Board of Directors
The Board of Directors for the Dude Ranchers’ Association is the governing body of over 90 of the best dude and guest ranches in the dude ranch industry.
These board members ensure DRA member ranches are providing the most authentic western vacation to their guests while meeting the lodging and equine industries’ highest standards. If you are wanting to learn more or have any questions regarding the Dude Ranchers’ Association, the dude ranch industry, or membership info the DRA, be sure to contact one of the following board members or the DRA office.
President
Hunter Sullivan
CM Ranch, Wyoming
Email Hunter | 307.455.2331
I am fortunate to say I have extensive ranch and outdoor experience and a true passion for ranch life. Before finding my home at the CM Ranch, I spent 8 years at the Spotted Horse Ranch south of Jackson, where I served as Ranch Operations Manager. I also had broad backcountry and fly-fishing experience. My wife Mollie, myself, and our two children, Luke and Nora have been the CM Managers for 10+ years now. Our love of the CM grows with every passing season and we continue to carry on the rich traditions that the CM is well known for, with a few added touches of our own. There is no better place to raise our children and grow our family.
Vice President
Lucas Turner
Triangle X Ranch, Wyoming
Email Lucas | 307.733.2183
I am a fourth generation dude rancher and was born and raised at Triangle X Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. My family started the ranch in 1926 and I became involved in the family business at a very young age. By the age of 14 I was a full-time ranch employee and I’ve spent nearly my entire working life helping work and run the family business. My fascination with aviation briefly took me away from the ranch. After graduating from the aviation program at Purdue University I was a flight instructor, and then moved onto flying private jets. It only took a couple of years before my love for Wyoming and the dude ranching way of life brought me home in 2005. I’ve since taken the reins from my father, and I’m as committed to continuing the family legacy with my wife Lauren, our three children and the Turner family. It is an honor and a privilege to serve on the DRA board.
Treasurer
Kameron Kelsey
Nine Quarter Circle Ranch Montana
Email Kameron | 406.995.4276
Born and raised on the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch just outside Yellowstone National Park, dude ranching holds a special meaning to me. I spent my childhood learning the art of horsemanship and hospitality. It was when I moved away to college, studying Agricultural Science at Cal Poly, that I also realized how important it is to preserve Western heritage. Once I finished school and earned my pilot’s license, I knew that dude ranching, and the Nine Quarter Circle was where I wanted to spend my days. So, in 2012, I returned to the ranch and now I have taken over the reins from my father. It is my hope to continue the legacy that my father and grandfather have carried for over 75 years.
District I: Wyoming
Mary Eaton
Eatons’ Ranch, Wyoming
Email Mary | 307.655.9552
I’m lucky enough to call Eatons’ Ranch in Wolf, Wyoming my home. I am proud to be a part of the fourth and fifth generations that are currently managing our historic dude ranch. I first started as a rambunctious teenager when they brought me on as a seasonal employee. In 2004, when my parents retired, I had the opportunity to take on a full-time position and have never looked back. Over the years I have had many different roles on the ranch alongside my family and friends. One of my favorite things about this lifestyle is not only getting to work alongside them but also getting to know and bond with guests, both old and new, year after year. And of course, like many other dude ranch love stories, I met my husband Nate at the ranch 17 years ago. We are lucky to have a wonderful daughter, Olivia who keeps us busy on and off the ranch. I’m looking forward to continuing the tradition of my family having a strong presence in the DRA and DRF. It is truly an honor to serve on the DRA board.
District I: Wyoming
Amy Worster
Goosewing Ranch, Wyoming
Email Amy | 307.733.5251
I am proud to have spent over two decades in the guest ranch industry and to have been immersed in the western equine and livestock industry my entire life. Though I didn’t grow up on Goosewing Ranch, I feel like I grew into who I am here—starting the day I rode in bareback and leading to where I stand now as its manager.
Goosewing Ranch and the guest ranching industry are deeply important to me, and I wholeheartedly believe in the work we do. I am especially grateful to raise my son on the ranch, sharing with him the same love for the great outdoors and the Mountain West that his dad cherished.
District II, Montana
Trey Kokoruda
JJJ Wilderness Ranch, Montana
Email Trey | 406.562.3653
I was born and raised outside of Helena, Montana on a small farm and cattle ranch. I grew up with a deep passion for the outdoors and agriculture. This led me to pursue a degree in Agricultural Business at Montana State University where I met my wife, Hayley. After spending a few years in Helena, we decided to become a part of her family’s dude ranch and outfitting business: JJJ Wilderness Ranch in Augusta, Montana. Today, I wear many hats on the ranch – managing the barn and horse/mule herd, coordinating daily activities with our guests, maintenance and building projects, leading pack trips, guiding hunts, and most importantly being a dad to my two daughters – Breyer and Parker. I am excited to be on the DRA board and to represent our state and the industry.
