About Wyoming Wildlife

Founded in 1937, the Federation is the oldest and largest sportsmen’s advocacy and conservation organization in the state of Wyoming.

The Wyoming Wildlife Federation’s mission is to deliver leadership in conservation for Wyoming’s wildlife, hunters, anglers, & conservationists through policy, education, advocacy, & habitat projects.

WWF’s Vision

Wyoming Wildlife Federation envisions a Wyoming with thriving fish and wildlife populations on healthy, connected habits on public and private lands and waters with plentiful opportunities to enjoy them. We nurture the next generation of conservationists through education programs.

This vision is achieved by organizing and educating the public on issues affecting wildlife, and habitat. We support strong science-based policies to retain, restore, and reconnect wildlife habitats and sustainably funded wildlife management. Our vision is brought to life by hunters and anglers who recognize both the cultural and conservation significance of Wyoming’s landscapes.

Core Values

Trust – WWF is trusted. Our positions and opinions are used by diverse constituents.
Outcomes – WWF is focused on achieving outcomes. “We get things done.”
Engagement – WWF engages all stakeholders in our work leading to strong supporters, volunteers, advocates, staff and board.
Science – WWF makes decisions and policy recommendations based on the best available science.

Meet the Staff

This dedicated full-time staff works tirelessly on conservation issues all around the state.

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Craig Benjamin

Executive Director

Craig M. Benjamin brings two decades of leadership in conservation, public policy, and nonprofit management across the West to his role as Executive Director of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation (WWF). A seasoned veteran of conservation advocacy, Craig has a proven track record of achieving meaningful wins through strategic campaigns, building and strengthening organizations, developing emerging leaders, crafting persuasive communications, and forging authentic partnerships with communities, agencies, and stakeholders.

Most recently, he served as Director of Conservation for the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, where he led cross-boundary efforts to protect the region’s iconic wildlife, lands, and waters. Prior to that, as Director of Conservation Partnerships with the National Wildlife Federation, Craig supported affiliates in Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming—helping WWF increase its staff and budget, refine its strategic direction, and elevate its profile as a leading voice for Wyoming’s outdoor heritage. Earlier in his career, Craig served as Executive Director of the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, leading successful campaigns to build wildlife crossings, defend public lands, and shape local land use policies that reflect community values.

Craig holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Washington and Lee University. He lives in Jackson with his wife and two teenage children and is deeply committed to protecting Wyoming’s way of life—ensuring that future generations inherit a state where wildlife still roam free and people still care.

cbenjamin@wyomingwildlife.org

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Jessi Johnson

Government Affairs Director

Jess Johnson leads Wyoming Wildlife Federation's efforts to advocate on behalf of wildlife and wild places through policy and local advocacy. She works hard all session long at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne to help pass good bills for wildlife and ensure those that are not good for wildlife do not become state statute. Jessi grew up ranching in Montana, Northern California and Wyoming. She has a deep appreciation for wildlife and wild lands. Since moving back to Wyoming in her early 20's, she has spent most of her free time exploring our public lands and she is an avid archery hunter. Jess's love for conservation spans beyond WWF, as well. She's a co-founder and advisory board member of the NWF initiative, Artemis Sportswomen, and serves as the policy seat on the board of directors for 2% for Conservation.

jessijohnson@wyomingwildlife.org

Andrea Barbknecht

Andrea Barbknecht

Associate Director + Education Director

Andrea has been the Federation's Administrator and jack-of-all-trades since 2017. Originally from Wisconsin, Andrea received her BS in Animal Science with minors in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls. From there, she moved to Iowa to get her MS in Wildlife Biology from Iowa State University working on elk feedgrounds and calving site selection. She did her course work in Iowa, and her field work was in and around Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in Wyoming. It was a great place to get her feet wet in the field, and, as it happens, a great place to meet her husband. Life after graduation has included work in wildlife and fisheries biology, working with everything from prairie dogs to wolves to cutthroat trout.

Outside of work, she enjoys a variety of outdoor pursuits including hiking, camping, rock climbing, and horseback riding.

abarbknecht@wyomingwildlife.org

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Kait West

Development Manager

For Kait West, conservation is about ensuring future generations have the same opportunities she has been fortunate enough to enjoy. Kait’s love of the outdoors began in her youth, growing up in central Oregon on the Deschutes River and adventuring in the Cascades. Whether it's backcountry skiing, backpacking, hunting, fishing, or simply finding adventure in wild places, she believes these experiences are worth protecting for future generations, especially her daughter and her two adult stepdaughters, and everyone who calls Wyoming home. 

