was recognized as the Outstanding Agriculture Teacher for the 11 Western states. In 2015, he was selected as a regional Teacher of the Year in Washington state and one of nine finalists for Washington state Teacher of the Year.

ramslamvideo@gmail.com

TERM EXPIRES 2026

Charlie Kelly was born in Phoenix, and spent his childhood growing up in a family that spent their free time enjoying the best that Arizona has to offer in outdoor activities that included camping, fishing and hunting.  In 1998 he was drawn for an Arizona desert bighorn sheep hunt, and although he came up empty on his first sheep hunt, it was the catalyst behind his lifelong fascination with this majestic animal.  Charlie went on to hunt sheep in Utah, Colorado, Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia and Mexico, completing his FNAWS in 2005.  He also spent time sheep hunting with his son Danny, who completed his FNAWS in 2008 at the age of 18.  One of his greatest joys has been the opportunity to accompany his wife, daughter, son and brother on their sheep hunts over the years.

In 2003 he became involved with the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, by volunteering on their Fundraiser Committee.  Since then, he has chaired their annual fundraiser twice, served several terms as Treasurer, and was their 2019 President.  He currently serves as their WSF and Legislative Chair.

He also serves as Chairman of the Arizona Livestock Loss Board that supports the reintroduction of the Mexican Gray Wolf program by compensating livestock producers for predation losses and providing support for wolf predation avoidance programs.  Charlie is a life member of the Az. Antelope Foundation, the Az. Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society, and the Midwest and Yukon Chapters of the WSF.  Charlie is also a WSF Summit Life and Chadwick Ram Society member.  He was inducted into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame in 2021.

Charlie and his wife Linda formed a precast manufacturing business in Phoenix in 1992, and following its sale and acquisition in 2018, he has been able to devote more of his time to wildlife conservation by serving with several wildlife non-profits in Arizona as well as the WSF.  During his first five years on the WSF board, he has served as a director and three terms as Treasurer, and is currently serving as WSF Vice Chair.  He is the 2024/2025 Chair of the Development, Gift Acceptance, and Investment Committees and also serves on (10) additional WSF committees.

azsheepguy@gmail.com

TERM EXPIRES 2026

My favorite hat is from 2016, embroidered on it is “WSF Conservationist”. That’s me! Don’t get me wrong, I have a beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep to my credit, but the behind-the-scenes conservation really fuels my fire. I have been passionate about God’s creatures, all of us, since I was a kid. I was born in Wyoming into a hunting family and have lived in Colorado since 1978. I have a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Public Health from the University of Northern Colorado. Out of college I worked in occupational health for a large corporate brewery. A few months after getting married in 1993, while still having full time jobs, my husband and I started the first of several successful businesses in Northern Colorado. I worked on everything from apartment maintenance to book keeping to selling the homes we built. My focus shifted when the businesses got too big and our two girls needed my full attention. Now that they are grown, my days are filled with old school homemaking and what I refer to my friends and family as “sheep stuff”. For the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF), I chair the Ladies Luncheon and Artemis Award Committees; I’m chair of the 1Campfire Initiative Committee; and I am a member of the Auction Solicitation, Development, and Marco Polo Society Committees. Further, I am a life member and a member of the Marco Polo Society. I was appointed to the WSF board in 2020 and served for two years and re-elected in the Fall of 2022 to serve a new three year term. Locally, I served six years on the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society (RMBS) board of directors, four of those as secretary and I continue as RMBS banquet chair. I am a life member of the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society, Wild Sheep Society of BC, Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance, and the Texas Bighorn Society, as well as, Grand Slam Club Ovis and Dallas Safari Club. I am also an active member and volunteer for Timberline Windsor Church.

demaskes@msn.com

TERM EXPIRES 2027

Born and raised on a farm/ranch in North Dakota provided Larry Jacobs the opportunity to build a strong work ethics at a young age. He has always been passionate about new adventures and opportunities in life. He traveled to Oregon for summer work, to earn his way through college, and started a Custom Construction Co. the at age 20.  He still owns and operates this business forty-seven year later, building custom homes and light commercial projects. Larry also operates a farm and ranch business.

