 | Alaskan Bowhunters |
Alaskan Bowhunter Directors
| Trevor EmbryPresident I was born and raised in Bowling Green, Kentucky before moving North to follow my dreams to Alaska. I currently reside in Eagle River. I’ve always claimed to be a Pharmacist by trade, but a Bowhunter by heart. I’ve chased nearly 20 species of North American Big Game with my bow and arrow over the past decade. I look forward to seeing many of you around the state and afield, shoot straight this fall!” |
| Alex HedmanVice President I have 20+ years of military leadership and service to our nation and community. I love to work effectively on a team. Avid outdoorsman. Current VP of Traditional Archers of Alaska, and member of several local archery and national bowhunting organizations. I have a passion for bowhunting and believe that Alaska affords a unique opportunity like no other state. I wish to increase opportunities for bowhunters and the unique style of hunting that we choose to employ in the pursuit of our quarry; to promote bowhunting as a means to connect with the natural world; to grow our numbers as a voice within the outdoors community; and to promote legislation that will ensure our sport remains strong for future generations.” |
| Zachary WelchTreasurer I was born and raised in Nebraska and began bowhunting at a young age thanks to my dad who got me started early. Since then, I have had the opportunity to hunt in many states, but fell head over heels for Alaska when I visited in the fall of 2021. I graduated physical therapy school the following spring and couldn’t get back fast enough and now currently work in Palmer as a physical therapist. |
| Mike HarrisMat-Su Director & Legislative V.P. I started chasing critters with a bow at age 5 or 6, pretty much as soon as I figured out how to make a bow out of a tree limb and strand of bailing twine. I spent most of my life in the lower 48 (Idaho, Oregon and Montana) and always dreamed of hunting the Last Frontier. Stories of Howard Hill, Fred Bear, Glenn Saint Charles, and Jay Massey fueled my desire to make... |
| Herb MansavageMarketing Director My name is Herb Mansavage and I am 29 years old. I was born in Marshfield, WI but my parents moved back to Alaska months after my birth and I have lived in Alaska since. I graduated Wasilla High school in 2008, earned my Associates of Applied Science in Process Technology in 2011 and a Bachelors of Science in Technology in 2015, both from University of Alaska... |
| Paul Forward
Director at Large I grew up in Eagle River, Alaska with a father who, in many ways, had structured his life around being in the outdoors with a particular passion for traditional bowhunting. I currently live in Girdwood with my wife and my son (born May 2019) both of whom love to share in wilderness adventures whenever possible. We took our son on his first multi-day backpack hunt on Kodiak when he was 2 months old. (He didn’t protest too loudly so I assume he loved it!) My other nearly lifelong passions include whitewater kayaking and backcountry skiing. For the past 8 years I’ve spent my winters working as a full time heli ski guide but have also pursued human powered big mountain skiing in mountains around the world. Whether summer or winter and with skis, kayak or bow as motivation, there’s nothing that makes me happier than being deep in the wilderness. When not playing in the rivers and mountains I work as a part-time rural family doctor, usually traveling to Kotzebue once per month to work in the ER. Prior to that I had a similar schedule working in Kodiak. I also teach Wilderness Medicine courses for healthcare and outdoor professionals. I’ve almost always hunted solo and tend to be bit reclusive about hunting in general but I’m excited to meet more of my fellow bowhunters and to help work to advocate for our shared passion.” |
| Nick MucheFairbanks Director Born in Mayville, Wisconsin, into a family that held bow hunting in high regard, it’s no wonder why my passion for hunting has grown so much over the years. While growing up, I had the pleasure to spend many days in the field with my grandfather, father and cousins, hunting in both WI and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It was there that my... |
| Ben PinneySoutheast Director Running a small business requires vision, leadership, organization and professionalism, while always learning and growing. I have worked hard to develop these skills which I am sure will serve the ABA well. I have bow hunted extensively in Alaska and appreciate the unique aspects of bowhunting in different areas of the state. I am excited to be a part of the ABA board to promote this lifestyle that is my passion. |
| Tim ThomasSouth Central Director Hello! I have been an Alaskan Bowhunters Association director now for 5 years. I’m from the great state of Texas, but have also lived in Arizona, Germany and New Mexico. After coming to Alaska, I loved it so much that I decide to stay. I currently live in Eagle River, Alaska. I grew up as an army brat, and also spent 13 years in the United States Air Force serving... |
| Gary WeaverDirector at Large I am loyal to the mission of the ABA. I’m a lifetime member and want to perpetuate the growth of this organization. I love Bowhunting and living in this incredible state and look forward to promoting both! |
| Brian WatkinsDirector at Large I have experience on previous boards and am an avid Bowhunter. I know most current board members and am looking forward to assisting with membership and other ABA endeavors. |
| Gary KellerDirector at Large I hope to bring a fresh face and fresh Ideas to the ABA. I enjoy being a team player and creative thinker that works well in board rooms during stressful moments. I was the past president for the ABA and worked on the board for over a decade. I also worked as a Bowhunting instructor for a short time till life took over. Looking forward to supporting this great hunting community! |
