Gary J. Wolfe, Ph.D., Executive Director
Vital Ground Staff Member since October 2004
email: gwolfe @ vitalground.org

Gary Wolfe is a career conservationist with more than 30 years of experience working in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. He attended the University of New Mexico, majoring in biology and chemistry, then earned masters and doctorate degrees in wildlife biology from Colorado State University. During college, he enjoyed five summers as a park ranger at Mount Rainier and Big Bend National Parks, where his commitment to a conservation career was solidified. Gary spent 12 years as a wildlife biologist at the 500,000-acre Vermejo Park Ranch in northern New Mexico, followed by 15 years with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, including 3 years as President and Chief Executive Officer. Gary is active with a number wildlife and conservation organizations, and has served on numerous boards and advisory committees. He lives in Missoula, Montana with his wife, Rita, where they enjoy the wildlife and wild places of the Northern Rockies.

Kelly's boots have taken her to the far reaches of the world raising public awareness for wildlife conservation. She filmed and documented gorillas in Central Africa, orangutans in Borneo, whales in Alaska and penguins in New Zealand before spending a year in the Aleutian Islands managing a nonprofit television station. Over the past 15 years she has developed outreach materials ranging from interpretive exhibits to websites for government agencies and NGOs. Kelly blends her passion for wildlife and travel with her creative career, and unsurprisingly, she spends most of her free time playing in the wilds or cultivating her artistic spirit.

Mark Brennan, Director of Development
Vital Ground Staff Member since October 2011
email: mbrennan @ vitalground.org

Mark began his love of wildlife growing up in a rural suburb of Chicago. For a time, vacations in the West helped grow his fascination but, ultimately, a move to Missoula was necessary. Life in Montana moved his interest up the food chain to larger and wilder animals. In the decade prior to joining Vital Ground, he headed fundraising for the Montana Food Bank Network. Mark lives in Missoula with his son, Patrick, and the best and most spoiled yellow lab. Camping, hiking, fishing, live music and rugby (viewing) are his favorite pastimes.

Ryan A. Lutey, J.D., Director of Lands
Vital Ground Staff Member since February 2005
email: rlutey @ vitalground.org 

Shannon Foley, Office Manager
Vital Ground Staff Member since May 2005
email: sfoley @ vitalground.org

Shannon Foley worked in the medical and dental field for more than a decade before turning her attention to wildlife conservation. Prior to joining the Vital Ground Foundation, she gained experience, knowledge, and a great love of conservation working for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and The Boone and Crockett Club. Shannon lives in Alberton, Montana with her husband Willie, their sons, Shane and Matthew, and critters of the canine, feline and equine variety. She spends her free time camping, volunteering, and enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends.

Shelly Wear, Administrative Assistant
Vital Ground Staff Member since May 2007
email: swear @ vitalground.org

Shelly has always devoted herself to work with conservation and community organizations. She began her career in 1979 with the Great Falls Tribune, and subsequently worked with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the National Forest Foundation, and most recently with a company that builds affordable housing throughout Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming. Shelly lives near Missoula with her husband Dick, and their son, Evan, along with canine family member, Rusty. Shelly spends her spare time volunteering with her church and enjoying Montana's beautiful outdoors with her family.