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.

As a 5th generation rancher and Montana native, Jess Peterson is familiar with the concerns of rural America. For the past four years Peterson has successfully represented the interests of thousands of Americans on Capitol Hill and inside the Administration. Jess 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.

Mr. Peterson also manages a cow-calf operation near Miles City, Montana. Continually playing an active role in the management of the ranching operation keeps Peterson 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 of Spokane, Washington.

Stacia Couch, WSS Washington D.C. Chief Operations Officer, has over 14 years of professional experience in the legal, academic, public policy, information technology, and business consulting fields. Stacia has consulted with a number of clients in the D.C. Metro area, providing integrated marketing solutions, technical writing and editing assistance, and best practices research. Prior to locating in D.C., she served as a research associate in a public policy research center where she managed large-scale research projects primarily for Tennessee government clients.

Her diverse interests and background give her a unique ability to manage people, projects, and client and vendor relationships. At WSS, she manages all IT, including designing and maintaining WSS's online presence, and assists the team with legislative and industry-related research, writing, and bookkeeping.

Stacia holds a master's degree in communication and information from the University of Tennessee and a B.A. in English from Clemson University. She co-directed and designed Education Crossroads, a book and website designed to alter public opinion regarding the true value of education, and co-authored An Economic Report to the Governor of the State of Tennessee (several annual editions); School-to-Work: Do Tennessee's Higher Education Graduates Work in Tennessee, Part 1: State-level Labor Market and Earnings Trends; The State of Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance, and Behavioral Intention Determinants towards Post-Secondary Education: Clues for Strategic Message Development. She also teaches SAT preparation courses to high school students in the D.C. public school system.

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.

As WSS's Director of Public Affairs and Special Programs, Jennifer specializes in public relations, internship coordination, research, and business consultation.

A Montana native with a 14-year background in sales and customer service, Jennifer excels in providing clients with the high quality of service that they deserve. With a wide variety of professional experiences in the retail, insurance, accounting, education, and social work fields, Jennifer has a vast knowledge of different industries.

Working with the public and helping others is a passion of hers, and she aspires to some day run her own non-profit organization. A proud alumnus of Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA, Jennifer currently resides in Montana with her husband and one-year-old son and enjoys spending her "spare" time volunteering as a mentor at her local elementary school.

Kidron is a 5th generation native Texan who began her career in Washington as an aide to Congressman Martin Frost of Texas. Kidron went on to help organize Frost's 2004 bid to be chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and then helped Frost's former Chief of Staff, Matt Angle, create a nationally recognized political action committee.

Then, Kidron went on to do company metrics and customer service analytics for NGP Software, a leading provider of campaign based software. While working at NGP, Kidron also served a key role in the development of the company's online fundraising program. In 2007 she was tapped by the NGP's Founder to be an IT and Logistics consultant on the Hillary Clinton for President Campaign. There she provided technical, data and logistical support to the campaign on a national level, as well as worked as the campaign's Veteran's outreach coordinator during the Texas primary.

Kidron currently does IT, data, and web consulting for a number of D.C. firms. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University, and served in a Special Operations Unit of the United States Army Reserve. Kidron will be bringing her extensive knowledge of research, data analysis, emerging technologies, online organizing, and politics to WSS.

Chris Aylward works with WSS to enhance its online initiatives, including the WSS website and its Somewhere between boots and saddles, briefcases and taxis blog. WSS relies on Chris's technical expertise in web programming and design as well as his creativity. Chris also teaches SAT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT test preparation for the Princeton Review and plays bass in a local Virginia band, Tieweb.