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The
NTA Board of Directors and Biographies
Board of Directors
President of the NTA:
Joel Edwards
P.O. Box 906
Hurley, NM 88043
Email:
pronghorn@dishmail.net
(575) 537-5536
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Joel Edwards-President
I’m proud and honored to
be nominated for NTA President. I’ve been married to my wife, Linda,
for 39 years, and we have three grown children, and five grand-children.
I received my Bachelors and
Masters Degrees from N.M. State University. I am a full-time, NTA
Certified, Master Taxidermist, and have received the NTA Award of Excellence.
I’m a Certified NTA Lifetime Judge, and I own and operate Edwards Taxidermy,
Inc., near Hurley, N.M. I’m a Lifetime NTA member, and I have served
as both Vice-President, and President of the N.M. Taxidermy Association.
I served for three years on the NTA Board, and I have served as NTA Vice-President
for the past year. I have been Chairman of the Competition Judges
Committee for four years, and Chairman of the Affiliate Committee for two
years. I presently serve as Chairman of the NTA Judges Association.
I received the NTA Director of the Year Award in 2006, and I have received
both the NTA, and McKenzie Distinguished Service Awards.
I have won many awards in
taxidermy competitions, including the Breakthrough Award for Best of Show,
the NTA Masters Choice Award, the WASCO Award, People’s Choice Awards,
as well as, many Best of Category Awards. I have presented Seminars at
state conventions in several different states. I also teach personal
taxidermy seminars at my shop, and have donated many seminars and hunts
that were auctioned off at NTA and state conventions. I enjoy taxidermy
very much, and I consider it an honor to serve the organization that has
given me so much. I am honest and fair, and if elected, I will work
hard to serve our members in a diplomatic and professional manner, and
I will never bail out on you. |
Vice President:
Steve Wolk (MO)
2245 Carlton Drive
Festus, MO 63028
Email:
LittleCreekTaxidermy@outdrs.net
(636) 931-2245
|
Steve Wolk-Vice President
Membership, Seminars
3 years ago when I was elected
to the NTA Board of Directors, I felt very strong about trying to keep
the family atmosphere and integrity of the organization that my family
fell in love with back in 1998, when we attended our first convention,
and to continue to build on it. That feeling is as strong as ever
today. Lori, my wife of 20 years and my daughters Stacie, age 18,
and Victoria, age 14, and myself, are all lifetime members of the NTA.
All of us have also been NTA seminar instructors. Even the kids have
worked in children’s seminars. I have been the seminar chairman for
the past 3 years and I have been working hard to make the last 3 conventions
as informative, and educational, and as much fun for your family as I can.
It is true that the more you put into something, the more you get out of
it. It makes it all worthwhile to hear someone mention that they
have learned new techniques to make their work better, or to see a big
smile on a kids face because of something fun they did in their class.
My goal is for every member and their families to have a chance at fun,
new friends, and opportunities that we have had because of the NTA |
Past President of the
NTA:
Frankie
Thompson
P.O.
Box 946
Franklin,
NC 28744
FrankieTho@aol.com
(828)
524-6789
|
Frankie Thompson - Past
President
Competition Awards,
Membership |
Secretary/Interim Treasurer
Carol Janelli
1400 Central Avenue
Union City, NJ. 07087
Email:
Cjanelli59@aol.com
(201) 319-0061
|
Carol Janelli-Secretary/Interim
Treasurer
Being re-nominated for the
position of Secretary in the National Taxidermists Association is an incredible
honor. I take pride in the job I have done over the past year and
want you to know that, if I am re-elected, you can count on me to be there
for the NTA. You might recall seeing me working at the registration
booth upon your arrival at the national convention for the past 10 years
or so. I enjoy seeing the faces of NTA members and their families,
both familiar and new, and take great pride in assisting you with your
registration needs and answering any questions you may have. The
opportunity to further serve the NTA as secretary is a bonus I never expected.