District II, Montana
Liz Cohee
Averill’s Flathead Lake Ranch, Montana
Email Liz | 406.837.4391
Originally from North Carolina, I grew up barrel racing and showing reining horses. I had my sights set on pursuing a career in the performance horse world until the dude ranching industry stole my heart. I got my first summer wrangling job at Flathead Lake Lodge where I still work 14 years later as the ranch’s Livestock Manager. I live in Bigfork MT with my husband Jason (who I met while working at the ranch) and our 5 horses, 2 dogs, and 3 cats. As someone who didn’t grow up on a dude ranch but was fortunate enough to stumble into one as a soul searching 20-something, I understand how truly special the dude ranch business is. I’m excited to join the DRA board, and grateful for the opportunity to help usher in the next hundred years of this industry which has impacted my life in so many wonderful ways.
District III, Colorado
Tim Dyer
Rawah Guest Ranch, Colorado
Email Tim | 719.376.2440
My love for the American West was instilled in me from a young age and is a driving force behind keeping the Authentic way of life alive in the guest ranch industry. I have lived in Loveland, Colorado, where I was born and raised and where I married my wife Meg and raised our two sons, Corey and Austin, on our farm. We are blessed with two fantastic daughters-in-law, Caroline and Gabby, and two beautiful grandsons, Connor and Chase. We have a history of cattle ranching and farming and a home inspection business. Our journey led us to Rawah Ranch. We have had the opportunity to manage two other beautiful ranches over the years, but we have found ourselves back home at Rawah Guest Ranch, our first love. I am passionate about bringing the Authentic Western hospitality I have been raised with into the ranch we run. I am excited to share this love with our guests, returning them to the simpler times of the American West. It is an honor and privilege to serve on the DRA board.
District III, Colorado
Ben Martin
Vista Verde Ranch, Colorado
Email Ben | 970.638.3401
Ben grew up in the Pennsylvania Dutch country and left to attend college at Messiah University. Following graduation, he spent 2 years playing indoor soccer professionally before making a move and a life change by accepting a position as a wrangler at Lost Valley Ranch. Guest ranching seemed a perfect fit, and he was given the opportunity to advance into his current role as Executive General Manager of CJJ Family Holdings, with a primary role in leading the crew at Vista Verde Guest Ranch, a role which he has served for 19 years. He is happily married to his bride of 27 years, Holly, and they have 4 adult children. He earned a MA in Youth and Family from Denver Seminary, is active in his church, and plays a lousy bass guitar. He is very excited to join this incredible team and look forward to working with all of the DRA member ranches.
District IV, The Rest of the West
John Varian
V6 Ranch, CA
Email John | 850.463.2421
John Varian was born and raised on the V6 Ranch in Parkfield, CA. After graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo John and his dad Jack decided to revitalize the dwindling town of Parkfield. In the late 80s and early 90s, they got to work building the Parkfield Cafe and Lodge along with the Parkfield Log Company, a log furniture business. Soon after, John married his wife Barbara and their family grew alongside of the businesses. In 2013 the Varian family changed course when John’s woodworking shop burned to the ground. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as John and Barbara built the Blue Oak Camp and found their true passion in hosting guests for authentic ranching experiences on the V6 Ranch. On V6 Ranch rides the Varian family who are so excited to be able to work with three generations of family and share our beautiful home and unique lifestyle in the Cowboy Side of California.
District IV, The Rest of the West
Megan Hunewill
Hunewill Guest Ranch, CA
Email Megan | 760.932.7710
I am the fifth generation to be born and work on the Hunewill Ranch in Bridgeport, California. Our family ranches both in Bridgeport where we have a guest ranch and a working cattle operation. Our winter ranch is in Smith Valley, Nevada, and in addition, we run cattle in Mineral County and the East Walker, Nevada on permits. Our guest ranch was started by my grandmother during the Great Depression when cattle prices were $0.03 a pound and they couldn’t pay the taxes on the Bridgeport Ranch.
I am married Bart Paul and have three wonderful children, all of which work on our guest ranch. I was an English teacher and in 2004, I went to work full time for our business. I feel fortunate to be able to work with my family and share our ranching traditions with our guests. I am honored to have been chosen to represent “The Rest of the West and Canada” on the DRA Board.
Past President
Janice Schoonover
Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, Idaho
Email Janice | 208.263.9066
I was born and raised on the ranch that guests know as Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. My family roots have grown pretty deep in the Gold Creek Valley, with six generations from my mother’s side and five generations from my father’s side calling the Gold Creek Valley their homes. I married my high school sweetheart, Roley Schoonover, in 1982. After a few years away for college, we returned to Northern Idaho and added guest ranching to the family ranch in 1991. Our two children, Danielle and Isaac, grew up on the guest ranch. Both have married and now live and work at the ranch, along with three grandchildren Emily, Gabe, and Zeke.
Executive Director
Bryce Albright
The Dude Ranchers’ Association – Cody, Wyoming
Email Bryce | 307.587.2339
The dude ranch industry has been a large part of my life for many years, my whole life really. Having the opportunity to be raised and work on a DRA dude ranch instilled in me a great love and appreciation for dude ranching, preserving Western heritage, and protecting this way of life we are fortunate enough to be a part of. I love this industry, everything that it stands for, and the people that are involved. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.