Larry has always spent time volunteering to local, county, state and regional non-profit groups so after drawing an Oregon bighorn tag in 2002 he joined OR-FNAWS for an opportunity to give back. He became a board member in 2003, served as VP in 2004 and as President in 2005,2006, 2016 and is the current Oregon President. He has initiated numerous hands on projects in Oregon- including guzzlers, spring projects, weed projects and juniper cutting to name a few.  Larry has actively participated in the Hells Canyon Initiative as the OR-FNAWS representative since 2004. He has also participated in public land management planning in OR, WA and ID since 2004. Larry takes a leading role in the chapter fundraisers each year. The Oregon Chapter presented their Jo Josephson Lifetime Achievement award to Larry in 2007. The WSF Gordon Eastman award was presented to Larry in 2010 and the WSF Outstanding Achievement award was presented to him in 2016. He is dedicated to bighorn sheep and passionate about the future of our public lands and wildlife management strategies for these lands.

lljacobs4@aol.com

TERM EXPIRES 2027

Born and raised in Parowan Utah
 
Attended Utah State University, and Southern Utah University
 
Served 4 years active duty in the U. S. Navy
 
Resided and worked in Southern Nevada for the past 51 years
 
I am happily married to Cindy Alexander
 
I was President and Owner of ICI Contractor doing commercial, General Contracting in Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and California for 30 years
 
I have been actively involved as a Board member, President, and volunteer for the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn, working on planning, construction, and maintenance of Big Game Guzzlers in Southern and Central Nevada for over 30 years.
 
Presently a Summit life Member, (Life Member 28 years) and Chadwick Ram Society member of the Wild Sheep Foundation.
 
My other memberships include life Member of the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn, and numerous other NGO's and National groups.
 
Served 6 years on the Nevada State Wildlife Commission as a member, Vice Chairman, and Chairman
 
Also 6 years on the Nevada State Public Works Board as a member and Vice Chairman.
I am and have been politically active for the betterment of wildlife management and access to public lands since 2000, representing the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn, myself and numerous other interested groups. These endeavors have mainly been related to New Wilderness issues, National Monuments and Desert Nation Refuge with the Air Force. This role also involves helping craft the language for the Memorandum of Understandings on the issues.
 
I have had the distinct pleasure of having hunted Wild Sheep in Canadian Provinces, Alaska, Utah, and Nevada which has developed friendships and knowledge of the different scenarios involving Wild Sheep and I feel extremely fortunate for participating in these ventures.
 
It would be an honor if given the opportunity to serve the Wild Sheep Foundation as a Director. I would devote myself to the betterment and continuity to the best of my ability and resources. With my extensive and knowledgeable background and service of Putting and Keeping Wild Sheep on the Mountain that I could be an asset to Wild Sheep Foundation

sheepspotr@aol.com

TERM EXPIRES 2025

“Passion” is something very evident when describing Julie! An Indiana native, Julie has had a passion for living life to the fullest and has excelled in many different endeavors. While earning her bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Missouri she found time to have a record setting career as a 4-year starter for the women’s basketball program. Following her college career, she married her high school sweetheart, Brandon and together they have passed down the love and respect for hunting to their two children, John and Madison.

Chapman is a licensed Healthcare Administrator where she owns and operates a skilled nursing facility in Southern Indiana. Additionally, she and her husband own and manage several other successful businesses within the community. Julie is a high energy, enthusiastic person that doesn’t back down from a challenge. She and her husband created Graveyard Outdoors to provide opportunities for children form the surrounding counties to experience the outdoors. Annual events for children include turkey hunts, dove hunts, pheasant hunts, archery events, shooting sports, fishing days, and waterfowl banding.

The intense enthusiasm for the outdoors has led to many different opportunities to serve at a grass roots level with conservation organizations. Julie led the state with record setting financial achievements while serving as the Ducks Unlimited Chairman for three consecutive years. NWTF, RMEF, NRA, Florida Tarpon Anglers Association, and Physically Challenged Bowhunters Association are just a few of the organizations.

The love of wild sheep began with the harvest of her first desert sheep. Jack O’Connor said it best when he said, “There is no halfway. After his first exposure, a man is either a sheep hunter or he isn’t. He either falls under the spell of sheep hunting and sheep country or he won’t be caught dead on another sheep mountain.” Obviously, Julie is all in and there is no “HALFWAY” when it comes to the passion and energy needed to continue the mission of the Wild Sheep Foundation.

