Mule Deer Foundation Welcomes New Members to Its Board of Directors
The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is pleased to welcome Kelly Hepler, Nick Seifert and Luke Thorkildsen to its Board of Directors. Each individual has a steadfast commitment towards MDF’s mission of conserving mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat.
- Kelly Hepler is a trained biologist and finished his career as Secretary of the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. After 40 years in wildlife management Kelly has since retired but remains dedicated to conservation.
- Nick Seifert has been a leading executive within the media and outdoor industries for the last three decades. Nick is currently the SVP/General Manager of Athlon Outdoors and Athlon Sports.
- Luke Thorkildsen is the VP of Sales, Marketing, and Product Development at Weatherby. He’s a lifelong outdoor adventurer and loves getting new people into the field.
“We are very excited to welcome Kelly, Nick and Luke to our board of directors,” said Joel Pedersen, MDF President/CEO. “We appreciate each of their unique perspectives and expertise in implementing our strategic vision. MDF’s board has been integral in our success and each new member will play a key role in helping the organization continue to grow and implement our conservation mission.”
Additionally, MDF has announced that its Board of Directors Executive Committee will consist of Chair Chad Schearer, Vice Chair Eric Barnes and Secretary Eric Montague. “I look forward to the leadership of Chad, Eric and Eric as MDF looks to expand our reach and conservation delivery in 2022,” commented Pedersen.
“During this past year, two board members have completed their terms of service – Aaron Oelger after 7 years and Adam Weatherby after 4 years,” commented Chad Schearer, MDF Board Chairman. “On behalf of MDF’s Board of Directors, I’d like to extend our gratitude to the dedication that both Aaron and Adam have given to MDF’s mission. Their passion for mule deer has been inspiring. The addition of our three newest members to the board comes at an exciting time for the organization, and their expertise will be essential in helping both species and the habitats that they depend on to flourish.”
