JACKSON, Wyo. — The Jackson Hole Land Trust (JHLT) is excited to welcome three new board members: Budd Betts, Jim Roscoe and John Stennis. Each brings valuable experience, perspective and a shared passion for conservation that will strengthen the JHLT’s mission for years to come.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome these three new board members. Collectively, this group brings a remarkable passion for conservation paired with decades of experience working with landowners across Northwest Wyoming,” said Max Ludington, president of the JHLT. 

Budd Betts, owner of Absaroka Ranch in the Dunoir Valley, has spent decades stewarding Wyoming’s land and communities. He and his wife, Emi, raised their family while operating a successful guest ranch and outfitting business. He served in the Wyoming House of Representatives and has held leadership roles with the Wyoming Community Foundation, Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust and the Jackson Hole Land Trust. His lifelong commitment to conservation and community makes him a strong advocate for protecting Wyoming’s landscapes.

Jim Roscoe, a retired construction executive and former Wyoming Legislator, brings decades of business and public service experience to the board. As the owner of Muddy Creek Ranch in the Big Sandy area, he has long been engaged in conservation issues, including serving on Wyoming’s Select Natural Resource Funding Committee to support large-scale projects across the state. Jim looks forward to working with the JHLT and other partners to protect critical landscapes in Sublette County and the Red Desert. 

John Stennis, a Jackson-based architect and principal at GYDE Architects, combines a passion for design with a deep commitment to conservation. With roots in the valley dating back to his grandparents’ Hoback ranch, John has seen firsthand the importance of protecting open spaces and community character. His professional work emphasizes sustainability and place-based design, and his service on the Jackson Town Planning Commission underscores his dedication to thoughtful growth. John joined the JHLT Board to help protect open spaces, wildlife corridors and the character of mountain towns. 

The JHLT is also pleased to announce its newly appointed board officers: Cody Lockhart, chair; George Putnam, vice chair; Amy Staehr, second vice chair; Lindsay Wilcox, treasurer; and Hal Wheeler, secretary. This leadership team will help guide the JHLT through another year of conserving open spaces, wildlife habitat and working lands across Northwest Wyoming.

Lockhart is a lifelong Jackson resident, director at Wind River Capital Management, and co-owner of Lockhart Cattle Company. He also serves as chief advisor for Teton County Search and Rescue and enjoys exploring the mountains with his family.

Putnam owns Cirque Consulting, providing land planning and mapping services, and has served in leadership roles with the Jackson Hole Ski Club. He lives in East Jackson with his wife and two sons.

Staehr is a Jackson native and partner at Long Reimer Winegar LLP, specializing in trust, estate and tax planning. She has served on local boards and enjoys hiking, skiing and fishing.

Wilcox is an administrator at Jackson Hole Community School and former private wealth advisor. She lives in Jackson with her family and serves on the board for the Center for the Arts.

Wheeler owns The Hub Bicycles and has lived in Jackson for 15 years. He enjoys skiing, biking, playing music and engaging in local community projects.

The JHLT extends its heartfelt gratitude to outgoing board members Mike Fenn, Kelly Davis and Patti Stancarone for their years of dedicated service. Through their commitment, they have set in motion impacts that will guide the organization’s growth and strengthen the community for generations.

This year’s board appointments mark an important step in strengthening conservation across Jackson Hole and Northwest Wyoming. With experienced leaders alongside newly appointed members, the JHLT enters the coming year with a strong foundation and a forward-looking vision for protecting open spaces, wildlife and working lands.