From our staff and board to our volunteers and scientific advisors, we are united by one mission - to ensure that America’s lion continues to roam wild and free.
Ellen C. O’Connell is the Executive Director of the Mountain Lion Foundation. A lifelong advocate for wildlife and conservation, Ellen brings more than three decades of nonprofit leadership experience spanning program management, governance, operations, fundraising, and advocacy across six continents.
She has served as CEO of Farm Sanctuary, Executive Director of Tusk USA, and Global Vice President of the International Rescue Committee, leading teams in over 90 countries. Through her consulting firm, Sankhara Consulting, Ellen has guided conservation and social-impact organizations worldwide, helping them raise more than $75 million and build lasting financial and strategic strength.
Appointed Executive Director, November 1, 2025
Byron Weckworth is the Chief Conservation & Advocacy Officer of the Mountain Lion Foundation. A conservation biologist and leader with more than two decades of experience in wildlife research, program development, and international conservation strategy, Byron brings a lifelong dedication to protecting big cats and the ecosystems they anchor.
Before joining MLF, Byron served as Director of various programs at Panthera, where he led the organization’s Snow Leopard and Central Asia portfolios and founded Panthera’s Conservation Genetics Program. His work has spanned Asia, Africa, and the Americas, integrating field science, policy, and community partnerships to advance coexistence between people and wildlife. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Calgary and continues to mentor and partner with scientists and conservation practitioners worldwide.
Appointed Chief Conservation & Advocacy Officer, November 10, 2025
Chris Hays is a brand, marketing, and communications executive with more than 20 years of experience leading brand, digital, and audience strategy within media and nonprofit organizations. He has a track record of building and aligning communications systems that integrate storytelling, technology, and fundraising to drive organizational growth and impact.
His work centers on shaping clear, compelling narratives that elevate mission-driven organizations, strengthen audience relationships, and support long-term sustainability. Known for pairing strategic leadership with hands-on execution, Chris leads cross-functional initiatives that translate vision into measurable outcomes.
Appointed Head of Communications & Marketing, November 1, 2025.
Education & Coexistence Director
Montana
jlisbon@mountainlion.org
Joshua Lisbon is the Education and Coexistence Director for the Mountain Lion Foundation. A mountain lion researcher and educator, and the subject of an award-winning documentary on North American cougars, Joshua brings over two decades of experience to the Mountain Lion Foundation.
Before joining MLF, Joshua served as the Education Director and Research PI at a large private conservation organization where he led a 12-year, non-invasive cougar study. He also developed and ran the GSE Cougar Project to study and document mountain lions in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Both of these roles involved research, education, outreach, coexistence strategies, diverse stakeholder public engagement, and documentary film work.
Appointed Education and Coexistence Director, March 16, 2026.
Operations and Volunteer Coordinator
Minnesota
crentola@mountainlion.org
Cary Rentola is the Operations & Volunteer Coordinator at Mountain Lion Foundation. With nearly 26 years of nonprofit experience, Cary has led development and marketing efforts that have generated over $22 million in philanthropic support and strengthened community commitment through innovative campaigns, donor engagement, and monthly giving.
Before joining MLF, Cary was the Director of Operations & Advancement at LivingKind and her career has included leadership roles with LiftUp of Routt County, Routt County Humane Society, W.O.L.F. Sanctuary, Animal House Rescue & Grooming (where she co-chaired a capital campaign for a new shelter) and Larimer Humane Society.
Cary earned her M.A. in Speech Communications and dual B.A. ‘s in Speech Communications and Journalism from the University of Northern Colorado and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Front Range Community College. She serves on the Board of Directors for both Rescue A Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM) and Haven Hill Animal Sanctuary.
Appointed Operations and Volunteer Coordinator, March 16, 2026.
John lives in Park City UTAH with his wife and three dogs. He is an accomplished clinical researcher, cardiac anesthesiologist and critical care physician who has had a lifelong interest in wildlife photography and conservation fields of all kinds, especially those focused on carnivores.
He was a founding Board member of the Vital Ground Foundation and is a former member of the Hogle Zoo Board where he also Chaired the Conservation Committee. Currently, John is Vice-President of the Humane Society of Utah while also serving as an HSU Board member. In addition, he is currently a member of the Central Regional Advisory Council for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources where he helps provide feedback to the Utah Wildlife Board as they oversee wildlife management programs throughout the state.
Member of the Board of Directors since 2025
Ann Hamilton is a Managing Director and Regional Director of Investment Management and Trust at The Private Bank at MUFG Union Bank. Ann works with a team of specialists in wealth planning, investment management, philanthropy, banking and trust administration in the California & Washington market. She and her team work with ultra-high net worth clients and their advisors on a wide range of trust & estate and legacy planning matters in accordance with sound fiduciary principles. Prior to joining The Private Bank, Ann held leadership roles in the Trust and Estate practices at Citi Private Bank, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management and Merrill Lynch Private Client group. She holds a BA in English Literature and has the Certified Trust & Financial Advisor (CTFA) designation. Ann lives in the Bay Area, has 2 sons, 2 Maine Coon cats and is a lover of all things feline.