Our three grown daughters
are out of the nest and our first grandchild arrived last July. I
work full time, with an exciting career as a legal secretary at one of
New Jersey’s leading and prominent law firms. On a daily basis I
work with real estate developers, contractors and attorneys. I have
been a licensed New Jersey notary public for almost 20 years. Having
been in this field for 30 years, my qualifications for secretary are well
established.
My sincere hope is to offer
the NTA the very best of my ability as both life member and secretary.
I look forward to continuing to work in an organization with so many people
I have come to know and respect. I ask for your support as the NTA
moves forward toward a bright future. |
Terms Expiring in 200
Board Member:
Al Holmes
1723 Rifle Range Road
Wetumpka, AL 36093
Email:
eholmes30@excite.com
(334) 567-7966
|
Al Holmes-Board
Member
Suppliers, Executive
Director Committee.
Al, along with his wife,
Evelyn own and operate Al Holmes Taxidermy Studio, Supply Co., and Wildlife
Museum in Wetumpka, Alabama. Al has been a member of the NTA beginning
with the establishment of the organization in the early 1970’s. He
has judged and given seminars at state, regional and national conventions.
Al was a judge at the first NTA competition in Denver, Colorado.
He wrote the first set of competition rules and scorecards. Al was
also the NTA competition chairman for 6 years.
Al is a past president of
the NTA and has served as a board member for several years. He was
convention chairman for one of the largest NTA conventions, which was held
in Montgomery, Alabama.
As president of the NTA,
Al opened the board meeting to all NTA members. He established the
NTA auction and has raised more funds for the association than anyone.
Al was the founder of the Alabama Taxidermists Association and helped start
several other state associations, including the Southern and Eastern Regional
conventions. Al is a member of SCI and 3 SCI state chapters.
He is currently on the board of directors of the Georgia Chapter of SCI.
Al is the originator of the
NTA Award of Excellence. He is the recipient of the NTA Pioneer
Award for his services to the NTA. He has never refused to help anyone
in taxidermy and has never taken money for his services of auctioneer,
seminar instructor or as a judge. |
Terms Expiring in 2010
Board Member:
MaryLou Crabtree
7929 Old Auburn Road
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
Email:
wruddyduck@sbcglobal.net
(916) 725-4466
|
Mary Lou Crabtree-Board
Member
Membership, Convention
Support, TERF
Professional Accomplishments
v 51 years experience
as a taxidermist
v Recognized as a “Certified
Taxidermist” nationally
v Awarded the “Pearl
Henderson Life Time Achievement Award” at the 2005, NTA convention for
years of dedication to the program
v Awarded a second
place ribbon for birds from the NTA
v Awarded the category
of “Master Taxidermist of Birds” in the local CAT Chapter
v Awarded ribbons for
birds in the local CAT Chapter
Personal Accomplishments
v 1973-1987: PCTA
(Pacific Coast Taxidermy Association). Originating member, board of directors.
Now known as CAT (California Association of Taxidermy)
v 1972 to present:
NTA active member. Assisted with registration and preparing packets
for the national conventions.
v Board member, local
chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation
v 2001 became a life
member of the North American Hunting Club
v Member of FNAWS (Foundation
of North American Wild Sheep)
v Member of Safari
Club International and local chapters
v Board member of the
local little league in 1972-1973
Married to Audie Crabtree
for 51 years. We have two grown children and four grandchildren.
My favorite pastimes, besides spoiling my grandchildren are hunting, fishing,
traveling, relaxing at our cabin at Wrights Lake, attending conventions
and meeting new people that have the same philosophy and outlook in the
preservation of wildlife as I do. |
Board Member:
John Janelli
1400 Central Avenue
Union City, NJ. 07087
sinclairsjj@aol.com
(201) 319-0061
|
John Janelli-Board Member
Membership, Convention
Fundraising, Hunt & Seminar Donations, Outlook and Trade Publication
Articles, Conservation Committee, Convention Fundraising
Serving on five committees
(prize fund, hunt donations, TERF, conservation committee, and sponsorship
committee) a brief synopsis of my accomplishments in the NTA over the past
two years include raising over $15,000.00 in cash and hunt donations in
2005 in less than six weeks prior to show time. That alone has earned
me the prestigious NTA President's Award.