As the Development Manager for the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, Kait helps secure the resources that make conservation work possible through grant management, major gifts, and donor engagement. She is passionate about connecting people to the Federation's mission and building support for Wyoming's wildlife, habitat, and outdoor heritage.

Kait's path to conservation wasn't a direct one. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Utah , she built a career in the health insurance and wellness industry before deciding to pursue work that aligned more closely with her passion for wildlife, public lands, and the outdoors. Prior to joining the Federation, she served as a volunteer board member for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers in Utah, advocating for habitat conservation and access to hunting and fishing opportunities.

Since moving to Lander in 2020, Kait has embraced all that Wyoming has to offer. She continues to teach group fitness classes on the side  and maintains her Personal Training and group fitness certifications. Helping others lead healthy, active lives remains an important part of who she is, and she sees many parallels between conservation and wellness—both require long-term commitment, stewardship, and investment in the future.

When she's not working, Kait can usually be found in the mountains with her husband, her favorite hunting and adventure partner, exploring Wyoming's backcountry, or in the gym preparing for that next adventure. Together Kait and her family enjoy hunting,  backcountry skiing, trail running, paddleboarding, biking, and discovering new places. They also  share their life with a herd of llamas (used for packing into the Wyoming backcountry) and of course Kait’s ride-or-die Alaskan Malamute, who is always ready for the next adventure.

kwest@wyomingwildlife.org

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Luke Cox

Communications & Events Coordinator

Luke Cox is the Communications & Events Coordinator for the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, where he supports the organization’s mission through storytelling, public outreach, event coordination, and community engagement. With a background in brand development, communications, and grassroots community building, Luke is passionate about connecting people to wildlife conservation, public lands, and Wyoming’s outdoor heritage.

Originally from Virginia, Luke developed a lifelong connection to the outdoors through hunting, fishing, and time spent on his family’s farms in the Appalachian Mountains. After serving as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army, he eventually settled in Wyoming, where he and his family continue to spend their time hunting, exploring public lands, and enjoying the outdoors.

An avid hunter, outdoorsman, and conservation advocate, Luke believes strongly in preserving hunting traditions, protecting wildlife habitat, and ensuring future generations can experience the same opportunities in the field. His work focuses on strengthening relationships between sportsmen, conservation partners, and the public through impactful communication, educational outreach, and events that celebrate Wyoming’s outdoor heritage.

Outside of WWF, Luke is also the founder of Hunt Lift Eat, a lifestyle and educational brand centered around hunting, personal growth, and community. His passion for mentorship, storytelling, and stewardship continues to shape his work both professionally and personally.

lcox@wyomingwildlife.org

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Colton Schick

Civic Engagement Fellow

Colton Schick of Cheyenne serves as our Civic Engagement Fellow for 2025–2026.

Colton is a lifelong Wyomingite, passionate outdoorsman, 2025 Wyoming Game and Fish Department Youth Conservationist of the Year, and a current WWF Conservation Ambassador. From fishing at Curt Gowdy and the Laramie Plains Lakes to competing nationally in 4-H and FFA and testifying before the State Board of Land Commissioners, he’s already built an impressive record as a young conservation leader.

cschick@wyomingwildlife.org

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Nat Paterson

Policy Director

After growing up in Northern New Jersey, Nat attended St. Lawrence University in upstate New York and graduated with a BA in Environmental Studies. He moved to Jackson, Wyoming after college and quickly fell in love with the landscape and wildlife of the mountain west and developed a passion for public lands. He decided to turn his passion into his career and attended the Masters of the Environment program at CU-Boulder where he received a master’s degree in Environmental and Natural Resource Policy.

In his free time he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Kathryn and son, Redford.

npaterson@wyomingwildlife.org

Meet the Board

Board members help guide and support the organization. Conserving Wyoming's wildlife and outdoor opportunities are driven by these dedicated volunteers.

