Nick Buggia works as the Upper Midwestern States manager for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF). As part of CSF’s States Program Team, Nick works closely with state legislators and governors across the Midwest to promote scientific-based conservation policy. He has experience working in Michigan’s executive branch and in the Michigan Senate, where he spent the majority of his time focusing on natural resources policy. Nick holds a bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University. A native of Mayville, Michigan, Nick is an avid outdoorsman. He enjoys hunting on the family farm and takes every opportunity to go fishing on Saginaw Bay. On the council, he represents rural areas of the state whose economies are substantially impacted by hunting and fishing. 

Jeffery Poet has literally made the outdoors his business. Poet is president of Jay’s Sporting Goods Inc. in Clare, where he has participated in the growth of the company since its inception. Poet, who earned his associate degree in business management from Northwood University, represents on the Wildlife Council businesses that are substantially impacted by hunting and fishing.

Matt Pedigo of Howell is an engineer for Federal-Mogul, where he has worked for over 13 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Kettering University in Flint. For the Michigan Wildlife Council, he serves as a voice for individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in the state at least once during each of the past three years.

Jason Garvon, of Brimley, is a Professor of Biology at Lake Superior State University. He is a member of Ducks Unlimited, advisor to the LSSU Student Chapter of DU, and former member of the MDNR eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens Advisory Council. He holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife Science from Texas A&M / Texas A&M-Kingsville. Dr. Garvon is appointed to represent individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in this state on a regular basis, at least once during each of the last 3 years, and are nominated by statewide sportsmen organizations.

Gruden is the owner of Blue Wing Consulting where she works with producers to comply with permits and develop comprehensive nutrient management plans. She holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Michigan State University. Gruden will represent agriculture producers in this state and fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Merisa Campbell.

T. Elliot Shafer, of Grosse Point Woods, is the senior vice president of commercial banking for Huntington Bank. He is a member of The Ruffed Grouse Society, Pheasants Forever Initiative, Ducks Unlimited, Huntsman Hunt Club, and the Northland Sportsman’s Club. He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies in Finance from Wayne State University. Mr. Shafer is appointed to represent an individual with a media or marketing background, who is not an employee of the department.

Jim Hammill doesn’t just love the natural environment, he also enjoys learning about it. Hammill earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Adrian College and studied wildlife management at Michigan State University. The Crystal Falls resident runs a land consulting and management business in the Upper Peninsula and is a certified plan writer for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He also holds a real estate license and has sold recreational land for more than a dozen years.