Panelists

I have been working in the fields of resource management, environmental policy, and outdoor recreation management for over twenty years. I have worked in the private environmental professional field, nonprofit conservation advocacy and municipal government. From 2015 to 2022, I served with the City of Boise as the Foothills and Open Space Superintendent – managing 5000 acres of open space properties, protecting open space lands, running the Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center and the Boise Urban Garden School, and leading a multi-agency collaborative to manage the 200-mile trail network called Ridge to Rivers. In 2022, I began leading the Parks Resources Division for the City of Boise. I lead the team planning, designing, developing, and maintaining 100+ park sites, 25 miles of greenbelt/pathways, and more. I love recreating outside with my family and my dogs. I am privileged to work and play in Boise, Idaho.

Luis Benitez is the former Vice President for government affairs and global impact at the VF Corporation, a $10 billion dollar holding company that includes some of the outdoor industry’s most iconic brands such as The North Face and Vans and Timberland.

Prior to joining the VF Corporation, Mr. Benitez was appointed by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper to lead the then newly established Outdoor Recreation Industry Office in 2015.

In that role, he transformed the outdoor industry into a powerful force for economic development, conservation and stewardship, education and workforce training, and public health and wellness. Under his watch, the state’s outdoor economy ballooned from $28 billion to $65 billion.

Prior to this role Mr. Benitez was the Director of Talent Management for Vail Resorts helping them to both create their internal University as well as foster a deeper talent pipeline for the ski industry globally.

Mr. Benitez also spent a decade managing the well-established leadership development school, Outward Bound Professional in Colorado at the start of his career. He also served as the COO for Adventure Consultants, a New Zealand-based global expedition firm with a long and storied history of leading trips on Mount Everest that was featured both in the book Into Thin Air and in the movie Everest. Mr. Benitez has summited Mt. Everest six times.

In his philanthropic journey, Mr. Benitez helped create the nonprofit Trekking For Kids, which focuses on service-based expeditions allowing participants to climb and trek while teaching them about local issues like housing and healthcare for disadvantaged youth around the world. He was also a founding partner for Warriors to Summits, a nonprofit focusing on serving veterans by connecting them with the Outdoors.

Mr. Benitez holds a professional guide accreditation from ASEGUIM in Ecuador and an Executive MBA from the University of Denver with an emphasis certification on behavioral sciences and public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Prior to joining the VF Corporation, Mr. Benitez was appointed by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper to lead the then newly established Outdoor Recreation Industry Office in 2015.

Toby Bloom is the Forest Service National Program Manager for Tourism and Interpretation. Her portfolio includes strengthening recreation economies in forest gateway communities; working with Tribes to promote authentic interpretation and responsible visitation to Native heritage sites; innovative public lands and health partnerships; and working with Interpretive Associations to improve visitor experience on the National Forests. Toby believes in nature as a key aspect of a healthy life, and was the first Forest Service employee to become a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide in January 2019. As a Program Specialist for FS International Programs, and before joining FS, she worked with local communities to develop ecotourism projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Toby started her career in tourism and interpretation as a tour guide through the US, Canada, and Mexico. Her master’s degree is in Sustainable International Development with a focus on ecotourism from Brandeis University.

Steve Bullock is a native Montanan who has worked tirelessly to protect Montana’s way of life, including protecting its public lands. Bullock served two terms as Montana’s 24th governor from 2013 to 2021. During his two terms, Governor Bullock worked across the aisle to strengthen Montana’s economy, invest in public schools, freeze college tuition, and expand career training so that Montana’s kids can build a better future. He increased funding for state parks, created a state government position focused on opening access to public lands, and launched the state’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation. He has a track record of bringing people together to get things done and has served as chair of both the Western Governors Association and the National Governors Association. Prior to serving as Attorney General and Governor, he was a union-side labor lawyer. Bullock is Chair of the Foundation for America’s Public Lands Board of Directors.

Susan Buxton has served as the Director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation since September 1, 2020. She was a member of the Idaho Park and Recreation Board, providing policy guidance for the department from 2012 to 2016. Before coming to IDPR, Ms. Buxton was the Administrator of the Idaho Division of Human Resources, initially appointed by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter in 2016 and reappointed by Governor Brad Little in 2019. Prior to joining state government, Ms. Buxton enjoyed a varied and successful legal career representing government and private clients in matters of law in the areas of natural resources, water, environment, real estate, land use, municipal finance, public works procurement and construction, contracts, business, employment, government relations, litigation, and outdoor recreation. Ms. Buxton and her husband live in Boise, ID, with their two dogs. The couple has a daughter attending college in Montana. Away from the office, Susan’s leisure interests include skiing, hiking, boating, birdwatching, photography, Washington State University football and Whitman College basketball.

Mayor Nate Duckett moved to Farmington, New Mexico from Denver with his family when he was 15-years-old and has called Farmington his home ever since. He’s a graduate of Farmington High School and the University of New Mexico. Mayor Duckett began his professional career in corporate management, eventually transitioning to the insurance industry. But public service is his true passion, so in 2014, he entered local politics when he successfully ran for Farmington City Council. In 2018, he was elected mayor.