My defining moment came when
I was asked to form a financial assistance fund for taxidermists and their
families during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina becoming known as TERF,
the one and only Red Cross of the taxidermy industry.
As chairman of the NTA Conservation
Committee, I have successfully built bridges between the NTA and the CWD
Alliance by way of full sponsorship and at $2,000.00 below budget.
Holding a seat on the sponsorship
committee, I have netted over $11,000.00 of NTA revenue over a projected
period of time.
As assistant convention manager,
I am actively involved in procuring vendors for our convention in addition
to several new competition awards putting additional cash in the hands
of competing members.
I have represented the NTA
on several national TV shows including the History Channel / Modern Marvels
and Kastaway Kulis Productions. Whenever the media needs a statement
from the NTA, I am usually called upon to assist. Almost on a daily basis,
I work with NTAHQ in answering the many requests for assistance from not
only NTA members but from all over the world as well.
Finally, I have passionately
embraced the responsibility of writing a very special column for you in
our Outlook magazine. At the last winter board meeting I have suggested
over a dozen possibilities to increase revenue and continue to represent
the NTA on every issue concerning the welfare of our profession. |
Board Member:
Mel Kincheloe
7953 N. West Street
Valley Center, KS. 67147
kinchel3@sbcglobal.net
(316) 755-2579
|
Mel Kincheloe-Board Member
Affiliate Network,
TERF, Membership
My first endeavor into the
world of taxidermy began in 1967, as with a great many it started with
a J.W. Elwood course. This led to working for an established studio
part-time for the experience. I later started a part time studio
that I maintained until 2003, when I retired from my full time job and
opened the studio doors full time.
I first learned about the
NTA in the early 1970s and attended my first convention in 1978, in Denver,
CO. Through the efforts of Mr. Onno Van Veen and a fellow taxidermist
we persuaded the NTA to hold the 1982, convention in Wichita, KS.
Several taxidermists from Kansas sat with Mr. Archie Phillips and began
making plans for forming the Kansas Association of Taxidermists, which
held its first convention in 1983. I have served on the KAT board
nine years, two of those years as the president. I achieved the NTA
Award of Excellence in 1988, in Las Vegas and became a life member of the
NTA in the 1990s. Taxidermy has been far more of a passion for me
than a business endeavor. Having been a member since the early 70’s,
I have noted many changes in the NTA, many of them good and some otherwise.
It is an honor to have been nominated for the NTA board and would be a
great privilege to serve as an NTA board member. Thus giving me a
chance to return a very small portion of what the NTA has done and meant
to my family and me. |
Board Member:
RJ Simington
13589 Crystal Springs Road
Klamath Falls, Oregon 97603
protaxidermy@clearwire.net
(541) 883 2492
|
RJ Simington-Board Member
Competition Operations,
Major Award Criteria Review & Cross Check, NTA Judges Association
My wife Teresa & I live
in Klamath Falls, Oregon & have been married for over 22 years.
We have 4 children Lacey, Tyler, Terin & Amanda. We have a very
close & taxidermy oriented family. Ty & Terin have both competed
& earned awards for their work.
Taxidermy is my life &
my livelihood. We started PRO Taxidermy in 1996 & it has
been a very successful business ever since. I started competing at
a state level in 1998, so I could learn to be the best taxidermist that
I can be. I learn from every show that I compete in. I have
earned the Best of Show in California, NTA Award of Excellence, & am
now an NTA certified judge.
I donate seminars at the
state & national level every year for African game that I specialize
in. I like helping other taxidermists when they are having difficulty
because I remember how hard it was to learn myself, being self taught.
