Attention CFM Members!
The Nominating Committee is looking for active members who are interested in doing more to support CFM’s 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.” What can you do to help? Missouri conservation needs your time and talent to remain strong, whether in leadership, finance, natural resource management, wildlife management, or other areas where your passion lies. CFM needs you! Your experience and input as a member of the Board will help keep us paying it forward for many more years to come.
The Nominating Committee is now seeking candidates for the 2025 election. August 11, 2024 is the deadline to receive all applications for the following positions:
To learn more about the roles and responsibilities, please go to www.confedmo.org/boardelections/, as well as the preferred (but not required) qualifications and experience for each. You may nominate yourself or another person by completing the nominations and bio forms located at www.confedmo.org/boardelections/, and submit with a photo as instructed on the website by August 11, 2024. For questions or assistance, please contact a CFM staff member.
The nominating committee relies on the information provided by the candidates to select the slate for the 2025 positions.
Nomination Process for Candidates:
1. Read the descriptions and preferred qualifications.
2. Read the expectations of a board member.
3. Complete the nomination form and a short bio.
4. Submit nomination documents. Deadline August 11, 2024
Election: The election will be held electronically in January 2025, and the results will be announced before the Annual Convention in March 2025.
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.
Ryan Verkamp is currently the CFO/COO for Burcham Companies and All-n-One Outdoor Solutions where he constantly advocates for employees to think and act like owners while teaching them financial literacy. Verkamp previously served as the CFO of ShareTracker, the largest U.S. market research company dedicated to telecom market share and FlowShare measurement products and analytics. Prior to ShareTracker, Verkamp served as director of finance and marketing for Bluebird Network, a leading telecommunications company delivering thousands of route miles of high-speed broadband and fiber optic connection throughout the Midwest. An adjunct professor of accounting information systems for the University of Missouri – Columbia, Verkamp also worked as an auditor with KPMG.
A CPA, Verkamp earned his master of accountancy degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia.
A licensed pilot and avid outdoorsman, his childhood ambition to work for a company that would let him operate a backhoe fell to the wayside when he realized he had a facility for math and an interest in marketing and management. Off the job when he isn’t out hunting with his bird dog Ali or fly fishing on a beautiful stretch of river, he and his wife Laura have their hands full raising their three kids in their home in Hartsburg, Missouri.
I was born and raised in rural northwest Missouri where I graduated
from Hamilton (Penney) High School in 1975. After entering college as an
art major, I settled on biology and criminal justice, graduating from CMSU in
1980. My goal was to become a Wyoming Game Warden or a Missouri
Conservation Agent. Missouri’s process opened up first and the decision
was made for me when I was offered a spot in the 1980 Conservation
Agent Training Class. Assigned to DeKalb County after training, I would
eventually work 34 years in law enforcement, 27 with MDC and the
remainder with the Missouri State Highway Patrol as a Trooper.
Sharon and I live near Maysville, Missouri, where I serve as the
Presiding Commissioner of DeKalb, County. I am an avid archery deer and
turkey hunter and a member of the NWTF and the National Deer
Association, as well as the Missouri Bluebird Society. I enjoy outdoor
activities like gravel biking, fishing, kayaking, monitoring bluebird nest
boxes or cutting wood, especially if it involves sharing the time with our
eight grandkids.
My husband, horses, and various critters, native and domestic have lived in Warren County for over 29 years. As an avid outdoors gal and a Master Naturalist, I’ve been fortunate to ride, fish, and hike our parks and the unique private spaces throughout Missouri. With so much development coming our way in the last few years it has become even more important to me that we protect our wild areas for access to hunting, fishing, and all recreational activities. To that end, it is clear that to keep our wild areas accessible we must join forces through this affiliate program to be seen on a statewide level. I am currently serving on the board of the Dark Sky Missouri and on the Executive Committee for the Eastern Sierra Club. I’d be honored to join the many voices of CFM.
