Voting will take place electronically during the month of January. The nominee’s bio and short videos will give you a chance to hear nominees express their views.
Born and raised in Maries county, I’ve been passionate about Missouri’s outdoors from an early age. I graduated from Mizzou with a degree in Agriculture Systems Management in 2009; since then, I have had the pleasure of working around the country and throughout our state. With over 95,000 farms covering roughly 63% of Missouri, I believe that conservation initiatives in our state can only be successful by first engaging farmers and private land owners. With over a decade of experience in land management and agriculture and having established personal connections with farmers and agriculture businesses throughout the state, I believe I can aid the Conservation Federation of Missouri in re-engaging our farmers, ranchers, landowners, and agriculture businesses to further the mission of protecting and enhancing Missouri’s resources, wildlife, and outdoor heritage. I thank you for your consideration and ask for your vote for the position of Secretary or Board Member.
As a Board Member of CFM, I would leverage my finance and accounting experience of being a CPA for 15 years and my lifetime love for the outdoors to ensure sustainable conservation practices for many generations to come. Serving on the board for several years, including being the President, of Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited, has demonstrated to me how challenging yet rewarding and important these type of positions are. I have seen first hand as a Certified Alaskan Fishing Guide for 10 plus years how precious these natural resources are in Alaska and Missouri, and will roll up my sleeves serving in any capacity to further conservation causes as part of CFM in this capacity. In Alaska, I have donated endless amounts of hours to raise funds through guiding, putting critical watersheds into perpetual land trusts. I look forward to making a lasting impact here in Missouri, my home State.
I am excited to serve CFM in a leadership position that provides the opportunity to promote and advance the conservation and protection of Missouri’s natural resources and the outdoor recreation opportunities they provide. I believe my 35-plus years of experience in managing forest, fish and wildlife resources on both public and private lands is valuable to CFM in an advisory capacity supporting their mission and serving as a catalyst for innovative conservation approaches. I have experience in meeting facilitation and collaborative processes that enhance my ability to serve on the Executive Committee.
Beyond my professional career as a forest manager, my family and I are all avid outdoor enthusiasts. I enjoy hiking, trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking and camping. My most challenging outdoor pursuit is high-elevation hiking to summit Colorado 14ers. To date, I have “bagged” eleven mountains over 14,000 feet and hope to do more in the future!
Experienced with service on the board (this would be my 3rd time).
Formerly served on the Ways and Means committee.
Experience chairing resource committees.
Current administrator of the CFM Legislative Action Center.
Experience testifying on conservation matters in legislative committees.
Own a working farm, formerly owned a small cattle operation, and have been hunting and fishing my whole life.
Deep knowledge of Chronic Wasting Disease, both politically and biologically.
I would like to serve as an executive board member to help CFM in any capacity that would enhance CFM’s mission. I am currently on my 3rd term on the BOD. I have been past chairman of the membership committee and am currently serving on that same committee. I am retired from a 30-year career with MDC as a Conservation Agent and Private Land Conservationist. I am currently serving as chairman of the Mo Grouse Chapter of QUWF, CFM delegate for the Mo Trappers Association and a member of the Prairie Foundation. I would like to represent the Affiliates on the executive board. Please consider voting for me. Thanks, Tom Westhoff
I grew up in southern Jefferson County and still own the farm there. I live in rural Cole County outside of Jefferson City. I have been a lifelong affiliate member of CFM with memberships in the Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club, Missouri Trappers Association, and NWTF MO State Chapter. I worked for the Missouri Dept. of Conservation for 26 years as a Wildlife Damage Control Agent, Hunter Skills Specialist and Public Relations Specialist. I have served on the board of the MO NWTF as secretary and founder of a chapter in Columbia. I also served as a board member of the MO Sport Shooters Assoc. and the MO State 4-H Shooting Sports Committee. I have worked in every county in the state and hunted, fished or trapped in most of them. I especially enjoy turkey hunting, and fishing Ozark streams for smallmouth bass. Sharing the outdoors is my passion.
Experienced with service on the board (this would be my 3rd time).
Formerly served on the Ways and Means committee.
Experience chairing resource committees.
