Skip to main content
Go to search page

ABOUT FWP MENU

A man and two children hiking in a green Montana forest.

State Parks and Recreation Board Members

District 1: Northwest

Jody Loomis - Helena

Email
406-459-8114

Jody Loomis is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast with multiple, yearlong, recreation interests. He currently serves on the State Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Committee. Over the last seven years in this position, he has worked with many multiple use organizations and land managers to improve recreation on Montana's public lands.

Jody owns and operates a manufacturing business in Helena.

Jody Loomis Montana Parks & Recreation Board District 1

District 2: Southwest

Russ Kipp - Polaris (Board Chairman)

Email
406-925-1153

I am a 6th generation Montanan.  I was fortunate to be raised by parents that always had time to take my brothers and I camping, fishing and hunting every chance they could.  My love for Montana compelled me to become an outfitter.  I have been a licensed Montana Outfitter for the past 44 years.  My company name is Montana High Country Tours, Inc.  We offered year around Montana adventures including guided fishing, horseback day rides and overnight trips, hunting, snowmobile trips, snowmobile rentals and lodging.  Over the years Montana High Country Tours, Inc. has held Beaverhead and Big Hole River permits, Smith River permits, Bear Trap Canyon Whitewater permits, Beaverhead National Forest permits, BLM permits and DNRC permits.  I believe my love for the Montana outdoors and my personal and business history will help me to serve Montana on the Board of Parks and Recreation. 

Russ Kipp (Chair) Montana Parks & Recreation Board District 2

District 3: North Central

Liz Whiting - Great Falls

FWParksDistrict3@gmail.com
406-202-0067

Liz Whiting has called Montana home for more than 25 years. While living in different parts of the state, she has always appreciated the beautiful scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities. Some of her favorite activities are hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, and any water sport. She graduated from Lander Valley High School in Wyoming and has a master's degree from Purdue Global University. 

Liz served two terms as a state legislator, was a division administrator for the Department of Justice, and is currently the Director of the Women's and Children's Center for Benefis Health System. She has always been activitely involved in the community, including serving on the Helena Airport Board and volunteering for non-profit organizations. Liz has three adult daughters and two grandchildren. 

Liz Whiting, Great Falls Montana Parks & Recreation Board District 3

District 4: Northeast

VACANT

The District 4 position is currently awaiting an appointment by Governor Gianforte.

Montana Landscape

District 5: Southeast

John Marancik - Laurel

Email
(406) 698-8780

John first settled in Red Lodge, Montana in 1977  and fell in love with this wonderful state.   John was lift operator, professional ski patrol and lift supervisor, as well as lift operator and lift electrician for Pepi Gramshammer on the Beartooth Pass.  He continued a career in the ski business as assistant manager, lift operations manager, mountain manager, ski instructor ( one of Ski Magazines top 100 in 1997) and ski school director.  He spent his summers as owner/operator of an excavating company and park ranger at New Hampshire's Mount Washington State Park.

In 1999, John received an Associate's Degree in Design and Drafting at Montana State University, College of Technology, in Billings and he has been a CAD designer ever since.  John is currently a senior designer of electrical substations; primarily for wind and solar projects.

John is still an avid skier and also enjoys fly fishing, big game hunting, bird hunting, hiking, biking, camping and just being outdoors in Montana.

John Marancik, Laurel, Montana Parks & Recreation Board District 5