Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation names new executive director

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation has named Clifford Kipp as the nonprofit’s next executive director.

Kipp joins the foundation after 20 years with Montana Conservation Corps as the senior regional director for the Northern Rockies region in Kalispell. He has served on several community trails and natural resource related boards, including the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation’s board from 2005-2010.

He is a graduate of the Leadership Flathead and Leadership Montana programs, and currently serves on the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 1 Citizens Advisory Committee.

“Cliff offers valuable experience including years in the field supervising Montana Conservation Corps employees and fostering successful relationships with host agencies. He has a strong track record working in wilderness; building quality, collaborative programs; and encouraging positive work experiences for employees and volunteers,” said Terry Knupp, chair of the board of directors for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation.

“We are delighted to welcome him aboard and look forward to his leadership with our Board of Directors and staff. He is beginning a new, exciting chapter for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation.”

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation’s mission is to provide active wilderness stewardship of the 1.5-million-acre Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex in Northwest Montana. The Foundation engages approximately 400 volunteers each summer through hands-on service projects that open trails, restore heavily used areas and treat invasive weeds. They also provide a range of Wilderness internships, including a Packer Apprentice program, and a growing Wilderness education program.

When Kipp begins his position on May 8, he will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation’s work and maintaining the financial health of the organization. His work will focus on building relationships with volunteers, donors, and partners in the communities surrounding the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Kipp will manage the Foundation’s six year-round employees who are based in the Flathead Valley and Missoula.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to take this step professionally, and I’m proud to join such a storied and successful organization,” shared Kipp. “I look forward to being part of the impressive team who are working to advance the foundation’s mission.”

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation has been led by Bill Hodge since 2019. Hodge accepted the Montana State Director position with the Wilderness Society in January of 2023.

“Being a part of such a special staff and amazing community was an honor I hold close. As a continuing member of the Bob community, I am excited to see where Cliff and the staff will take the foundation,” said Hodge.

To learn more about the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation and their projects for the upcoming 2023 season, visit bmwf.org.