MISSOULA, Mont. — Entering its 42nd year of big game conservation accomplishment, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation welcomes a new chair, vice chair and five new members to its board of directors. The current RMEF board consists of 16 members from 11 states who volunteer their time to lead the organization’s efforts in ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage.  

Todd Walker succeeds Fred Lekse as RMEF’s 22nd board chair. Walker, of McLean, Va., is an RMEF Life Member with five years of board service, most recently as vice chair. He serves as senior vice president of government affairs and public policy for Altria Client Services and has more than 30 years of experience in the government and political arenas. Walker is an avid hunter and is married with two daughters. 

“I look forward to working with the board and RMEF President and CEO Kyle Weaver in conserving and expanding quality habitat for elk and other big game,” said Walker. “This is critical to promoting our hunting heritage, and no one does it better than RMEF.” 

AshLee Strong, of Martinsdale, Mont., fills the vice chair position vacated by Walker. An RMEF Life Member, Strong has served on the board for four years. She is the founder of Granite Peak Communications and previously spent a decade as a top communications advisor to leadership in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Born and educated in Montana, Strong resides on a multi-generational working ranch with her husband and two young children. She enjoys the outdoors, specifically hunting birds with her black Lab and chasing big game.  

“RMEF’s staff, volunteers and supporters work tirelessly for elk, their habitat and hunters,” said Strong. “I’m excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue Conserving America’s Big Game and advance our research through the Center for Hunting and Conservation at the University of Montana.” 

The five incoming RMEF board members bring a wealth of conservation knowledge, business acumen, policy expertise and strategic thinking to the organization. All are devoted hunters and longtime RMEF supporters. Starting three-year terms are: 

  • Mark Baker, of Polson, Mont., managing partner at ABS Legal law firm and serving as counsel for Mercury Public Affairs. Baker is an RMEF Life Member and former board chair with six years of previous board service. 
  • John Green, of Oxford, Miss., RMEF Life Member, chief client officer of Public Policy Holding Company and co-founder of Crossroads Strategies and Federalist Group 
  • Ike Eastman, of Powell, Wyo., president of Eastmans’ Publishing, including Eastmans’ Hunting TV, Eastmans’ Hunting Journal and Eastmans’ Bowhunting Journal 
  • Will Primos, of Madison, Miss., RMEF Life Member, founder of Primos Hunting and co-founder of SWAPA Land 
  • Adam Weatherby, of Sheridan, Wyo., president and CEO of Weatherby Inc.  

Outgoing board members Charlie Decker (Libby, Mont.), Donna McDonald (Alder, Mont.) and Dave Stephens (Nehalem, Ore.) completed their terms Dec. 31, 2025. RMEF is pleased to announce Decker, one of the organization’s four founders and a leader with a distinguished record of board service, is now recognized as RMEF’s first emeritus board member, an honorary advisory role. 

 

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Now in its fifth decade of Conserving America’s Big Game,ä RMEF will extend its impact on habitat and public land access to 10 million acres by 2030. RMEF conserves and enhances habitat for elk and all big game, opens and improves access for hunting and other outdoor recreation, conducts science-based wildlife research and ensures the future of our hunting heritage through advocacy, outreach and education. Members, volunteers and supporters nationwide help RMEF further its mission. Find out more and join the movement at rmef.org or 800-CALL-ELK.