The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF), a national leader in wildlife conservation, today announces a transition in its leadership team. Joel Pedersen, who has served as the Foundation’s CEO for the last three years, will be passing the baton, on an interim basis, to Kelly Hepler, a respected member of the national board and past Secretary of South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks. This change marks a new chapter in the Foundation’s storied history, as it continues to champion the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer, and their habitats. The Board of Directors will embark on a national search for the next CEO of the Foundation and thank Mr. Pedersen for his service.

Under Joel Pedersen’s visionary leadership, the Mule Deer Foundation has achieved unprecedented success and growth. The organization secured over $50 million dollars in federal grants and agreements, a testament to the trust and confidence placed in MDF’s mission by government and private partners alike. This funding has been instrumental in advancing conservation efforts and ensuring mission delivery. 

Thanks to Pedersen, the Mule Deer Foundation has seen remarkable growth, doubling its staff to better meet the challenges of wildlife conservation. This expansion has enabled MDF to enhance its mission delivery, reaching levels of impact previously unseen in its history. During Pedersen’s tenure, the Foundation put over $100 million on the ground, impacting over 500,000 acres across the western United States. 

Furthermore, Joel’s strategic focus on building a strong executive team has fortified the Foundation’s capabilities in habitat delivery, donor development, and communications, ensuring a robust foundation for future endeavors.

As Mr. Hepler steps into the role of acting CEO, the Foundation is poised for a seamless transition and continued success. Kelly’s extensive experience and passion for conservation, coupled with his visionary leadership on the national board, make him well-suited to lead MDF while the Board of Directors begins the search for the next CEO. The Board, staff, and the broader conservation community are excited to support Kelly in his new role.

“We are grateful to Joel for his stewardship of the Foundation these past three years,” said Jordan Davis, Chairman of the MDF National Board. “He has been a transformational figure in the history of the Mule Deer Foundation, and his contributions will have a lasting impact on deer conservation. As we welcome Kelly into his interim role, we are excited for the future and the opportunities to further our mission. I look forward to being a part of the search committee that will be selecting the Foundation’s next leader and thank the MDF’s membership for its support and the trust that has been placed in the board for such a task.”

The Mule Deer Foundation is committed to a seamless transition, ensuring that ongoing projects and initiatives continue without interruption. We look forward to working with our partners, members, and the conservation community at large.

About MDF

The Mule Deer Foundation is the only conservation group in North America dedicated to restoring, improving, 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 in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved in your state or become a member at www.muledeer.org or call (801) 973-3940