A bold leader and visionary, Mayor Duckett has worked tirelessly to shift Farmington’s economy from being dependent on one industry to being diversified. As a dedicated community ambassador, he uses his platform to amplify the rebranding of Farmington as the place where outdoor lovers and active families thrive. Under Mayor Duckett’s leadership, the City of Farmington has expanded its outdoor recreation offerings, created an economic development department, remodeled the historic downtown arts and cultural district, partnered in initiatives to attract retirees and location-neutral workers, and worked to support the community’s long-standing and newly developing energy industries.

When he’s not out advocating for his community or volunteering his time, Mayor Duckett enjoys cooking, golf, and exploring the Four Corners with his wife and two children.

Bob Keiter is the Wallace Stegner Professor of Law, University Distinguished Professor, and founding Director of the Wallace Stegner Center for Land, Resources, and the Environment at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, where he teaches Natural Resources Law and Constitutional Law. His books include To Conserve Unimpaired: The Evolution of the National Park Idea (2013); Keeping Faith with Nature: Ecosystems, Democracy, and America’s Public Lands (2003); and The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem: Redefining America’s Wilderness Heritage (1991). His recent articles include “The Emerging Law of Outdoor Recreation on the Public Lands,” 51 Environmental Law 89 (2021). Bob currently serves as trustee for the National Parks Conservation Association and the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law.

Ashley Korenblat is a founding Managing Director at Public Land Solutions, a non-profit recreation economy consultant. PLS works directly with communities investing in outdoor recreation as they transition from fossil fuel extraction, and on federal and state legislation and policies that affect this transition.

Ashley’s involvement with public land began when she was President of Merlin Metalworks, a bicycle manufacturing company in Cambridge, MA. She also served as Chair of the International Mountain Bicycling Association, and is currently the CEO of Western Spirit Cycling. She was inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 2003. She is a graduate of Dartmouth College and has an MBA from the Tuck School at Dartmouth.

Dr. Megan Lawson leads Headwaters Economics research in outdoor recreation and public lands. She uses economic and statistical analysis to better understand the issues that communities face such as the economic potential and impacts of housing and land use policies, economic diversification, and public land management. Equal parts scientist and communicator, Megan uses data to conduct actionable research that illuminates solutions. She applies analytical skills to land use, natural resource, and public health topics, with an emphasis on the unique needs and opportunities for rural communities.

Sammy Matsaw is a father, husband, grandfather, and extended family member with the Shoshone-Bannocks and Oglala Lakota Tribes. He is a pipe-carrier and Sundancer with both his mother and father’s tribes. Currently, as a Research Scientist he brings ten+ years of science and management involved in Indigenous sovereignty and treaties with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ Fish and Wildlife department. Sammy along with, his wife, Jessica oversee operations of River Newe an Indigenous-owned nonprofit (rivernewe.org); planning, coordination, website development, social media communications, and grant writing. He also brings ten years of military experience and leadership as a combat veteran. Lastly, he holds a Ph.D. in Water Resources—Science & Management from the University of Idaho, a Master’s of Science—Conservation Genetics and Bachelor of Science in Ecology from Idaho State University.

Mary Mitsos joined the National Forest Foundation (NFF) in July 2001 and now serves as President & Chief Executive Officer. Prior to that, Mary was Director of Community-Based Forest Stewardship at the Pinchot Institute for Conservation where she provided leadership for the program in renewable forestry and sustaining rural communities. She brings expertise in a spectrum of topics relating to the protection and sustainable management of forest ecosystems and sustainable development. Her specialized interests are in collaborative stewardship, contracting mechanisms on public forestlands, conservation-based development, and strengthening the working relationship between local communities and forestland managers.

Mary was a member of the Managing Partner team that provided assistance to nonprofits participating in The Ford Foundation Community-Based Forestry Demonstration Program. With more than three decades of experience in the natural resources field, Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from the University of Colorado-Denver.  In addition, she earned a Master of Science in Natural Resources and a Master of Arts in Applied Economics from the University of Michigan, where she completed her capstone project on Sustainable Management of Common Property Resources. She served on the steering committee of the Seventh American Forest Congress Communities Committee, as a board member of the National Network of Forest Practitioners, and currently serves on the advisory board for the W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation at the University of Montana.

Katie McKalip is the vice president of external affairs and communications with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, where she oversees all aspects of BHA’s messaging, media relations, community outreach and marketing. Over her eight-plus years with BHA, she’s played a role in growing the organization from 1500 members to more than 40,000 – and its emergence as one of the outdoors community’s most outspoken and impactful voices on natural resources issues, conservation and public lands and waters. Prior to joining BHA, Katie spent seven years with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, where she led the TRCP’s media outreach and other communications work. She also helped realize founder Jim Range’s vision of the TRCP as an influencer of sportsmen-driven conservation policy and a center point in the outdoors and hunting and angling constituencies. She is a longtime board member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, currently serving as OWAA vice president, and volunteers for other grassroots sportsmen and conservation efforts. In her spare time, she enjoys floating rivers with her family, upland hunting with friends, big game hunting with her husband and trail running with her dog to find a much needed sense of solitude. She has an M.S. from the University of Montana and a B.A. from The College of William & Mary.

