To support chapter development and volunteer engagement, the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) recently hired three new regional directors. Josh Westley will serve as regional director for Washington and western Oregon, Seth Reed will cover Idaho and eastern Oregon, and Sara Wagner will be responsible for North Dakota and Minnesota. MDF Regional Directors play a key role in working with members and chapters at the state level, as well as supporting fundraising efforts to further the mission. The three new staff members began working for the organization in August and early September.
“Our local chapters and volunteers are absolutely critical to our organization, and the Mule Deer Foundation is pleased to add our outstanding field staff to further our mission,” said Mule Deer Foundation President and CEO Joel Pedersen. “Oregon, Washington, Idaho and North Dakota provide important habitat for mule deer and black-tailed deer, and it is essential to actively engage with our local chapters and volunteers to raise funds and do projects on the ground.”
MDF’s new Regional Director for Washington and Western Oregon, Josh Westley, was born and raised in Western Washington and has been hunting and fishing since he was a little boy. As his love for hunting grew, he also realized the importance of conservation and just after high school, he began volunteering with various organizations to help with conservation and management efforts. from the earth. Before joining MDF, Westley had a career in sales, service and management, most recently with Rogers Machinery Company.
Sara Wagner, the new DR for North Dakota and Minnesota, was born and raised in southern Illinois and moved to northwestern North Dakota in 2015 where she discovered her passion for hunting and conservation. Before coming to MDF, she co-created a women’s hunting platform to share experiences and encourage other women to find adventure and confidence in the great outdoors, hosting various women’s outdoor events. Sara’s volunteer experience with various conservation groups helped launch the MDF chapter in Tioga, ND. Sara’s previous work experience as a community liaison for a local non-profit agency has her well versed in fundraising events and making connections with the community. She is excited to share her skills and passion to support the mission of MDF.
Seth Reed, who began as regional director for Eastern Oregon and Idaho on September 6, is a native Idahoan who grew up on a farm in the Snake River Valley. From an early age, he spent time working on the family farm, riding horses, fishing on the Snake River, and hunting. Seth, who has a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and is an ISA-certified arborist, has worked throughout the Intermountain West consulting in plant health and urban interface design. After seeing his daughter hunt his first mule deer in 2021, he had a renewed desire to make a difference in conservation, which led to his position with the Mule Deer Foundation.
“We have a phenomenal group of regional directors who bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the work that MDF does,” concluded MDF Director of Field Operations Marshall Johnson. “We are excited to see Sara, Josh and Seth get going in their states.”
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.