Chris Simonds Fishing In WWF Hat

Chris Simonds

Chairman

Chris moved to Centennial, Wyo after years of enjoying Wyoming’s vast wide open spaces as a visitor. He earned a BA from Yale University and an MBA from the University of Virginia leading to a career in marketing and financial services. Chris also formed and directed an industry-shaping fuel distribution business aimed at minimizing impact of diesel fuel delivery at environmentally sensitive construction sites. Chris comes from a long line of outdoor enthusiasts and raised three children with these values. His love of outdoor lifestyle began with fresh and salt water fishing adventures, and annual trips to Canada’s remote backcountry wilderness, public land which was later mismanaged by the provincial government and no longer provides the same recreation opportunities. Today, Chris divides his spare time exploring our state’s vast public spaces for fishing, skiing, hunting and camping adventures.

clsimonds56@gmail.com

Mark Cole

Mark Cole

Treasurer

Mark is the Chief Operating Officer for UK Elite Soccer, a company owned by Steel Sports. Prior to joining Steel Sports, Mark was the Executive Director of Aspen Valley Ski/Snowboard Club for 15 years. The non-profit focused on developing “Great Athletes, Great Kids” including many Olympians, Paralympians and X-Games athletes. The club was the United States Ski and Snowboard Association’s National Club of the Year in 2011 and twice during his tenure was recognized as the Aspen area Non-Profit of the Year.

Mark also spent 17 years with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), considered the gold standard in teaching wilderness skills and leadership. Over the years Mark taught backpacking, rock climbing, and winter courses. He oversaw the hiring and training of field staff and also served on the director team for 8 years, as Finance Director and Alumni & Development Director.

Mark holds a BS in Mathematics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and an MA in Mathematics from the University of Washington.

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Levi Jensen

Board Secretary

Levi was born and raised on a family cattle ranch in south central Montana where clean water, bountiful fish and wildlife, and fresh air were part of his everyday life. He was exposed to fishing, hunting, and the wilderness at a very young age, cultivating a desire to continue gathering those experiences and sharing with others the divine beauty of the outdoors. Levi moved away from the ranch to get an Environmental Engineering degree from Montana Tech in 2005. It was there that he started to appreciate and understand the impact and interaction of the human environment with natural.

Levi has been in Gillette since graduating college, working for several years for an environmental consulting firm, and for the last ten years for the City of Gillette. Even though he and his family live a life in the city, his mind and his passions are on the adventures of the outdoors: hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and gardening. Levi has gained an understanding that those things of his childhood that seemed to be just part of life aren't just there; they need people that care to learn about them, to advocate for them, and to literally and figuratively get their hands dirty caring for them.

Temple Stoellinger

Temple Stoellinger

Board Member

Temple is an associate professor at the University of Wyoming with a dual appointment in the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources and the College of Law. Her academic scholarship and teaching focuses on wildlife, public lands, NEPA, and natural resource law and policy. Before her appointment at UW, Temple served as a natural resource policy advisor to former Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal, worked for Shell International BV at their world headquarters in the Netherlands, and was the Wyoming County Commissioner Association's natural resource attorney. Temple and her family are Wyoming outdoor enthusiasts, enjoying hiking, biking, and camping in the summer, and skiing in the winter. She is an expert fishing line knot un-tier, as her two young children are expert fishing line knot makers; sometimes she even gets to toss a fishing line in the water herself

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Will Rigsby

Board Member

Will is passionate about everything the wilds of Wyoming provide. Hunting, fishing and all things about the outdoors have been part of his life from a young age. Originally from Ohio, Will was drawn to the Rocky Mountains and has had the privilege to call Fremont County and Teton County his home for almost 35 years. A split career he began managing a dude ranch which led to ranch real estate and now his dream of managing a ranch where he balances ranching and land use practices to enhance the core wildlife values. He is married, has two grown daughters, three Labrador Retrievers and spends as much time as possible in the fall chasing birds with whoever will put up with him. He is honored to be a part of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation Board.

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David Willms

Policy Chair

Biography coming soon.

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Stephanie White

Board Member

Steph has been an avid outdoor person since a young age, growing up in the great lakes region with summers in the rockies. She grew up tramping thru the marshes with her dad and exploring the woods with her brother and dogs . She started fishing young and loves to fly fish everywhere and anywhere. From Tierra del Fuego to Alaska. She has worked as a wilderness guide since she was 17 years old and holds degrees in biology and Geology with a minor in Art, a license in secondary education and a Masters in Recreational Admin. She is an avid sailor and has a Masters Captains License thru the USCG. She is an entrepreneur and has a business partnership with her brother and other family members. Her personal businesses fall under Gopher adventures "Jack of all trades master of none" "Gopher it!" She joined Wyoming Wildlife because of their goal to protect all of Wyoming's Wildlife, habitat, watersheds and ecosystems for a sustainable future.
Tom Radosevich