Dana Ripper is an ecologist and nonprofit administrator with an MS (2002) in Wildlife Biology. She worked on conservation projects across the U.S. before making Missouri home in 2008. In 2010, Dana co- founded the Missouri River Bird Observatory (MRBO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation via science, education, and advocacy. MRBO works in Missouri’s most imperiled habitats and provides
information to landowners, partners, the general public, and legislators to advance science-based habitat management and wildlife conservation. Dana coordinates several statewide field projects and dozens of public education events each year while also cultivating relationships with elected officials and recruiting new conservation advocates. The topics upon which she works most regularly are industrial agriculture, single-use plastics, and community conservation. MRBO has been an affiliate of CFM since 2011. Dana has served on several CFM committees, including Resolutions and Relevancy, and has been CFM’s delegate to the National Wildlife Federation since 2022.
I have spent my entire life working and playing outdoors. My first job was helping to maintain a hunting and fishing club in Louisburg, Kansas.
I have been a land surveyor since 1976 (One career). I started the art and practice of falconry in 1964 and have been actively involved with it ever since. I have helped and advised on several field research projects in Missouri over the years. My experience with many boards as a member, as a leader, and as working with them should mean I am well suited to working and functioning in a board environment. I was born in the state of Missouri, and moved back in 1974 from the state of Kansas for the purpose of continuing falconry after Kansas made it illegal for ten years. My heart and soul has always been dedicated to living and working and enjoying in the best environment the earth has to give.
I served for ten years as the Missouri Director for the Sierra Club, working with national environmental organizations to support conservation priorities in Missouri. Many conservation issues are influenced by federal agencies. I have worked with the US Forest Service (on management of the Eleven Point River and on protecting the Bell Mountain Wilderness Area), with the Army Corps of Engineers (on protecting the New Madrid Floodway), and with the National Park Service on water quality in the Ozark Scenic Riverways. I will work hard to mobilize broad support our CFM priority issues.
I currently serve as the vice-chair of the CFM Public and Private Lands RAC (Resource Advisory Council). I have attended Conservation Lobby Day in the State Capitol, and participated in the CFM Annual Convention.
I am familiar with Missouri wildlands. I’ve canoed on the Eleven Point, Current, Jacks Fork, Huzzah, Courtois, Meramec, Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, and kayak in Mingo Swamp. I have backpacked on the Ozark Trail, and done trail maintenance in the Pioneer Forest. I am familiar with public lands in our state, and would bring that knowledge to CFM’s work.
From my background working in emergency medicine, to teaching archery to youth as a Level 1 USA Archery instructor, to now being a conservation professional working with private lands, I bring an extensive tool kit for problem solving, conflict resolution, and working effectively as a team. My father introduced me to the outdoors through archery hunting and fishing at a very young age and I have been in love with the natural world ever since. With my diverse background and passion for wildlife conservation, I hope to serve as a board member to further the mission and values of CFM and protect the Missouri landscape and outdoor heritage.
Cydney is a dedicated advocate for responsible land management, animal welfare, and animal health, recognizing the integral role these elements play in fostering an environment conducive to conservation, naturalism, and wildlife. An avid fisherwoman and conservationist, she has recently discovered the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) and is committed to promoting its mission to younger generations to preserve the state’s rich natural heritage. As an attorney based in Columbia, MO, Cydney balances her professional life with her love for the outdoors, often sharing her passion with her active son, Dalton. She lives with her partner, Greg, and despite their friendly competition in fishing—where Cydney often comes out on top—they share a deep appreciation for nature. Cydney’s dedication to conservation and her legal expertise make her a vital advocate for sustainable practices and environmental education.
I’m originally from Columbia, Missouri where I currently live. I attended college at MU for wildlife and forestry. I come from an avid outdoor family and was drawn to a career in conservation through many of my hobbies, including hunting, hiking, camping, and spending weekends canoeing. Now, I enjoy getting outdoors with my young son, wife, and bird dog.I’ve been involved with CFM since 2005 and became a Life Member in 2011. I’ve served as an At-large Board member of CFM for the past 3 years, assisting on multiple committees. Prior to that I served several years on the Grasslands and Prairies RAC and the YCA committee.I work as a wildlife biologist for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. My experience with PF/QF is primarily in private lands conservation. I’ve had extensive experience developing conservation plans, working with at-risk wildlife species, writing grants, and building partnerships. I’ve also had experience working with local volunteers, fundraising, and supervising other staff.I believe the work CFM does is critical to protecting Missouri’s outdoors and would like a chance to further serve the organization. Thank you!
