MISSOULA, Mont. — The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is proud to announce its board of directors elected Mark Baker as its new chair. Baker, who previously served as vice chair, becomes RMEF’s 20th chair to lead the conservation organization.
“I appreciate the opportunity to step up and serve this great organization in an even greater capacity,” said Baker. “I strongly believe in RMEF’s mission and look forward to continue working alongside my fellow board members in doing all we can to help move the work forward.”

Baker lives in Helena, Montana, where he serves as Of Counsel to Mercury, a public strategy firm, and founding partner of ABS Legal. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at Boston University followed by a Juris Doctor at the American University Washington College of Law. Baker serves a variety of clients with legal, legislative, regulatory and administrative interests at both the state and federal level.

“We appreciate the extensive background, life experience and love for elk, hunting and conservation that Mark brings to the table,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “I look forward to working closely with him.”

Eric Johnson succeeds Baker as vice chair. He lives in Jackson, Wyoming. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a Master of Computer Science at the University of Illinois, which he utilized as a software engineer at various Silicon Valley companies over a long career.

Johnson and Baker are both passionate hunters and long-time RMEF life members. Baker succeeds Fred Lekse.

“Fred provided exemplary leadership as board chair the last two years, especially as we navigated our way through 2020. We greatly appreciate his service and dedication as well as the dedicated efforts of T.W. Garrett who termed out as a board member,” added Weaver.

New RMEF board member bios:

Toby Buck

·     Sheldon, South Carolina
·     President & CEO of Paragon Medical
·     RMEF Life Member

Maurice Hull

·     High Point, North Carolina
·     CEO of MarketPlace Management, Inc.
·     RMEF Life Member

Chuck Roady

·     Bonners Ferry, Idaho
·     General Manager  & Vice President F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company (retired)
·     RMEF Life Member, Former Board Member & Chair

Todd Walker

·     McLean, Virginia
·     Senior Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Policy for Altria Client Services
·     RMEF Life Member