Evan works to expand in-the-field stewardship and education by facilitating public land access and infrastructure projects while simultaneously educating citizens about responsible motorized recreation. Evan has been a Tread Lightly! staff member for over a decade and has managed some of Tread Lightly!’s most successful programs. Utilizing his degree in Public Relations and Advertising, Evan fully grasps the effectiveness of employing communication to bolster high ethical standards for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Evan Robins grew up in the mountains of northern Utah in a jeeping, hunting, and fishing family. Today Evan is an off-road educator, fly fisherman and traditional bowhunter who has a deep passion for protecting America’s public lands. Evan’s enthusiasm for and knowledge of public lands and the issues surrounding them forms the basis for his drive to better educate others about the Tread Lightly! mission and responsible and sustainable mixed use recreation.

Cam Sholly assumed duties as the Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park in October of 2018. Yellowstone is one of the largest national park operations in the world spanning 2.2 million acres across three states.

Cam recently led response and recovery efforts associated with the devastating floods of 2022 and is currently planning for nearly a billion dollars of long-term recovery projects. The park is completing a $40 million employee housing improvement project, expanding bison conservation efforts, and developing a more focused approach to ecosystem management. The park is also preparing a new strategy for managing increasing visitation, increasing tribal engagement, and reducing the park’s nearly $1 billion in deferred maintenance.

Cam has served at all levels within the NPS including multiple superintendencies, regional director, and associate director. He holds a master’s degree in environmental management from Duke University and is a graduate of the Senior Executive Fellows program at Harvard University.

Leon Thomas is an Air Force veteran serving after earning an officer commission through ROTC at Northern Arizona University.  He has been with the Bureau of Land Management for 20 years.  The two most recent positions with the BLM are listed below.

District Manager, Phoenix District Office
Oct 2015 to Present
Bureau of Land Management ‐ Phoenix, AZ

Manages 3.1 million acres of federal public land. The Phoenix District comprises of 2 Field Offices. The Hassayampa Field Office manages near 2 million acres and an additional 725,000 acres of subsurface estate (mineral interests), including the 70,900‐acre Agua Fria National Monument. Public lands within this field office are near developed and expanding communities with a population base of over 4 million residents. The BLM Lower Sonoran Office manages 1.4 million acres of public land in south‐central Arizona, including the half million‐acre Sonoran Desert National Monument. Serves as a member of the Unified Command team to plan and deploy work associated with Resource Protection, Visitor and Employee Safety and Law Enforcement surges along the international border with Mexico.

Field Manager, Sierra Front Field Office
April 2011 to Oct 2015
Bureau of Land Management － Carson City, NV

Manages 2 million acres of federal public land in 6 counties.in western Nevada and eastern California. Is responsible for Tribal Consultation with 5 Tribal Governments. The Sierra Front Field Office is in the 2nd largest urban center in Nevada and has the State Capital and the Nevada State Office in close proximity. Being politically savvy has been a key competency in this position. Leads a staff of 26 permanent full time employees and 10 interns. Programs include: Rangeland Management, Minerals Management, Recreation, Lands and Realty, Wildlife, Botany, Hydrology, Cultural, Wild Horses and Burros, and Forestry. Serves as the Agency Administrator during Wildland Fire Operations.

Erik Weiseth is the managing partner of Orange Torpedo Trips, Briggs Rogue River Trips, The Paddled Pub and Whitewater Cowboys. This collection of brands offers whitewater adventures and outfitting on ten sections of rivers across three states. As a member of the Idaho Outfitter and Guides Licensing Board, Vice President of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, and a member of the Valley County Recreation Advisory Council, Erik has helped lead the way to improved industry standards, the continuation of appropriate industry oversight, and the growth of the outdoor industry in Idaho and neighboring states. Erik is a founding board member and current Board President for LEAP, an organization that supports those affected by significant health issues, psychological distress, and socioeconomic adversity through wilderness and river experiences. Erik lives in McCall, Idaho with his wife and two kids.

Brad Wilson became Bogus Basin’s seventh general manager in November 2015, bringing to the area over 30 years’ experience in marketing, sales and master planning in the ski and recreation industry. With input from the community and guidance from industry experts, Brad has led Bogus Basin – one of just a handful of nonprofit recreation areas in the country – through a strategic evolution that includes the implementation of a comprehensive year-round master plan, and an innovative marketing and communication strategy that has deepened the community’s affinity and loyalty to the brand. This bold new vision for the future is assuring the mountain’s long-term sustainability and fulfills its mission to engage the community in fun, affordable and accessible year-round mountain recreation and education.

Brad serves as president of the Idaho Ski Areas Association, is a member of the board of the National Ski Areas Association, and is past-chair of the Boise Visitors and Convention Bureau.