Tom Radosevich

Board Member

Tom grew up in Rock Springs, enjoying the public lands and checkerboard of southwestern Wyoming, chasing cottontails with a bow in the winter, hunting Little Mountain and Pine Mountain for grouse and mule deer, and catching brook trout on grasshoppers wherever possible. As a boy, he worked on Bill Taliaferro’s sheep ranch on Slate Creek for a number of iconic summers—docking, haying, supplying camps and counting sheep (poorly) in the northern Wyoming range. A family medicine physician, he has lived and worked in Casper since graduating from Creighton University School of Medicine in 1999, and now enjoys a career in drug and alcohol addiction medicine. His wife, Tori, grew up in Cody, and together they - now, empty nesters (mostly) - ski, garden, climb, run, hunt, fish, and play pond hockey as much as the regular duties of life allow.

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Annie Weisz

Board Member

Annie is a Wyoming native, outdoor enthusiast, and lover of all things food. When she’s not cooking, you can usually find her in the mountains with her family – hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, skiing, or just enjoying the beauty Wyoming has to offer. She is a Registered Dietitian and the woman behind Peak to Plate, a food blog focused on innovative wild game recipes. She believes that creating delicious recipes and enjoying them mindfully is the best way to pay respect to the animals she and her husband harvest. Sharing food with others is one of Annie’s biggest passions and she loves inspiring home cooks like herself to be more creative with their wild game.

Annie has lived in several places throughout the state but now resides in her hometown of Cody with her family. While Annie has always loved the outdoors and has been fishing for many years, she didn’t start hunting until she was an adult. After becoming a mother and seeing the importance of teaching her sons where food comes from, she decided to give hunting a try and has officially gone “all in.” Annie has fully immersed herself into the hunting/angling lifestyle which has shown her the importance of conserving wild places. Being a conservation ambassador for WWF means knowing her advocacy and donations are going to science-based efforts to protect our beautiful state’s precious resources. Annie hopes that through conservation efforts, her sons’ generation and future generations are able to enjoy the outdoor opportunities that she has been so fortunate to experience.

IG: @peak.to.plate
Website: peaktoplate.com

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Dave Dittloff

Board Member

As a Director of Conservation Partnerships for the National Wildlife Federation, Dave works on a variety of conservation and hunting and fishing issues in the four-state region of Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. He has spent more than twenty-five years partnering with diverse interests to find common sense conservation solutions that benefit wildlife and people. In addition to the National Wildlife Federation, Dittloff also has worked for the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Five Valleys Land Trust, and the Montana Wildlife Federation. Dave obtained a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Montana and a BA in Political Science and Economics from the University of Wisconsin. In his free time he enjoys hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, and spending time with his three children.
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Roger Lynn

Board Member

Bio Coming Soon

We Work On Conservation Issues

Since 1937 Wyoming Wildlife Federation has been the champion of wildlife, conservation, and outdoor access issues in Wyoming.

Habitat & Water Improvements

Our vision is a Wyoming with clean water and healthy habitat to help support the wildlife and fish species that depend on them.

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Access & Outdoor Opportunities

Wyoming holds some of the most pristine and intact ecosystems on the planet, with public lands comprising nearly half of the state’s total area. However, loss of access and increasing demands on our public lands are major threats to the future of conservation and our outdoor pursuits.

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Science Based Management Policies

The Wyoming Wildlife Federation makes decisions, creates campaigns, and forms initiatives based on the best available wildlife and habitat science.

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Programs that Make a Difference

Wyoming faces complex conservation challenges and Wyoming Wildlife Federation has put together a diverse set of programs to address them.

Conservation Ambassadors

We aim to build and sustain a network of local conservation advocates and affiliated groups/clubs, that are active in regional conservation issues and projects.

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Habitat & Water Improvements

Our vision is a Wyoming with clean water and healthy habitat to help support the wildlife and fish species that depend on them.

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Summit to Sage

We create programs to address issues surrounding wildlife, their habitat, and the human elements tied to them. From the summits to the sage, we work everyday to bring real conservation solutions to the table.

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Want to check out our full list of programs?

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Help Protect Our Way of Life

We need everyone who values the wild spaces of Wyoming to get involved. Are you ready?

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