Lake Superior Chapter Board of Directors

Lake Superior Chapter Officers and Board of Directors

Scott Olson: Chapter President

Scott Olson is honored to serve as the President of the Lake Superior Chapter of SCI. Prior to serving as President, Scott served as Treasurer, Secretary and as a Board Member of the chapter. Scott looks forward to sharing the SCI message and mission with all members of the Chapter.

Scott is a life-long hunter and outdoorsman. He traces his interest in hunting back to the family deer camp in East Central MN, attending since his infancy. Reading stories in Outdoor Life, Field and Stream and other magazines as a youngster created a desire for hunting adventures, locally and world-wide. Scott enjoys sharing these adventures with friends and also his wife, Lisa Gingerich-Olson, a new hunter, but already quite an accomplished hunter in her own right.

Lisa Gingerich – Olson: Treasurer

Lisa is the Chicago Branch Manager for Coppersmith Global Logistics/huntingtrophy.com. She did not grow up in a hunting family but has learned the importance of Conservation and hunting’s contribution to that through her work. She has traveled extensively attending SCI Chapter fundraisers across the country representing Coppersmith for over 15 years. This is where she met her husband Scott Olson. In their time together, Lisa took her first bear in Idaho with Mike Popp’s Nature Adventures and her first trip to South Africa, hunting with Africa Maximum Safaris for their honeymoon where she took 7 animals.
Lisa is very proud to be a part of the tremendous growth of women hunters in the world of hunting and to support other women starting later in life as she did. Having the tremendous opportunity of traveling the country meeting and learning from so many people involved in preserving our right to hunt is an absolute privilege! She is grateful to be part of such a well respected group as the Lake Superior Chapter of SCI to continue their mission to preserve Conservation and to support others doing the same.

Jennifer Piasecki-Dums: Secretary

Growing up in the UP of Michigan and now living in Northern Wisconsin, Jennifer is blessed to have always been surrounded by the Outdoor lifestyle. Jennifer enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening, foraging, canning/preserving, hiking, running, bird watching, raising chickens and much more! She is the Secretary for the Lake Superior Chapter of SCI, the Wisconsin and Minnesota State Coordinator and Scheels Representative for Prois Hunting Apparel, one of the founding members of the women’s only Pheasants Forever Chapter in Minnesota (Legendary Longtails), and a brand ambassador for many outdoor companies. She has a passion for protecting hunter’s rights and a huge devotion to introducing and encouraging women to be comfortable in the outdoors. She is also a Steering Committee member for the Minnesota DNR Becoming Outdoor Women organization. She is also excited to take on the new ownership role as CEO of Provider Outdoors!

Brooke Johnson: Board Member

I have been supporting and active in our Lake Superior Chapter for over 20 years! I am a non-hunter but married into the hunting world to Burl Johnson (past Chapter President) back in 2001. Our honeymoon, get aways and family vacations with our now 19-year-old son, Cash, have always consisted of a hunting trip! I love spending time outdoors with my family and witnessing their passion of hunting while crating great memories together.

My favorite event of our Chapter is our annual banquet in April. It’s amazing what all comes together so we can support SCI’s mission to protect the freedom to hunt and promote wildlife conservation.

Cindy Schabert: Board Member

Cindy has always lived in Minnesota, but enjoys traveling. Hunting has given her the opportunity to see and be a part of so many beautiful places. When at home she loves spending time with her family, especially her four Grandchildren. She is a retired Nurse Practitioner and now as a Master Gardener she enjoys gardening at home and in the community.

Tanner Anderson: Board Member

As an avid outdoorsman, I seek the thrill of the hunt and the adventure it brings. Hunting is not just a hobby, it’s a passion that runs deep in my veins. As a veteran, I understand the importance of preserving our heritage and passing it down to future generations.

Paul Vollmar, MD: Board Member

Paul was born and raised in Minnesota and is a passionate hunter and outdoorsman. He loves to hunt Unusual animals in unusual places, he has hunted 6 of the 7 continents, and is committed to protecting the hunting lifestyle and our rights to hunt all over the world.

Jenni Vitek: Board Member

I have always enjoyed being active in the outdoors! My enjoyment of hunting and a new understanding of conservation really began when I married my husband, Chris Vitek.

I’ve enjoyed our hunting land in Northern Minnesota, pheasant hunting, hog and ram hunting in Texas, and two amazing trips to South Africa.

By being a part of Lake Superior Chapter of Safari Club International I will be encouraging women and youth to get involved in hunting, conservation, and the outdoors.

Troy Braiedy: Board Member

Troy is a lifelong hunter, horseman and fisherman. He has a passion for the outdoors and believes in the message of Safari Club and supporting it’s mission.

Stephanie Hilton: Board Member

Stephanie is a busy wife, mom and step mom of 5. She lives next to Lake Superior with her family in Washburn,  WI.  She grew up hunting and fishing with her dad; from coon hunting at night,  bear hunting with hounds all summer and fall, deer hunting, turkey hunting and fishing. She fulfilled her dream hunt in 2021 by harvesting a 55 1/2″ Moose in Alaska on a non-guided adventure.  Stephanie has been a board member of the  Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association for 19 years and a SCI board member for 6 years. She has been part of many legislative bills passed in Madison related to hunting and outdoor opportunities and keeps involved with politics and upcoming legislation. She is a strong advocate for getting and keeping youth involved in the outdoors and hunting.  When she is not hunting or fishing, she is probably at a sporting event for one of the kids.  They keep her busy with football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, dance, softball and baseball.

