Board of Directors

The RMBA Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated volunteers committed to serving our membership and advancing the bison industry. Meeting quarterly and collaborating year-round, the Board provides strategic leadership, advocates for producer interests, and coordinates our landmark regional events. Our leadership structure includes a President, Vice President, and Secretary elected annually, with Directors serving two-year terms to ensure consistent and stable governance.

Kyle Ramstetter, Mike Guenther, Carrie Bennett, Mellisa Kuper, Patty Smith, John Graves, Nicole Jeffries, Mike Stanley

Board information is available in the members-only area.

Elections are held at the general membership meeting during the annual spring conference. If you are interested in running for a position, contact Elections Committee Chair Patty Smith.

Policy & Advocacy: Statements from the Board

The RMBA Board actively advocates for the interests of bison producers. Below are our official positions and statements on critical industry issues.

RMBA Statement: Support for “Stop the Ban. Protect Jobs.” to Stop Denver Ballot Initiative

RMBA Statement: Bison Added to Colorado Wolf Management Plan

RMBA Statement: Request for Bison Compensation for Wolf Depredation

RMBA Statement: Opposition of Denver Ballot Initiative

RMBA Statement: Truth in Buffalo Labeling Act 2023

Legacy of Leadership

Founded in 1996 as the Colorado Bison Association, we have evolved into the Rocky Mountain Bison Association (RMBA) to better serve the expanding community of bison enthusiasts across the West. Our name reflects our commitment to the accurate representation and preservation of the American bison.

On September 25, 2004, the membership voted to operate as the Colorado Bison Association, dba Rocky Mountain Buffalo Association, to be a more regionally focused association. On March 2, 2019 the membership voted to operate as the Colorado Bison Association, dba Rocky Mountain Bison Association, to more accurately reflect the name of the animal we represent.

Since the founding of RMBA in 1996, a dedicated group of bison enthusiasts have faithfully and passionately volunteered their time to sever on our board. Those individuals include:

PRESIDENT YEARS SERVED DIRECTOR YEARS SERVED
John Graves 12 Boyd Meyer 9
Larry Higgins 5 Tom Stelmach 9
David Hayes 3 David Hayes 8
Bill Rodgers 2 Ace Ward 6
Bob Dineen 2 Nicole Jeffries 6
Katherine Jonjak 2 John Painter 5
Marlene Groves 2 Kyle Stodola 5
Roy Rozell 2 Tiffany Castle 5
Merle Mass 1 Jill Klawonn 4
Larry Higgins 4
VICE-PRESIDENT YEARS SERVED Patty Smith 4
Debbie Thieman 10 Rick Forepaugh 4
Nicole Jeffries 4 Ron Lewis 4
Boyd Meyer 4 Mike Guenther 4
Kyle Stodola 3 Mike Stanley 4
Bob Dineen 2 Debbie Thieman 3
Marlene Groves 2 Dan Martin 3
Patty Smith 2 Tom Sowle 3
Bill Rodgers 1 Anthony Detomasi 2
Dave Whittlesey 1 Brent Ginther 2
Katherine Jonjak 1 Brian Ward 2
Larry Higgins 1 Dave Whittlesey 2
David Groves 2
SECRETARY/TREASURER YEARS SERVED Greg Nott 2
Patty Smith 6 Marlene Groves 2
April Chaffin 4 Mike Duncan 2
David Hayes 4 Ray Thieman 2
Tudi Arneil 4 Roy Rozell 2
John Painter 2 Susan Popp 2
Tami Nott 1 Vance Forepaugh 2
Barbara Caudill 1
SECRETARY YEARS SERVED Bob Frey 1
Jennifer Graves 8 Carrie Bennett 1
Mellisa Kuper 2 John Graves 1
Katherine Jonjak 1
TREASURER YEARS SERVED Kent Fullerton 1
Patty Smith 7 Kyle Ramstetter 1
Tami Nott 2