I encourage everyone to join an association whether it’s a state or national
level, because of the opportunity to learn for little more than a membership
fee.
I have been president of
Oregon Association of Taxidermist for the last 2 years & board member
for 6 years.
I am actively involved in
SCI, & have been a chapter president for the past 4 years, because
I wanted to protect all of our hunting rights & keep taxidermy alive
in our future.
I thank the Lord for giving
me the talent & ability to do, & pass on to others, the job that
I love. |
Terms Expiring in 2011
Board Member:
Dave Hale
Box 281
Whitewood, SD 57793
(605) 269-2578
Email:dkhale@rapidnet.com
|
Dave Hale-Board Member
Membership, Convention
Support
I have been a taxidermist
since 1988 in Whitewood, South Dakota. I have been a small business
manager for over 30 years, serving ten years as a board member of the Rocky
Mountain Elk Foundation, eight years as a member of Sturgis Jaycees, eight
years as a BB Gun Safety class instructor, four years an instructor of
Archery Safety Classes and have been an instructor for the NTA for the
past 13 years.
For the past thirteen years
I have been a part of the National Taxidermists Association serving as
Assistant Convention Chairman by helping set up the competition and supply
area. During this time I have had the opportunity to sit in on several
NTA board meetings. I know how the organization is run and have several
ideas for its future. I feel as if I could bring some new ideas to
the association and am not afraid to stand up for what I believe is best
for all taxidermists. I have a strong work ethic and am not afraid
of hard work. We can have some fun while getting the job done and
make the NTA an organization that all taxidermists want to be a part of. |
Board Member:
Walter "Tinker" Johnson
17610 Kohlhoss Road
Poolesville, MD 20837
(302) 349-2413
Email: Tinkerstaxidermy@aol.com
|
Walter "Tinker" Johnson-Board
Member
Convention Fundraising,
Affiliate Network, Hunt & Seminar Donations, Membership
My name is Walter Johnson
but I am better known as Tinker and I operate my studio in Poolesville,
Maryland.
I started learning taxidermy
through correspondence courses from Northwestern in 1969 while growing
up in the hills of Pennsylvania. I continued learning taxidermy for
the next few years mostly by trial and error until with a little luck I
fell under the guidance of a Mr. Frank Wright in Pasadena. Maryland in
1979, where I was made aware of the National Taxidermists Association.
After moving to Maryland
in 1982, I joined the MTA later serving a number of years as a Board Member,
Vice-President, and President. I am currently serving as Sergeant
of Arms. Over the years I’ve attended NTA conventions in Crystal
City, BA; Pittsburgh, PA; Richmond, VA; and most recently Louisville, KY.
I take pride in being able
to help out over the years serving on various committees with our state
association including our legislative action committee where we were able
to have some state laws changed to benefit taxidermists; I’ve hauled backboards
to help set up the NTA show in Richmond; and was able to assist with setting
up displays for the first 3 Congressional Sportsman’s Caucus’ banquets;
and was acting as Vice President for the MTA when we converted our state
show to the Eastern Regional.
Over the years I’ve been
fortunate enough to have taken numerous awards and ribbons including being
certified as Master Taxidermist in our state association. My greatest
accomplishment however, is to have been married to my wife and childhood
sweetheart, Debbie, for over 32 years with 3 sons that have all served
in the military with my youngest still on active duty.
I honestly believe that without
the NTA and MTA, I would not be in business today. |
Board Member:
Joe Kaiser (AR) (870) 935-1371
1802 Warner
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Email:jjkaiser@suddenlink.net
|
Joe Kaiser-Board Member
Competition Judges, Competition
Awards, Major Award Criteria Review, NTA Judges Association, Membership
I own and operate Kaiser’s
Taxidermy in Jonesboro, Arkansas. My wife, Jennifer, and I have been
married for 19 years, and we have a twelve-year old son, Carter.
