Board of Directors

Mary Anne Almquist joined the Board of Directors in 2001, and currently serves as Vice President. Mary Anne has been involved in ranching and teaching here in Sublette County for 25 years, and teaches full-time at the Pinedale Elementary School. She also serves on the boards of the Sublette County Sporting Association, and enjoys hiking, hunting, fishing, and riding. Mary Anne is involved with the Green River Valley GRVLT “because the concept of open space is something I truly believe in. Keeping these lands open is vital for both agriculture and wildlife here in Sublette County.”

John Andrikopolous has been involved with the GRVLT since its inception in 2000, and currently serves as President. He and his wife, Judy, run their family’s Rimfire Ranch on Cottonwood Creek south of Daniel, a portion of which is under a conservation easement held by the GRVLT. John and Judy are also in the process of working with the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) to protect additional acreage on the Rimfire. John commented, “I see this organization as vital to the future of ranching in Sublette County. Conservation easements can ensure that the hay base and pastureland upon which ranching depends will remain open in the future.”

Liz David has been a member of the GRVLT Board of Directors since the establishment of the organization in 2000. Born and raised in Sublette County, Liz currently teaches natural sciences at the Pinedale High School and Elementary School. She and her husband own and operate an agricultural feed and nutrition business, and her family is very active in 4-H. Liz is involved with the GRVLT because, “As agriculture continues to adapt to new challenges, the GRVLT is able to provide additional, essential options to landowners who would like to see their land stay open.”

Holly Davis is a native of Big Piney, and was raised on her family’s ranch on North Piney Creek. She currently serves as a brand inspector for the Wyoming Livestock Board. Holly is very active in her community and is interested in being a part of the GRVLT because, “Changes are coming and everyone needs to be prepared. I am looking forward to learning more about ways to maintain some of our incredible open spaces and ranches in this county.” At the time, GRVLT Board President Tucker Smith said, “We are excited to have Holly on the Board and believe her experience in the livestock industry fits well with the agricultural focus of this organization.”

John Fandek is a ranch manager in the Upper Green River Valley. In the winter, John does contract work for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. He is an avid wildlife and landscape photographer, and has lived in the Green River Valley for over 40 years. He enjoys traveling to remote places, and recently returned from an extensive sojourn to interior Alaska. John feels, “it’s important that we do what can be done to preserve open spaces in the country while we can. Anybody and everybody who appreciates the uniqueness of this area, who enjoys undeveloped open spaces, should be concerned with the continuing loss of traditional ranch lands.”

Mike Fenn grew up in Big Piney, and attended college at the University of Wyoming. Mike currently runs A & M Construction, which is based in Big Piney, and owns two ranches outside of Pinedale. Mike and his wife Laura have 3 children – John, Michelle, and Mark. Mike enjoys outdoor activities and agreed to serve on the GRVLT Board “to preserve the outstanding wildlife and outdoor resources that Sublette County offers.”

Bernie Holz joined the Board in 2006. Bernie grew up in Paxton, Nebraska from which he moved to Laramie, Wyoming where he received his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management and Conservation from the University of Wyoming. Starting out as Game Warden in Glenrock and Torrington, Bernie is now the Jackson-Pinedale Regional Wildlife Supervisor. Bernie in 1995 served as Big Piney’s mayor and is a member of the Sublette County Historical Society. He has two children, Morgan and Gus, who are both honor students in the Pinedale school system as well as avid musicians.

Gordon Johnston came from Iowa to the Daniel-Horse Creek country in May 1951 to cowboy and work with cattle and horses. He took time off to earn a degree in agriculture at Utah State and spend twenty-two years as a Marine infantry officer. Gordon returned to Sublette County and continued to work with livestock, also serving as a member of the Board of County Commissioners for twelve years. He lives in Daniel with his wife Cheryl and a few horses and cows. Gordon became involved with GRVLT because of deep concerns about loss of ranch lands, wildlife habitat and open spaces. "If we don't do something about it now," says Gordon, "who will and when?"

John Mortenson is a certified public accountant and has been based in Pinedale since 1981. With the help of six employees, his practice covers western Wyoming. It includes a wide variety of industries such as agriculture, commercial, retail, professional services, real estate sales, non-profit organizations, and individual clients. John has served on the Board of the GRVLT for the past three years, and has enjoyed experiencing first hand “how conservation easements can play a role in income and estate tax planning for local landowners.” John also serves as board president of the McKenzie Meningitis Foundation, and enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing ice hockey.

Ron Rhyne was born and raised near Grand Junction, Colorado and joined the board in 2006. He and his wife, Lisa, live in the Upper Green River Valley where Ron manages the conserved O Bar Y Ranch. Ron feels it is very important to be involved in the community and what better way than with the GRVLT. "This organization is doing something that will make this area a better place for future generations."

Tucker Smith was raised on a small farm outside of St. Paul, Minnesota. When he was twelve years old, his family relocated to the western slope of the Wind River Range. Drawing was a hobby for Tucker as a child, but he went on to study math at the University of Wyoming – only minoring in art. After completing his degree, he moved to Montana to work as a computer programmer and systems analyst. He painted part-time, but eventually realized that painting was his passion, and he retired in 1971 to become a professional artist.

Juli James Spitzer is a 35-year resident of Sublette County. She joined the GRVLT Board in 2006 because she is concerned about rapid development and the breaking up of old ranches. Juli values the vistas, mountains, animals, lifestyle and the many people here who share her appreciation for the area’s beauty.

Kenna Tanner was born and raised in Big Piney, Wyoming where Kenna’s family homesteaded. Upon joining the Board in 2006 she stated that “being able to educate our community on the options available will ensure future generations being able to appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of the open spaces and wildlife her ancestors fell in love with is a personal project I feel blessed to be a part of.” Kenna is also an EMT, and in her spare time she enjoys skiing, kayaking and hiking.

Also:

Brian Espenscheid

Patty Washburn