Former NRCS chief joins Nature Conservency LANDER - Arlen Lancaster, former chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is the new conservation initiatives director for the Nature Conservancy in Wyoming. In his new role, Lancaster will lead statewide conservation initiatives for the Wyoming chapter that help shape overall strategic direction. Lancaster will also oversee management and stewardship of the Conservancy in Wyoming's five preserves and ranches, as well as conservation planning, applied research and other technical expertise.
Cheyenne Frontier Days selects new CEO CHEYENNE - Daniel A. Cheney is the new chief executive officer for the Cheyenne Frontier Days, Inc. (CFD), assuming the position on June 1. Cheney is a Wyoming native who grew up on a ranch between Casper and Medicine Bow. He attended Casper College and the University of Wyoming on rodeo scholarships. He received his AAS degree in animal science technology from CC and a B.S. degree in agricultural economics from UW. Cheney also graduated from the University of Memphis, in Tennessee, with a master's of business administration. A former PRCA cowboy, he spent several years competing as a steer wrestler. "When I heard about this opportunity, I was excited about the possibility of contributing and being a part of the 'The Daddy of 'em All. I must say, I am also extremely proud to return to the Cowboy State," Cheney said.
Nash new Teton park chief ranger GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK - Michael Nash was selected to fill the vacant chief ranger position at Grand Teton National Park, according to Acting Superintendent John Wessels. For two years (2008-10), Nash served as the deputy chief ranger at Grand Canyon National Park before he took over as Grand Canyon's chief ranger in February of this year. Nash replaces Andy Fisher, who served from June 2004 until his retirement this past April.
Oyler named new WHP administrator Lt. Col. Jess Oyler of Cheyenne was selected as the new administrator of the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP). Oyler, a 31-year WHP veteran, was promoted to the rank of colonel and officially began his duties June 23. Oyler follows in the footsteps of his father, Col. W.O. "Fred" Oyler, whose distinguished career included being patrol director for the final three years of his career with the agency with WHP, which lasted from 1959 until his retirement in 1984.
Lingle teacher named Teacher of the Year CHEYENNE - From now until Oct. 4, most of Wells Fargo's 50 ATMs in Wyoming will feature a screen congratulating 2010 Teacher of the Year Christina Mills, a language arts teacher at Lingle-Fort Laramie High School. ATM users can learn more about Mills' teaching achievements by pressing a button on the screen. Qualified to teach English, American history and world history for middle and high school students, Mills is pursuing a master's degree in education with an emphasis on adolescent literacy and technology.
Two chosen for key Grand Teton positions GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK - Acting Superintendent Bob Vogel announced the selection for two positions in the park. Scott Guenther was chosen as the lead ranger for the Jenny Lake Subdistrict. He will manage the park's search and rescue operations, as well as the backcountry and climbing program. Chip Collins was named Grand Teton's fire management officer (FMO) and will supervise the park's wildland fire operations in coordination with the region-wide functions of the Teton interagency fire network. Guenther replaces Renny Jackson, who served in the position for more than five years, and Collins replaces Lisa Elenz who transferred to the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise in the fall of 2009.
