Jess Peterson, President and Founder

Jess Peterson represents and monitors legislative interests for a growing number of agricultural, business, and academic clients. Peterson and the WSS staff provide clients a full-time presence in Washington, DC and actively maintain a consistent dialogue with federal, state, and local policymakers. Peterson also serves as a spokesperson for various membership groups and frequently appears on national media forums and industry panels representing member concerns and interests. He travels the country and has given more than 100 speeches in nearly 20 states.

As a 5th generation rancher and Montana native, Jess Peterson is familiar with the concerns of rural America. For the past five years he has successfully represented the interests of thousands of Americans on Capitol Hill and inside the Administration. Peterson also understands the need to continually listen to the voices of the countryside, and maintains open bi-weekly conference calls for membership groups to facilitate active dialogue on industry concerns.

Peterson also manages a cow-calf operation near Miles City, Montana. Playing an active role in the management of a ranching operation keeps him aware of the needs and importance of American agriculture and strong rural communities. Peterson is a proud alumnus of Miles Community College in Miles City, Montana, and of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

Peterson was recently recognized as one of Cattle Business Weekly’s Top 10 industry leaders Under 40 and one of the Livestock Market Digest’s Top 25 individuals making a difference for the American livestock industry.

Kelly Fogarty, Deputy Director of Government and Industry Relations

Kelly was born and raised in the small town of Oakdale, California, in the heart of the Central Valley. She grew up working on her family’s 5th generation beef cattle ranch and reveled in the time she was able to work alongside her parents. Kelly graduated from UCLA in 2009 with a degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Political Science. While attending school, she continued her love of sports by playing for the school’s club water polo team. After graduation, Kelly returned to the family ranch where she worked full-time for a year before deciding to make her way out East to Washington, D.C. While working for her family, Kelly saw the importance of ranchers having a voice in Washington and wanted to contribute her services to the cause. Kelly is familiar with the ins and outs of D.C. from her time spent here as an intern. Currently, Kelly manages the day to day activities for WSS in D.C. Her primary portfolios include the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and the Society for Range Management.

Shawna Croft, Director of Client Relations

Shawna Croft is a native Montanan and first generation descendent of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. She works in a broad spectrum of industries including ranching, construction, and accounting. With this background of assisting diverse clientele, she helps manage Western Skies Strategies’ extensive client base and keep stakeholders informed of WSS’s events, prospects, and growth. She is key in keeping WSS strategic and organized. With a strong work ethic and solid foundation in customer service, Shawna brings a “can do” attitude to the team.

Colton Brajcich "Special Assistant"

Colton Brajcich is a native of Montana and was born and raised in Red Lodge, Montana.  After graduating from Red Lodge High School in 2009 he immediately set his sights on the West Coast where he now attends Gonzaga University with a course load leading him to a degree in Political Science.  Brajcich will be starting his Junior year at the university this fall and sought to gain hands-on experience in his chosen area of study.  Brajcich connected with fellow Montanan Jess Peterson and was signed on as Western Skies Strategies’ “Special Assistant” for the duration of the Summer.  Brajcich has proven both his knowledge of the political arena and dedicated work ethic through the multiple projects he has taken on for the Summer which include media and industry outreach and expanding on WSS’ social media capabilities.