I started doing taxidermy
full time and opened my shop about fifteen years ago. I am the sole
proprietor of my shop and do all aspects of taxidermy work. I specialize
in waterfowl. I am an NTA Certified Taxidermist, NTA Award of Excellence
recipient, and 2002 National Champion.
I am currently an NTA Certified
Judge and have had the privilege and honor to serve as a judge for many
state, regional and national conventions.
I was president of my state
for 5 years. Prior to serving as president, I was vice-president
for two years, as well as serving as supply chairman. I have served
the past three years on the NTA Board and have worked in many different
areas. It has been a great pleasure to work with such a good group
of people on the NTA Board and I feel we are making great progress toward
moving forward in making the NTA a better organization for all of its members.
It is my hope that if elected in this Board position, that I can continue
to work hard for you, the NTA members, in the upcoming years. |
Board Member:
Jeff Martin
13599 Blackwater Road
Baker, LA 70714
(225) 921-1010
Email: info@second2naturesupply.com
|
Jeff Martin-Board Member
Hunt & Seminar
Donations, Membership
I am 49 years old, and have
been married to my wife, Lana for 20 years. We have 3 children, 2
daughters and a son. I have been involved with the taxidermy industry since
the age of 13, working part-time for 5 years and full-time since graduating
from Central High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana 31 years ago.
For the past 20+ years, I
have shared a professional personal friendship with Al Holmes. I
am a current member of both the National Taxidermists Association and the
National Rifle Association. Having been in the taxidermy field for
so many years, I hope to infuse many new ideas and see the NTA grow.
I truly consider it an honor
to have been nominated for this position. I spend time each year
speaking a area Middle and High Schools during their career day.
By educating young people about how taxidermy supplies are produced.
I hope to instill in them an interest in the industry, as well as promoting
hunting and fishing. Our rights as gun owners are being tested daily.
We need to have a strong NTA to help us keep our rights as American Citizens
to hunt and bear arms. |
Board Member:
Richard Noles
7208 Milam Road
Winston, GA 30187
Email:
rnoles@bellsouth.net
(770) 942-7298
|
Reference Photograph Chairman,
Membership, Convention Support
Richard Noles
My name is Richard Noles
and it is with great honor that I serve as an NTA board of director.
I am married to Betty Noles and this year have celebrated 47 years together
on May 2nd. We have been blessed with 2 daughters, 2 sons-in-law
and 3 beautiful granddaughters. I am an active member of The First
Baptist Church in Douglasville, Georgia. The Lord has blessed my
business and I have never been without work. I mount all North American
wildlife and restore old mounts.
I am the owner of LIFELIKE
TAXIDERMY in Douglasville, GA. I have always been interested in taxidermy.
I have been in taxidermy for 18 years; the last 9 have been full time.
I will continue to do all I can for the best of taxidermy and for taxidermists.
I have been certified by the NTA since 1996. I am also a Lifetime
Member of the NTA. I am certified and a member of the GTA and SCAT.
I appreciate all members
of the NTA and the information they are willing to share to enhance the
talents that God has blessed me with. It is a joy to attend the convention
each year and see my extended family. I enjoy being a part of the
NTA and have had the opportunity to serve as a seminar instructor, sharing
my knowledge of "Pressure Washing, Fleshing and Cleaning."
I will continue to give 100% of myself to help the NTA.
|
Board Member:
Archie Phillips
200 52nd Street
Fairfield, AL 35064
Email:
boonieout@aol.com
(205) 767-6902
|
Membership, Suppliers
Archie Phillips owns and
operates the largest freshwater taxidermy studio in the U.S. Archie
is recognized as an early pioneer in the Hollow-Mount method, which revolutionized
fish mounting in America. He developed the famous Jiffy Quick System,
which standardized mounting procedures. Archie gives seminars all
over the U.S. on techniques, technologies, and business aspects of taxidermy
as well as judging numerous state, regional and national competitions.
Archie is an NTA Life Member
and served as NTA president for 2 terms, vice-president, and board member.