Julie received letters of support from: Iowa FNAWS, Vern Bleich (WSF PRAB), Mervyn’s Yukon Outfitting and Adam Bronson/EPIC Outdoors.

jhelmchapman@yahoo.com

TERM EXPIRES 2027

Sam was born and raised in a small agricultural community in the Texas Panhandle. He was introduced to the outdoors at an early age by his grandfather through hunting and fishing. It was from his grandfather that Sam first learned about conservation, or “taking care of the animals and where they live” as he explained to Sam. The conservation principles learned at this early age have remained with him throughout his life.

Sam received a BS in Microbiology from Texas Tech University, followed by a MS and PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Upon completion of graduate school, Sam completed medical school and a residency in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at UTMB.

Having always been intrigued with the iconic wild sheep, Sam went on his first sheep hunt when he was in his 40’s, and shortly after completed his FNAWS, his most memorable hunting achievement. Being blessed to spend time in the mountains and in sheep country, Sam has developed a deep devotion to sheep and their conservation and has dedicated most of his adult life to them. He is an avid outdoorsman and has hunted throughout North America and Africa.

Sam is a Life Member and Marco Polo Society Member of the Wild Sheep Foundation and a life member of several WSF Chapters and Affiliates. He has served as the president of the Texas Bighorn Society for the last five years and is a member of their Scientific Committee as well. Sam was appointed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioners to serve on the Desert Bighorn Advisory Council of Texas and has worked closely with TPWD, private landowners, NGOs and universities for the conservation of Desert Bighorn Sheep in Texas.  He is also a life member of the Dallas Safari Club and Grand Slam Club Ovis. Sam is a Regular Member of the Boone and Crockett Club and its Wilderness Warrior Society. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Chapter and Affiliates committee as well as the Marco Polo committee of the Wild Sheep Foundation.

Sam has an otolaryngology/head and neck surgery practice in Amarillo, Texas, where he and his wife Tracy reside.

scunningham@quailcreekent.com

TERM EXPIRES 2025

I was born into a U.S. Navy family, as my father was a career Naval Officer, growing up on a Navy installation ranging from Ship Docking facilities to Naval air stations. I joined the U.S. Navy shortly after High School and became a U.S. Navy Corpsman in 1963. My wife, Joanne (Summit Life Member) and I have been married for 54 years. We have three great sons, all located in Montana. Upon leaving active duty in 1966, I began a career in Health Care Management, working predominantly in Physician Group Practices in the greater Boston area until I was recruited in 1987 to head up a large independent physician practice in Billings, MT. During my time at various healthcare organizations around Boston, I had opportunities to be involved with Development Professionals who were architects of significant fundraising programs. My interests in hunting and gun rights started in my late teens. As for many, this was and remains a maturing process. Hunting opportunities are typically regional. I became interested in travelling for hunting, which has shown me and my family much of the world. I was drawn to sheep hunting by an outfitter in Alaska, Dick Gunlogson, and it has captured me. I was involved with the Montana Chapter of the WSF from the beginning and became the second president of that Chapter. I have been a life member since its founding. I’m a Summit Life Member, Patron Sponsor, Chadwick Ram Member, FNAWS achiever, and National Rifle Association Life/Endowment Member. I served as board member for seven years and President of the Chase Hawks Memorial Association sponsoring a Rough Stock Rodeo, as well as other fund-raising activities. I have been involved with the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association in developing a strategic plan which gave birth to their (MOGA’s) Big Hearts Under the Big Sky program. I also chaired an annual event for Casting for Recovery in Billings. I believe in the WSF and would be honored to serve on its Board of Directors. Larry received letters of support from: Montana WSF and Dick Gunlogson.

ltmcgovern67@gmail.com

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 WSF board. 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

