WEST Leadership

Bryan Sholten serves as the Director of Enterprise Technology at WEST, where he has been a key contributor for the past four years. Based in the Fort Collins office and reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer, Bryan brings a strong academic foundation—holding an MBA and a BBA in Information Systems—along with multiple technology certifications that support his leadership in enterprise systems and innovation. In his role, Bryan oversees WEST’s Technology Team, which encompasses Software Development, Database Systems, Machine Learning, and IT Operations. His leadership ensures that the company’s technological infrastructure and innovation strategies align with organizational goals, driving efficiency and forward-thinking solutions across the enterprise.

Clayton Derby, WEST’s CEO, has been with the company since 1995, guiding strategic growth and operational excellence. With a background in biology and an master’s in Zoology and Physiology, he has managed large-scale environmental projects across the US, including wind energy and natural gas developments. As CEO, Clayton collaborates with the Executive Team to drive WEST’s mission and foster a culture of scientific integrity. He played a key role in expanding WEST’s presence by establishing the Bismarck, North Dakota, office. Clayton’s leadership emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and client-focused solutions.

Dale Strickland, WEST’s Founder and Principal Ecologist, holds a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Wyoming. With over 40 years of experience in ecological research and wildlife management, he specializes in impact assessment, threatened species studies, and natural resource conservation. Dale has authored over 150 scientific papers and contributed to key environmental publications, including the Wildlife Techniques Manual and Wildlife Study Design. He has also served as an advisor on national environmental committees and for organizations like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Dale remains a leading voice in environmental consulting, bridging science with policy and conservation efforts.

David Young, Principal Biologist at WEST, has been with the company since 1992, serving in roles from field biologist to CEO. He specializes in avian biology, Endangered Species Act compliance, and wind-wildlife impact assessments. David holds a master’s in Zoology from the University of Georgia and has led projects across North America and Latin America. His expertise spans threatened species research and environmental policy consulting. David also serves as Treasurer on WEST’s Board of Directors, contributing to strategic planning and growth.

Deby Forry serves as WEST’s CFO and General Counsel, overseeing finance, legal, and contract operations. With over 35 years of experience in corporate finance, mergers, and environmental consulting, she brings strategic expertise to WEST’s leadership. A University of Wyoming graduate with a J.D., Deby has received numerous accolades, including the Wyoming Woman of Influence for Energy and Utilities. She is passionate about mentoring professionals and supporting leadership development.

Heather Jacobson is a seasoned finance and enterprise systems professional with over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, accounting, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) strategy within the environmental and engineering consulting industry. She currently serves as WEST’s Finance Director, where she oversees the corporate enterprise system and supports executive leadership in streamlining operations and maximizing labor efficiency, while also managing financial strategy and performance across both corporate functions and project delivery teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals. Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and a master’s in E-Business from the University of Wyoming, and is highly proficient in Deltek ERP systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and various client invoicing platforms.

As Chief Operating Officer and President of the Board at WEST, J.R. Boehrs brings nearly two decades of experience and leadership to the organization. Since joining in 2007, J.R. has held key roles including GIS Specialist, Operations Manager, and Board Secretary, Vice President, and now President. In his role as COO, J.R. oversees business operations, working closely with senior leadership to ensure systems and processes support high-quality service delivery and continuous improvement. As Board President, he guides corporate strategic goals, fosters a positive workplace culture, and upholds WEST’s mission and core principles. J.R. holds an MBA from Colorado State University and a BA in Geography–Natural Resources Management from the University of Wyoming.

Kim Bay, a Senior Scientist and Service Director at WEST, has been with the company since 2001. She leads wildlife impact studies related to wind energy, specializing in avian and bat risk assessments. Kim has managed large-scale databases and contributed to peer-reviewed research on wildlife impacts from energy development. She earned her master’s in Statistics from the University of Wyoming, combining data science with ecological research. Kim’s leadership ensures WEST’s projects are grounded in robust scientific analysis.

Luke Martinson is a Senior Manager/Biologist and Board Director. He has worked as an environmental consultant for more than 22 years, supporting people and projects across the US. Luke brings broad industry experience in renewable energy, oil and gas, mining, transportation, water management, and research and conservation planning. He supports responsible development backed by critical thinking and sound science. His technical expertise is highlighted through his leadership on WEST’s Wetland Practice Group and co-authorship on publications that evaluate advanced conservation practices as a means to reduce eagle and wind interactions. Beyond technical knowledge, Luke is a proven leader at WEST, focusing on staff mentorship and growth, efficient process development, and business diversification.

Lyman McDonald co-founded WEST in 1990 after an academic career in biostatistics at Kansas State University and the University of Wyoming. As a biometrician, he specialized in wildlife population modeling, sampling techniques, and natural resource damage assessments. Lyman co-authored over 100 scientific publications, including Resource Selection by Animals, a foundational text in ecological statistics. Although retired since 2020, he maintains connected with WEST, contributing his expertise to ongoing discussions. His work has shaped how wildlife data is analyzed across North America.