Board of Directors
The Dude Ranch FoundationBoard of Directors
The Dude Ranch FoundationOur Leadership
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader. ~ Chris Ledoux, country music singer-songwriter and hall of fame rodeo champion, (1948 – 2005)
Russell True – Chairman
Russell and his wife, Laura, own and operate the historic White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. They are partners and co-founders of True Ranch Collection, a company dedicated to preserving dude ranches.
Russell was co-founder of the Arizona Dude Ranch Association and is a two-time past president of the Dude Ranchers’ Association. He has been inducted into the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame and was inducted into the DRA Hall of Fame in 2024. Russell is the author of two books: Dude Ranching in Arizona and Dude Ranching in Wyoming.
“Dude ranching has been a part of my life since day one. I am proud of the Dude Ranch Foundation and our efforts to protect and preserve this Western way of life.”
Don McIntyre – Vice Chairman
Don loved growing up in Louisiana where there was an emphasis on faith, family, friends, food and fun. After college, he headed west and found his calling when he joined the staff of Elk Canyon dude ranch in Montana. In 1998, Don found his dream job at Wind River Christian Family Dude Ranch in Estes Park, Colorado. Don and his wife, Sara, have two teenage kids that have loved growing up serving as a family at a dude ranch.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the DRF Board, and I will strive to help the Foundation grow and carry on its traditions. It is my hope that others will have their lives forever impacted by these ranches.”
Bob Foster – Secretary/Treasurer
Raised in Colorado on his family’s dude ranch, Bob has always been passionate about the Western way of life. After graduating college, he served five years as a Captain in the United States Army and completed a master’s program at Cornell University.
Bob and his wife, Karen, owned and operated Lost Valley Ranch in CO, managed Lone Mountain Ranch in MT, and have managed/consulted on several premier dude ranches in the West.
Bob has served on boards of national Dude Ranch Associations, state and national Hotel Associations, and was Chairman of the Colorado Tourism Board. He was President of the DRA when the Dude Ranchers’ Educational Trust was formed in 1988, precursor to the Dude Ranch Foundation. Bob and Karen were inducted into the DRA Hall of Fame in 2024.
Josie Hedderman – Executive Director
Josie Hedderman officially “took the reins” of the Dude Ranch Foundation in April 2024. She has been inspired by the opportunity to safeguard dude ranching history while actively working on future-focused programs. Josie grew up with horses and was known to ride bareback with a piece of rope around her palomino’s nose for a bridle. Both sides of Josie’s family have roots in Cody, Wyoming for more than 100 years. With a background in non-profit event management, hospitality, marketing, and packaged travel, she thrives in connecting people with history through elevated experiences.
“I look forward to making dude ranch history relatable to a wider audience, expanding awareness of our Foundation programs, and strengthening engagement with folks who are passionate about preserving the Western way of life.”
Lynn Downey – Board Member
Lynn grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where her uncle raised quarter horses and two cousins rodeoed. She didn’t learn to ride because she was a bookworm who fell in love with western history.
Lynn became interested in dude ranching while working as the historian for Levi Strauss & Co., and discovered that the company made “Dude Ranch Duds” in the 1930s. She started researching the history of the dude ranch, and in 2022 published the book American Dude Ranch: A Touch of the Cowboy and the Thrill of the West. She also set her two historical novels on a dude ranch.
Lynn is a proud dudine, and is deeply committed to preserving and sharing the fascinating history of dude ranching.
Lucia Hatfield – Board Member
For generations, Lucia’s family raised Paso Finos in Colombia. She graduated from USC Law Center and began a career as a civil litigator. Lucia has been active in professional and volunteer service, serving on various boards in the US and Mexico, including the Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles, The Junior League of Los Angeles, Club Rotarios Los Cabos, Grupo Madrugadores de Los Cabos, Passion Voice, Latino Coalition Mexico, Los Cabos Humane Society, Los Cabos Women’s Wellness Foundation. Offering an intimate and authentic experience, Lucia and her husband, Ron, own and operate the Rawah Wilderness Guest Ranch. “Providing access to education is important to me, and the work of the Foundation ties in nicely with this priority. I am pleased to be part of preserving our Western way of life for future generations.”
Kameron Kelsey – Board Member
Kameron was born and raised on the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch just outside Yellowstone National Park. He spent his childhood mastering horsemanship and learning the art of hospitality. While studying Agricultural Science at Cal Poly, Kameron realized the importance of preserving Western heritage. After college, he decided to return to the family ranch, taking over the ranch business in 2012. Kameron is dedicated to continuing the legacy established by his father and grandfather, who have upheld the ranching tradition for more than 75 years. Kameron and his wife Sally have 2 children who are learning the ways of the ranching lifestyle. Kameron is excited about raising the next generation of dude ranchers and ensuring the success and continuation of the dude ranch industry.