emiliorw@me.com

TERM EXPIRES 2025

Peregrine’s is a veterinarian who has focused her career on the health and conservation of wildlife. After graduating from Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984 she worked for city and state agencies, large corporations and owned her own practice. She has spent the last 10 years as the veterinarian for the Nevada Department of Wildlife.  Peregrine has recently taken a new position as the Executive Manager of the Wildlife Disease Association, an international organization focused on wildlife health and conservation. Passionate about sharing her knowledge and advancing the field of conservation, wildlife medicine and welfare she has taught students and colleagues around the globe and volunteered her leadership skills and experience for numerous organizations and committees. She is a past president of the American Associations of Wildlife Veterinarians and the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. She has served on the boards of the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners and the Wildlife Disease Association and chaired committees for the American Veterinary Medical Association and the US Animal Health Association. As Nevada’s wildlife veterinarian, Peregrine was involved in wild sheep disease research and conservation programs. She worked with agency biologists, managers and veterinarians across western states and provinces to develop standardized handling and disease testing protocols and conduct hands-on trainings for capture, handling, translocation and disease investigation in wild sheep. During her tenure in WSF she has served on the Executive Committee as secretary as well as on the following committees: Budget and Finance, Bylaws, Chapter and Affiliates, Compensation, Legislative Affairs, 1 Campfire Initiative, Conservation Committee – Disease Initiative and Women Hunt.  She has been active in both the North American and International Conservation Visions. In 2017 she was the recipient of the WSF State Statesmen Award.

falcolupus@gmail.com

TERM EXPIRES 2026

Logan was born and raised in the Northern Rockies and went on his first sheep hunt at the young age of 6 years old. He won the North American Youth Hunter of the Year Award at age 7 and has attended the “Sheep Show” every year since he was born. He has been blessed to live a life engulfed with wild sheep and is a passionate conservationist having spent every summer and fall of his life in the mountains. Logan has a degree in Agricultural Business with three minors in International, Applied and Agricultural Economics from the University of Wyoming. He is now the co-owner and operator of Midnight Sun Outfitting, located in the Peel River Watershed of the Northern Yukon. The Young family’s hunting heritage runs deep and they are proud to have been an important part of donating the first 4 sheep hunts to start the <1 club, the first ever sheep hunt at the Ladies Luncheon, several sheep hunts to help start the Membership Drive, the Endowment Fund, and over 40 years of exhibiting and additional support. Logan has also worked in the auctions for over a decade and is a very proud voice and ambassador for raising money to help “Put and Keep Sheep on the Mountain.”We all know in our hunting community that Hunting, Guide Outfitting, and Conservation efforts go hand in hand. Without one, you will not have the other. With everything in the culture of the current world, the time to act is now and Logan is proud to be a Director to represent Outfitters, Canadians, and all hunters for the betterment of Wild Sheep!

loganyoung270@gmail.com

Gray N. Thornton serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) the leading wild sheep conservation organization dedicated to “Putting and Keeping Wild Sheep on the Mountain®.” Prior to joining the Foundation in 2008, Thornton served as Executive Director of the Dallas Safari Club (1997-2008) and Chapter & Membership Director for Safari Club International (1990-1997.) Thornton followed his passion for the conservation/hunting industry after a successful sales career with Unisys and Xerox corporations.

As a public speaker, he has been invited to present keynote addresses on wildlife conservation and hunting and angling ethics internationally to diverse audiences ranging from civic and sportsmen’s groups, to international associations, the Serbian Parliament and before former Presidents of the United States of America, France, and South Africa.

Gray was awarded the “Wildlife Utilisation Award” by the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA), the Association’s highest conservation honor. He also received PHASA’s highest service honor, the “Coenraad Vermaak Distinguished Service Award” and was the first non-South African to be so recognized. Thornton has received the “President’s Award” from the Guide Outfitter Association of British Columbia for his years of dedicated service to the North American hunting and conservation community. As an Outdoor Writer, he received a Katie Award from the Press Club of Dallas representing the southern USA for the best Outdoor Story of the Year with “Iron Horse Fly Fishing.”

Thornton has served on the Boards of Bear Trust International, The Conservation Fund, the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa Conservation and Empowerment Fund, the Ballot Issues Coalition, the Banovich Wildscape Fund, and the Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation.

He is a member of WSF’s Marco Polo Society, Chadwick Ram Society, Legacy Society, a WSF Summit Life Member, and a Life Member of numerous industry, guide/outfitter associations, and WSF chapters & affiliates.

Thornton is an avid international hunter and fresh and saltwater fly angler, an ice climber, adventure motorcyclist, and a former superbike racer. He completed his FNAWS in February 2017 with a desert bighorn sheep.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Marketing from California State University at Fresno and has earned advanced credits in Wildlife Management from Colorado State University at Fort Collins.

He resides in Manhattan, Montana with his wife Renée and Vizsla Sienna.

gthornton@wildsheepfoundation.org