Current administrator of the CFM Legislative Action Center.
Experience testifying on conservation matters in legislative committees.
Own a working farm, formerly owned a small cattle operation, and have been hunting and fishing my whole life.
Deep knowledge of Chronic Wasting Disease, both politically and biologically.
Growing up here in Missouri I took what we have as a conservation ethic in Missouri for granted; I was raised in it and thought everyone had the same thing. It wasn’t until I grew up that I realized we have it really good here in Missouri. I am passionate about conservation and have been since I was a young boy, but now with 3 sons of my own, I realize the importance of giving back as much or more to what I have benefited so much from over the years. I want Missouri to be an example of conservation when my grandkids come along. I have served on several different boards, and chapters of different conservation organizations through the years, and feel I have a diverse background that could be of benefit to the federation.
I have been a Conservation Federation member for over 30 years and have previously served as a board member and on the Resolutions Committee, as well as several resource advisory committees.
I worked for 24 years as the Conservation Department’s News Services Coordinator. In that capacity, I wrote hundreds of Conservationist articles and press releases about Department programs, developing
a broad understanding of the agency’s workings and challenges.
I am a life member and past president of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and the Missouri Outdoor Communicators, which I also served as president. I organized the Grand Gulf Chapter of the National Audubon Society. I’m gratified to know that this group continues to serve as an environmental watchdog for the Ozarks region. I became a life member of the Conservation Federation because I believe deeply in its work and want to do my part to carry it forward.
Born and raised in Maries county, I’ve been passionate about Missouri’s outdoors from an early age. I graduated from Mizzou with a degree in Agriculture Systems Management in 2009; since then, I have had the pleasure of working around the country and throughout our state. With over 95,000 farms covering roughly 63% of Missouri, I believe that conservation initiatives in our state can only be successful by first engaging farmers and private land owners. With over a decade of experience in land management and agriculture and having established personal connections with farmers and agriculture businesses throughout the state, I believe I can aid the Conservation Federation of Missouri in re-engaging our farmers, ranchers, landowners, and agriculture businesses to further the mission of protecting and enhancing Missouri’s resources, wildlife, and outdoor heritage. I thank you for your consideration and ask for your vote for the position of Secretary or Board Member.
As a Board Member of CFM, I would leverage my finance and accounting experience of being a CPA for 15 years and my lifetime love for the outdoors to ensure sustainable conservation practices for many generations to come. Serving on the board for several years, including being the President, of Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited, has demonstrated to me how challenging yet rewarding and important these type of positions are. I have seen first hand as a Certified Alaskan Fishing Guide for 10 plus years how precious these natural resources are in Alaska and Missouri, and will roll up my sleeves serving in any capacity to further conservation causes as part of CFM in this capacity. In Alaska, I have donated endless amounts of hours to raise funds through guiding, putting critical watersheds into perpetual land trusts. I look forward to making a lasting impact here in Missouri, my home State.
What can you do to help fulfill our Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) mission: to ensure conservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources and preservation of our state’s rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education, and partnerships? Consider becoming more involved in the good work. CFM leadership recognizes the future is YOU!
Missouri conservation needs your time and talent to remain strong and become stronger. Whether in leadership, finance, natural resource management, wildlife management, or other areas, your experience and input as a member of the Board help keep CFM paying it forward.
The Nominating Committee is now seeking nominations for the 2023 election. August 8th is the deadline to receive all applications for positions needed to fill for 2023. Nominations are being sought for the following positions:
Executive Committee (2 positions): Elected for a three-year term (2026). Note, only sitting board members are eligible to serve on the Executive Committee.
You may nominate yourself or another person by completing the nominations form along with a short bio and a photo as instructed on the website by August 8th. For questions or assistance please contact a CFM staff member.
The nominating committee will use the information provided to choose candidates for the 2023 positions.
Nomination Process:
1. Read the descriptions and preferred qualifications.
2. Read the expectations for a board member.
3. Complete the nominations form and a short bio. (a short personal video is preferred)
4. Submit nomination documents/personal video no later than August 8, 2022.
Election: The election will be held electronically in January 2023 and the results will be announced prior to the Annual Convention.