Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors, Inc. is privileged to have a distinguished Board of Directors to help guide us on our mission to give more children the opportunity to experience the great outdoors.

Ryan Bronson, bronson conservation strategies

Ryan Bronson has spent more than 20 years in the conservation arena working on issues related to hunting and wildlife.  A native Minnesotan, he started one of the country’s first hunter recruitment and retention programs in a state agency in 2003 and joined Federal Ammunition in 2007 to take over the company’s robust conservation program and build a public policy program.  In 2015 Bronson was tapped by Federal’s parent company Vista Outdoor to lead conservation and policy for the array of brands under their umbrella.  In 2019, he launched Bronson Conservation Strategies to bring outdoor businesses, non-profits and government together to improve habitat and participation;  and ensure the future of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. He is a past member of the boards of the Mule Deer Foundation and the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance.  In his spare time he co-hosts the On Gravel Podcast, builds and monitors Wood Duck nest boxes and is introducing his son and Black Labrador to hunting and the shooting sports.

Eric Dinger
President/Co-Founder, PowderHook.com

Eric Dinger is an entrepreneur and an outdoorsman, a Christian and a family man. And, a little bit of a nerd. His wife, Stephanie, describes him as "committed." Or, maybe she said "he should be committed," no one knows because Eric sent us this bio.
A creative problem-solver who loves to work, Eric runs Powderhook, a technology company working to take a bite out of the biggest problem facing the outdoor recreation industry: declining participation. Previously, Eric ran a brand consulting firm, called Thought District.
His friends call him Dinger. He and the rest of the Dingers; Stephanie (age not given), Madilyn (18), Reagan (8), and Raleigh (6), reside in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Julie McQueen
President of CarbonTV

Julie McQueen is the President of CarbonTV, the largest OTT platform for digital distribution of outdoor content, and is also the Producer and Host of Outdoor Weekly, the industries only weekly news show. She has been working in the outdoor industry for over 10 years, and has remained multi faceted by writing, producing, speaking, hosting, and serving as an ambassador for many conservation organizations. Julie has produced and hosted multiple hunting television shows, which in turn led to her unique opportunity with CarbonTV. She has been a prominent voice for the outdoor community, and has built her platform on positive momentum and dedication to preserving our heritage.

Julie is well known as a source of empowerment for females who want to develop a career in the outdoor world, often consulting with those who need guidance. Her knowledge of the industry, her professionalism, and her ability to forward model and think ahead have catapulted her to the top of her career. 

SCOTT VANCE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO
UNION SPORTSMEN’S ALLIANCE

Scott Vance is the Executive Director for the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA). He’s been with the USA since September, 2016. His   goals are to continue to grow the organization, more deeply engage and reward its members, expand the Work Boots on the Ground Program to a nationally renowned access program and to create community based conservation programs that connect labor Union workers and their families to the outdoors and preserve our outdoor heritage.  

Scott grew up in the mountains of western North Carolina where he developed a strong tie to his family, the land and its natural resources. He spent his early childhood chasing squirrels and rabbits and helping his grandparents on their small farms. He remembers hunting rabbits with his grandpa's beagles long before he was old enough to carry a gun. His grandpa said that Scott was the best jump dog he ever owned!

Scott received a Bachelor's degree in environmental science from East Carolina University and a Masters degree in wildlife and environmental toxicology from Clemson University. His Master’s research was completed in Southern Iowa investigating the effects of herbicides on bobwhite quail and other wildlife. Scott has spent 22 years in the wildlife profession working as a District Supervisor for several state wildlife agencies and the last 15 years working at the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).  Scott held numerous positions with the NWTF including National Wildlife Programs Biologist, Director of Partnership Programs, Director of Conservation Field Operations, Assistant Vice President for Conservation, the Vice President for Hunting Heritage Programs and Executive Director for NWTF’s Hunting Heritage Center.  Scott is an esteemed Fellow of the National Conservation Leadership Institute and has served on numerous International committees to conserve wildlife habitat and populations across North America.  Perhaps his proudest accomplishment is leading an International, multi-cultural program which restored Gould’s wild turkeys to southeastern Arizona.

Scott is an avid hunter, angler, and recreational shooter.  He also enjoys dog training, weight lifting, and scuba diving.  His greatest reward is introducing others to the wonders of the outdoors and the challenges and adventures of being afield.  He has been blessed to do conservation work and hunt all over North America. He now spends every possible moment with his beautiful wife and twelve-year-old son taking him into the outdoors, coaching baseball, and teaching him to be a responsible, ethical and respectful young man and conservationist.

Brett A. Walton
CEO-President of Walton’s Inc.

Brett Walton is the CEO and President of Walton’s Inc. Walton’s distributes meat processing supplies and equipment to independent and home meat processors. In 1996, Brett and his Dad (Don) purchased Holly-Harneds and merged the company with Don’s previous business to form what exists today as Walton’s Inc. Don retired in 2009 and Brett assumed the role of CEO.

Brett was born, raised, and has spent his entire life near Wichita, Kansas. He spent part of his young life raising hogs at home and workings on farms. Brett’s first experience in the meat industry was working for a small meat processor while in high school. He spent 13 years working in the corrugated box industry before joining his Dad to create the company known today as Walton’s Inc.

Brett has previously served on the board of the American Association of Meat Processors, The Kansas Association of Meat Processors, and the Holy Cross Lutheran Church Council. He received the Kansas Meat Processors Association Distinguished Service Award in 2018, and he received the Nebraska Association of Meat Processors Achievement Award in 2014.

In 1985, Brett married Sandy, and they now have four children (Cole, Austin, Dylan and Ali) and three grandsons (Hudson, Bowan and Leo). Brett enjoys activities with his family, such as hunting upland birds, Kansas State football games, and ATV riding in Colorado.