Dr. Nevin Waters founded his dental practice in 1975 with a goal to treat each patient as he would a family member. From a child’s first dental experience to adults looking to maintain optimal dental health, Dr. Waters combines his experience with compassionate care. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, past president of the Kansas Dental Association, UMKC Dental Alumni Association member and former Alumni of the Year, and founder and board member of the Kansas Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped. He is also a board member with Duckhorn Outdoor Adventures.
As a retired IT executive, I have over 25 years of experience organizing and leading teams. I’m a Life Member of the CFM and have enjoyed the benefits for over two decades. It’s now time to give back to an organization that is so important to conservation efforts in Missouri.I’m an avid hunter and gardener, and my husband and I are working with the MDC to convert our properties to native habitats. I serve as an officer in the Franklin County Master Gardeners and committee chair in the Miramiguoa Chapter of the Missouri Master Naturalists. I’m also a board member of the East Central Prescribed Burn Association and am very committed to these organizations. I recently assisted in getting the Master Naturalist organization to correct a miscommunication about MN groups joining the CFM as affiliates. I’m now working to get our chapter to rejoin.
I believe in the mission of CFM, the impact CFM has had, and desire to be part of the future success of CFM’s efforts. I believe my background, ability and laymen’s view of my observation of the public while hunting on public lands or fishing MO streams, will offer a value to the future endeavors and attract new folks along the way. I have been a hunter/angler since age six on our great state. I think about the memories of all the hunts/fishing trips/hikes I shared with new hunters/anglers, first youth harvest/catch’s, wounded hero’s, Veterans, father/sons first harvest, I have been part of as some of the best outdoor experiences in my lifetime.
As a Fromer President of the Board/Founder of Michele Wilson Coalition, former Board Member for Knight s of Columbus St. Charels, MO, former STL Chairman for Delta Waterfowl, former committee member for STL Ducks Unlimited, manager of wetlands for private waterfowl clubs and a past MO hunting and fishing guide, I look to bring those influences and experiences to CFM’s advisory table. As a Commercial Insurance Broker with 30 years in the industry currently with the Charles L. Crane Agency in Chesterfield, MO; my practice is focusing on those business owners that offer hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, canoe/kayaking/rafting and other outdoor activities to their guests for the past 30 years, plus Mainstreet business owners.
Some of my other former Experiences: Owner of Scott’s Lawn Care, Hearts & Roses (flower shop), Midwest Hunting Adventure’s (preserve hunting and guided trips), RiverCity Rage (Professional Indoor Football team), GST Sports (sports staffing company), NEAR (AR Duck Club) and currently owner of Best Shot Insurance (affiliation with Crane Agency with focus on Outdoor Business Services) and Paty Jo’s Cabin Rentals in NEW MO on Mark Twain Lake.
Other organizations I have been part of and am part of today: Big Brother Program, Knights of Columbus Officer, Master Mason, Moolah Shriners, Wildlife Forever, Ducks Unlimited, North American Hunter, Buckmaster, Delta Waterfowl, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Independent Brokers Association, Member of Association General Contractors, Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Store Association, Trout Unlimited, NWTF, DU, DELTA, QDM, Quail/Pheasant Forever, BASS, NRA, NSSF, Hunt of a Lifetime, and Quail Unlimited.
Characteristics I will offer to CFM and its board members, staff, and members: Honest, Friendly, Outstanding Communication Skills, Business Management/Marketing, Fund Raising, attention to details, commitment, recruitment of volunteers, observation of the outdoors, support of the outdoor and outdoor sports, desire to attract youth, passion to give thanks to our Veterans and Leadership to preserve the mission and future of CFM’s past and present leadership goals.