The Mule Deer Foundation announced today that Joshua Stratton has joined the organization as its new Director of Communications and Steve Belinda has been promoted to Director of Conservation. Both Stratton and Belinda are part of the organization’s executive leadership team and will help achieve the goal of elevating MDF’s mission and scale of impact.
Stratton comes to MDF with 23 years of experience in the hunting and fishing industry and has spent the last 13 years helping organizations and brands achieve their marketing and communication goals. He brings with him a vast understanding of consumer behavior, nonprofit expertise, and content creation. Stratton seeks to leverage his circle of influence to increase corporate membership and mission awareness through strategic, story-focused messaging and content.
“I am delighted to have Joshua on board to help MDF better tell our story,” said MDF President/CEO Joel Pedersen. “His past experience with nonprofits, content creation and his understanding of how people consume media will elevate the MDF brand and ensure that more people learn about the tremendous achievements of our organization.”
Belinda has served as MDF’s Director of Conservation since 2019 after supporting the organization as a consultant for over a decade. Her promotion to Director of Conservation recognizes her leadership in growing the organization’s mule and black-tailed deer conservation program. Steve is a certified wildlife biologist.® and has over 30 years in the wildlife conservation profession. Her experience in federal agencies, the private sector, and nonprofit conservation worlds provides a unique and valuable skill set for implementing the work MDF does for deer and other wildlife.
“Steve has been a part of MDF for a long time, working for many years as a consultant and helping guide the organization’s conservation efforts,” Pedersen noted. “Since hiring him as a full-time employee, Steve has transformed the way MDF delivers conservation, triggering tremendous growth both in staff and in fulfilling our mission. Steve’s promotion to Director of Conservation best reflects his leadership of the organization.”
About MDF
The Mule Deer Foundation is the only conservation group in North America dedicated to restoring, enhancing and protecting mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat, with a focus on science and program efficiency. MDF is a strong voice for hunters on issues of access policy, wildlife management, and conservation. MDF recognizes regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruiting and retaining youth in shooting sports and conservation. Get involved in your state or become a member at www.muledeer.org or call (801) 973-3940.