Dave Leishman – Board Member
Dave’s first dude ranch visit was meant to be an escape from office stress and corporate burnout from his busy life back east. Instead, it became a life-changing, priority-altering experience.
Dave and his wife, Jan, purchased the Bar W Guest Ranch in Whitefish, Montana. Along with their three daughters, Meghan, Emily and Haley, they owned and operated the dude ranch for seventeen wonderful years.
Dave has served on the Dude Ranchers’ Association Board, the Montana Dude Ranch Association Board, and was past President of the Montana Dude Ranch Association.
“I consider it a real honor to serve on this board with an opportunity to promote the mission of the Dude Ranch Foundation and preserve our Western way of life for all.”
Deborah Plum – Board Member
Deborah is a Trusts and Estates attorney focused on advising individuals, families, and their businesses in respect to succession and estate planning, family office and business structuring and cross-border tax planning. Deborah is licensed in New York, Arizona, and California, and has extensive knowledge of charitable foundations and not-for-profit organizations. While not practicing law, Deborah works as CEO of BaseCamp for Veterans, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving veterans and their families. BCI offers participants immersive programming that focuses on equine therapy and uses a mix of wild and domesticated horses.
Deborah’s love of horses began at the age of 2, when her family ventured from New York City to Tucson Arizona to stay at the White Stallion Ranch.
Dan Schneider – Board Member
Dan Schneider has more than 45 years in the insurance coverage and risk management industry with extensive experience in production and marketing management.
An alum of the University of Arizona, Dan has also attended several insurance company schools, including Fireman’s Fund, Hartford and Federated, in addition to continuing education classes in Agency Management, Sales Management, Commercial Property Casualty and Risk Management.
Dan played professional baseball with the Milwaukee Brave, the Atlanta Braves, and the Houston Astros from 1962 to 1971.
“Dude ranchers represent the best our country has to offer, not only in terms of hospitality and genuine outdoor experiences, but also in conservation and preservation. I am privileged to have the opportunity to serve on the Foundation board of directors.”
Janice Schoonover – Board Member
Janice was born and raised on the ranch that guests know as Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. Her family roots have grown deep in the Gold Creek Valley, with six generations from her mother’s side and five generations from her father’s side calling the Gold Creek Valley their homes.
Janice married her high school sweetheart, Roley Schoonover, in 1982. After a few years away for college the couple returned to Northern Idaho and added guest ranching to the family ranch in 1991. Their two children Danielle and Isaac grew up on the guest ranch. Both have married and live and work at the ranch, along with two grandchildren Emily, Gabe and Zeke. Janice serves on the Foundation board of directors and is the current President of the DRA.
Carolyn Stimmel – Board Member
Carolyn’s journey with Dude Ranching began over fifty years ago as a young guest at the Elbow Ranch in Kelly, Wyoming. She later joined her family’s Red Rock Ranch, also in Kelly, working as an employee, manager, and now owner. Her role has been deeply fulfilling, especially as she sees her four sons and their families following in her footsteps. Having been exposed to Dude Ranching since childhood, she celebrates a lifetime of strong bonds and traditional values.
“Joining the Foundation and aligning with the mission of preserving the history of Dude Ranching brings immense joy to me. It is an honor to work alongside these dedicated Foundation members who have deep ties, traditions, and loyalties to the Dude Ranching industry.”
Hunter Sullivan – Board Member
Hunter has always felt fortunate to have extensive outdoor experience and a true passion for ranch life. Before finding his home at the CM Ranch, Hunter spent eight years at the Spotted Horse Ranch south of Jackson where he served as Ranch Operations Manager. Alongside their two children, Hunter and his wife, Mollie, have managed the CM Ranch for nearly fifteen years. Their love for the CM Ranch grows with each passing season as they continue to uphold its rich traditions while adding their own unique touches. They believe there is no better place to raise their children and grow their family. In addition to serving as a Foundation director, Hunter is also vice president of the DRA.
Doug Van Berkum – Board Member
Doug & Linda, along with their son and daughter-in-law, David & Jane, have enjoyed owning and operating Rainbow Trout Ranch for more than thirty years. The Van Berkums have cherished the relationships they’ve established through ranching and have actively participated in board activities with the DRA and the CDGRA. Doug and Linda were inducted into the DRA Hall of Fame in 2018.
Before embarking on his dude ranching journey, Doug was an educator and fundraiser in higher education.
“As a director emeritus with the Dude Ranch Foundation, I am honored to champion the vital initiatives that preserve more than one hundred years of dude ranching heritage. Our commitment today ensures that our Western way of life endures for future generations.”