ABOUT FNER

FNER’s Board & Staff

Board of Directors

Teri Hernandez

CHAIRMAN

Teri Hernandez has represented non-profits at regional and national levels, providing fiduciary oversight and developing reputation, and ensuring effective organization and planning. She served as Trustee of San Francisco Bay Area non-profits and as a board member of the Red Cross Bay Area and National MS Society. Currently, she is a Trustee of Silicon Couloir. Teri founded HernandezHQ LLC, a consulting company, and co-founded the American Insurtech Council. She moved to Jackson Hole in 2013 and enjoys every minute of the wonderland that it is.

John “Tote” Turner

SECRETARY

John Turner, a native of Jackson Hole, developed a passion for hunting, fishing, and wildlife photography during his early years at the Triangle X Ranch. After graduating from Jackson Hole High School in 1989, he pursued higher education and career opportunities near the East Coast, where he met his wife Christine and started a family. In 2011, John returned to Wyoming with his family, rekindling his love for the outdoors and spending time on local public lands whenever possible.

Alissa Bick Ehrenkranz

BOARD MEMBER
CHAIR OF THE FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

Alissa is the Executive Director of the Wyoming Early Literacy Project and Chair of the Fundraising Committee for the Friends of the National Elk Refuge. With over 20 years in nonprofit leadership, she brings deep experience in strategic fundraising, donor engagement, and community building. An accomplished visual artist, Alissa draws inspiration from the Mountain West and has supported organizations such as Teton Botanical Gardens, Grand Teton Music Festival, and the National Museum of Wildlife Art. She leads with creativity and purpose, helping advance the Refuge’s vision for the Nature Center.

Advisory Board

John Turner

CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY BOARD

John, raised in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a renowned conservationist and public servant. With a biology degree from Notre Dame and an M.S. in wildlife ecology from Michigan, he served as Wyoming State Senate President, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Assistant Secretary of State. Turner has led major conservation organizations and was the first Spicer Visiting Professor at the University of Wyoming. On the Advisory Board, he offers deep expertise in wildlife policy and Western land stewardship to the Friends of the National Elk Refuge.

Tim Grimes

ADVISORY BOARD

Raised in Wyoming, Tim earned his Master’s in Architecture from Montana State University before settling in Jackson, Wyoming in 1994. With a deep appreciation for the region’s natural beauty and community, Tim balances his architectural work with time spent with his two amazing children. As an avid fly fisherman, he finds solace on the water. He also volunteers with Friends of the National Elk Refuge, serving both as a dedicated fundraiser and their informal “architect in residence.

Nancy Hoffman

ADVISORY BOARD

Nancy is a retired design professional and real estate broker based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. With a Bachelor of Science in Design and Applied Arts from the University of Michigan, she blends aesthetic sensibility with strong community engagement. In her role at Ely & Associates and later Finn & Company, LLC, Nancy helped clients navigate local real estate markets with insight and integrity. A longtime Jackson resident, she continues supporting regional causes—from arts and heritage initiatives to sustainable development—drawing on a background rooted in thoughtful design and civic involvement.

Thomas Smits

ADVISORY BOARD

Thomas Smits, a Colorado native, attended Western State College and served on the Gunnison City Council. He pursued a banking career in various Colorado cities and was elected Mayor of Montrose. In 2015, he joined Wells Fargo Bank in Jackson Hole and is now President and CEO of Teton Management Consultants. Thomas is active in community roles, including planning commissioner, adjunct professor, and chairman of the Teton County 4-H Foundation. He is married to Katie, with five children, and enjoys camping, fishing, and helping his sons raise pigs in 4-H.

Staff

Jamie Evans

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Jamie is a seasoned educator with expertise in grant writing, leadership, and athletic coaching. Recently settled in Jackson, she is eager to contribute her skills and network to the Friends of the National Elk Refuge. Passionate about education, conservation, and fly fishing, Jamie is excited to support the development of the Nature Center, a project that aligns with her commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship. With a strong background in fundraising and program development, she looks forward to helping advance the Center’s mission, fostering meaningful connections between visitors and the refuge’s unique ecosystem.

FRIENDS OF THE NATIONAL ELK REFUGE

307-376-FNER (3637)
[email protected]
PO Box 6286, Jackson, WY 83002

Friends of the National Elk Refuge, Inc. is a Wyoming nonprofit corporation registered under IRS Code 501(c)(3). The Friends welcome both cash and in-kind donations. Cash donations may be tax-deductible depending on donor’s individual circumstances. The Friends do not appraise or assess the value of in-kind donations such as investment securities, materials, or services. Determination of the tax-deductible value of in-kind donations is the responsibility of the donor.