April 30, 2018
Johnson, Vavra Join RMEF Board of Directors
MISSOULA, Mont.—Kent Johnson and Dr. Martin Vavra are the newest members of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Board of Directors.
“Marty and Kent bring a wide diversity of knowledge and life experience that will be of tremendous benefit to the board and our shared conservation mission,” said Nancy Holland, RMEF president and CEO.
The primary role of board members is to serve as key policymakers in assisting RMEF to maximize its charge to protect and enhance elk habitat, restore elk to native ranges, and educate others about wildlife, habitat conservation and our hunting heritage. They are elected annually by fellow board members and may serve two, three-year terms.
New RMEF board member bios:
Kent Johnson
- Big Lake, Minnesota
- Senior Vice President, Director-Minnesota Office, PMA Financial Network, Inc.
- Provide investment and consulting services to governmental entities
- Certified independent public finance advisor
- RMEF life, Trails Society & sponsor member, Habitat Council chair (2016-present) & Minnesota volunteer state chair (six years)
- Kent and wife Cyndie have three children & two grandchildren
“I am humbled and honored to be able to serve the volunteers and members of our Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation family. RMEF continues to reach new heights and it is exciting to be involved with that success. As we grow, new challenges arise. I hope to bring my skills as a RMEF volunteer as well as my professional expertise to help lead RMEF into the future. We have an opportunity and responsibility to ‘Pass it on’ to the next generation. RMEF stands by its reputation as a leader in wildlife conservation. It started from volunteers and we are proud that we have remained true to our heritage,” said Johnson.
Dr. Martin Vavra
- Summerville, Oregon
- Emeritus rangeland scientist, USDA, U.S. Forest Service
- Emeritus professor of Rangeland Science, Oregon State University
- Range scientist and team leader, Starkey Project
- Published wildlife researcher & national/international presenter
- RMEF life member
“It is an honor and a privilege to be elected to the Board of Directors of RMEF. I hope to use my career skills in range and wildlife research to assist in utilization of science in the conservation management decision-making process in regard to issues pertinent to RMEF. As a hunter and long-time hunter education instructor I would like to further the issues of fair chase, hunter ethics and safe use of firearms. An organizational goal is to ensure continuing grass roots membership involvement in banquets, rendezvous gatherings and Elk Camp. Other areas of interest include providing continuing education opportunities for the membership in both hunting and outdoor skills, as well as in emerging conservation issues,” said Vavra.
John Caid, Jerry Pionessa, Terry Sweet and Joe Treadway recently concluded service on the RMEF Board of Directors.