Les Ottolenghi joined the Mountain Lion Foundation Board in 2025. He is a seasoned technology and transformation executive with more than 25 years of C-suite leadership experience across gaming, media, education, and digital platforms. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of VIP Play, Inc., where he leads technology-driven growth and innovation. Previously, Les held senior executive roles at Caesars Entertainment, Stride, Inc., and Lee Enterprises, where he oversaw large-scale digital, AI, and cloud transformations and led global teams of up to 1,000 staff. Known for building scalable, secure, and customer-centered digital organizations, Les brings deep expertise in innovation, governance, and strategic growth to the Mountain Lion Foundation Board. He is deeply passionate about wildlife conservation and is committed to applying technology, innovation, and strategic leadership to protect wildlife and the natural systems they depend on.
Doug Fuchs joined the Mountain Lion Foundation Board of Directors in January 2026. He is a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in Los Angeles and Co-Chair of the firm’s Los Angeles Litigation Department. Doug has extensive experience in complex investigations, regulatory enforcement, and crisis management, including matters involving environmental issues, corporate governance, and compliance. He previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, where he prosecuted major fraud cases and complex white-collar crime. Doug brings deep legal expertise and strategic judgment to MLF’s work protecting mountain lions and advancing science-based conservation.
Paul Garvey joined the Mountain Lion Foundation Board of Directors in 2026. He brings more than four decades of experience in business development, technology partnerships, and organizational growth across both established corporations and emerging ventures. Throughout his career, Paul held leadership roles with companies including Sprint, Nortel, Fujitsu, TRW Space & Electronics, and Teledyne Industries, helping organizations navigate innovation, strategic partnerships, and market expansion.
Following his corporate career, Paul transitioned into public service and emergency response, deploying nationally with federal Incident Management Teams and the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) on complex all-hazards incidents. This work strengthened his expertise in leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making under pressure.
Paul has a longstanding commitment to conservation and community service. He previously served as Chair of the McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission and as a board member of the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills, Arizona. A lifelong outdoorsman and wildlife photographer, Paul developed his passion for nature exploring the forests, lakes, and backcountry of Canada. Today, he resides in southern Utah, where he continues to pursue photography and advocate for the protection of wild landscapes and wildlife.
Member of the Board of Directors since 2026.
Rear Admiral Jeff Ruth (Ret.) joined the Mountain Lion Foundation Board of Directors in 2026. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Jeff served more than three decades in the United States Navy as a naval flight officer and senior leader. A five-time commanding officer, he led units that included an aviation squadron, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and Navy Region Northwest.
Following his military service, Jeff served as Chief Operating Officer of an environmental engineering and services firm. He is currently a docent at Cougar Mountain Zoo and previously served on the board of Nature Vision, an environmental education nonprofit. Through these roles, he has helped connect people with wildlife and foster a deeper understanding of conservation and environmental stewardship.
Jeff brings extensive experience in leadership, governance, risk management, and organizational strategy to the Mountain Lion Foundation. A lifelong conservation advocate and outdoor enthusiast, he is committed to advancing science-based wildlife conservation and ensuring that future generations inherit healthy ecosystems and thriving populations of native wildlife.
Member of the Board of Directors since 2026.
Dylan Brandt is a professional safari guide, wildlife tracker, conservation advocate, and founder of Brandt Safaris, a boutique safari company specializing in custom, conservation-focused journeys throughout Africa.
Originally from South Africa and now based in Midway, Utah, Dylan has spent more than two decades guiding and leading wildlife expeditions across Southern and East Africa. His training through FGASA, Damelin, EcoTraining, and advanced track-and-sign evaluation systems built deep field competence in wildlife behavior, ecology, tracking, guest safety, and ethical wildlife viewing in free-ranging ecosystems inhabited by elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, hyena, and wild dog. Between 2005 and 2015 he worked as an elite safari guide in some of Africa’s most renowned private reserves, developing deep expertise in predator ecology and trailing alongside highly skilled local trackers. In 2015 he moved to the United States and co-founded Brandt Safaris with his wife, building a company grounded in authenticity, conservation, and deeply personalized travel.
An accomplished wildlife photographer and expedition leader, Dylan brings a practical, field-based perspective to the Foundation’s work — informed by years inside the kind of complex human-wildlife landscapes the Foundation now seeks to help build at home.
Member of the Board of Directors since 2026.
Financial Advisor, Former Program Director of National Issues, Defenders of Wildlife, Washington DC; Former Staff, National Parks and Conservation Association, Washington DC.; 1968 U.S. Olympian; Former Board Member, California Center for Wildlife (now Wildcare), Vivamos Mejor, Peninsula Conservation Center Foundation (now Acterra).
Elizabeth held a dual career in wealth management and law.
She was a wealth management advisor for a private firm and provided financial advisory for financial consulting firms like Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo Advisors. Her work included planned giving and legacy consulting to non-profits and individual estates.
As an attorney, she practiced in environmental litigation and toxics litigation including cases involving mitigation of several Environmental Protection Agency Superfund sites. She has also spent time as pro-bono counsel on habitat and land use issues.
At age six, she volunteered to clean local marshes, and her lifelong concern for wildlife has carried on since then to include a wide range of efforts, including penguin behavioral studies at San Francisco Zoo in college and feeding orphaned chicks at wildlife rehabilitation centers. When it comes to preventing the loss of wildlife species, she firmly believes that every individual counts.
Member of the Board of Directors since 1996