Archie authored a series of books, covering the entire spectrum of taxidermy
specialties. He produces a syndicated television show, "Outdoors
with Archie Phillips." He is a passionate advocate for conservation,
preservation of natural resources and awarded the Governor's Conservation
Award and Environmental Reclamation Service Award.
Archie is a strong supporter
of Second Amendment Rights having been involved in broadcast debates on
our rights to bear arms and to hunt and fish by helping pass the Amendment
to the Alabama Constitution that guarantees the public's right to fish
and hunt. Archie won a victory for hunters when he won in the Alabama
Supreme Court in a unanimous 8-0 ruling stating that baiting in Alabama
cannot be a strict liability case and that before charged, the hunter must
have known, or should have known that the area where he hunted was illegally
baited. You can count on Archie protecting the NTA Charley Haynes
Wildlife Conservation Fund.
Archie is a graduate of Auburn
University with a B.A. degree in Natural Sciences. He is married
with 3 children. Archie's studio, Production Company, and various
other enterprises are all family operated businesses. He credits
much of his success to the support and help of wife, Sharon; sons Bubba
and David; and his late daughter-in-law, Karen.
|
Board Member
Lori Wolk (MO)
2245 Carlton Drive
Festus, MO 63028
(636) 931-2245
Email:Lori.Wolk@aeis.com
|
Membership, Seminars
First, I would like to say
it is a great honor to be considered for a Board Member position with the
NTA.
I have been married to my
husband Steve for almost 21 years and have two daughters, Stacie 18 who
will start college in the fall and Victoria 14 who will be entering high
school. We are very active in our church and are all active in our
church choir. We own and operate a taxidermy business and have for
many years and both our daughters help when the shop gets extremely busy.
Our family is lifetime members
of an organization we truly believe in. As many of you know I have
volunteered at the registration booth, taught Children’s Seminars and assisted
in any area I am needed for several years. I enjoy being a part of
the NTA and look forward each year to the convention because I know I will
be seeing old friends and meeting new lifetime friends. I have come
to love and respect the NTA and what it stands for and will consider it
an honor to have the opportunity to serve on the board and will make every
effort to bring my professionalism and integrity to the NTA.
It is a great organization
that my family has been members of for many years and something we believe
in to help protect the rights of taxidermists.
Board Member
Lori Wolk (MO) (636) 931-2245
2245 Carlton Drive
Festus, MO 63028
Email:Lori.Wolk@aeis.com
|
Terms Expiring in 2012
Board Member
Michelle Burkholder (PA)
(724) 455-2225
196 Tabey Road
Mill Run, PA 15464
Email: laurelmt@lhtot.com
|
Convention Support, Member
Discount Coupons, Membership
I consider it a great honor
and I am truly humbled that I am even being considered for the job. I hope,
if elected, I can fulfill the job to the full expectations of the NTA and
its members and be an asset to the association.
I live in Mill Run Pennsylvania,
a very small rural town 60 miles South East of Pittsburgh in the Laurel
Ridges. I live there with my husband Rick and our 2 sons, Joe 20 and Nick
15. Rick and I have lived in Mill Run most of our lives.
I have been doing taxidermy
since 1993 and been a fully permitted and or licensed taxidermist in the
state of Pennsylvania since 1995. I've also had my federal taxidermy license
since 1995. I have been a lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Taxidermy
Association since 2000 and have been competing since 2005. I also am a
life member of the West Virginia Taxidermy Association where I have served
on the board of directors for the past 2 years. I am also a current member
of the Maryland Taxidermy Association, the Virginia Taxidermy Association,
and the National Taxidermists Association, where I have become a life member.
|
Other Committee Assignments:
Past President of the
NTA:
Bill Haynes
1602 Minix Rd
Sharpsburg, GA 30277
taxi75@bellsouth.net
(828)
524-6789
|
Ethics and Web Site,
Sponsors & NTA Official Endorsements |
Assistant Competition Operations
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