Ed Schabert: Board Member

Ed has been hunting for 58+years and has served as the past secretary for the Wild Sheep Foundation. He is the owner of a commercial and industrial fire protection company.

Chandler Nauman-Board Member

Growing up in Minnesota, I lived and breathed hockey from a young age. It wasn’t until High School that my Uncle gifted me his old bow and a shotgun and took me to Wyoming for a Spring Turkey Hunt. As I entered into College, Hockey became more of a past time and hunting became the area of my focus. Neither of my parents hunted, so I quickly learned how difficult it is to be successful in the woods. Many lessons were learned on how not to harvest a deer or a duck. Luckily, I was hired at the local game farm near my college to set birds for clients. I quickly moved into a Guide position and found a new love in helping others be successful in the field. These days I spend my time chasing Antelope, Whitetail, Mule Deer, Turkeys, Pheasants, Ducks and Geese all across North America with Family and Friends.
Being on the Board of SCI is very important to me because it allows me to take direct action in preserving our Hunting Lands and Rights.

Gordy Vitek-Board Member

Growing up I was blessed to be a part of a family that has a strong passion for the outdoor lifestyle. I had grandparents who took me camping all over; from the Alaska coast to the Florida Everglades. 

I learned life long hunting tips and tricks from my dad and his friends, friends that are more like uncles than hunting buddies. 

As an adult I have been blessed to be able to hunt and fish across this great country with friends and family making unforgettable memories along the way. 

I look forward to being a part of this Lake Superior chapter. I am honored to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for hunting, education, and conservation.

Zac Parfitt-Board Member

I am an avid outdoorsman with a lifelong passion for hunting and wildlife conservation. Growing up alongside my father and grandfather, I have learned not only the skills of the hunt but the values of respect and stewardship for the natural world. Under the guidance of my grandfather, I developed a deep appreciation for wildlife and the importance of preserving these traditions for future generations.

As an experienced hunter and outdoors enthusiast, I am committed to teaching others about the outdoors, passing down the knowledge and respect I was taught as a child. I believe in the responsibility of each generation to nurture and protect the environment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same experiences I had growing up.

In addition to my personal pursuits, I am passionate about supporting sustainable hunting practices and educating others on conservation efforts. My goal is to continue the legacy of my family while contributing to the greater effort of preserving wildlife for years to come.

Darren Dums: Board Member

Born and raised in the U.P. of Michigan, Darren grew up in a family that embraced life outdoors hunting, fishing and gardening. He is passionate about protecting our rights to enjoy the outdoors sustainably and getting more people involved to keep our outdoor traditions alive.

Burl Johnson: Banquet Chair

Conservation and this chapter have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember! My father and mother are avid hunters and really instilled the passion I have for it from a young age. Some of my best memories are hunting with my family. I enjoyed serving as President for this chapter and am excited for my new adventure as Banquet Chair. I’m sure everyone will agree, I sure know how to throw a party!

Jay Link: Board Member

Jay has been hunting locally and internationally since childhood. His passion for the outdoors has taken him to all corners of the Earth on hunting and fishing adventures. He has been fortunate to have been nominated for over 400 trophies in the record books and received the SCI World Hunting Award Ring. He is proud to say he is a Hunter Legacy 100 Member, life member of Safari Club International, National Rifle Association, OVIS/Grand Slam, Wild Sheep Foundation, Wisconsin Bear Hunters, Boone & Crocket, Ducks Unlimited, National Trappers, Whitetails Unlimited, AOPHA, Seaplane Pilots, International Professional Hunters Association and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. In 2017 he was awarded the Prestigious Pantheon Award, presented by both the Grand Slam Club/Ovis and Safari Club International, is extremely difficult to accomplish, taking most recipients a lifetime to meet all the requirements before being inducted. Jay Link was the eleventh individual, of which he is the youngest recipient of this prestigious award. An individual must have a Grand Slam of North American Wild Sheep; a Capra World Slam Super 30 of the world’s wild goats; an Ovis World Slam Super 30 of the world’s mountain sheep; and the Super Slam of 29 North American Big Game. They must also obtain the SCI’s top objective award, which is the World Conservation and Hunting Award.

As the past President/CEO of Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, International, Jay has a keen eye for business. This global American snack company is now the largest meat snack business in the world. Jay’s affinity for business did not end after his role as President of Jack Link’s Beef Jerky; the owner of many successful businesses in Northern Wisconsin, Jay has made himself known in the business world – from a World Class Golf Course, to Resorts and Hotels and multiple A & W Franchises and a successful cattle business – in addition to Link’s Wild Safaris, Jay manages each business with the same business philosophy – “Lean, low overhead and fast, efficient and effective service.”

A father of four children, two beautiful daughters and two spirted young boys, family is important to Jay. Each of his children have had the opportunity to travel with and hunt with Jay. Each of them nearly as passionate about hunting and conservation as Jay. The old saying, a family that hunts together, stays together has never been more true when it comes to the values that Jay has instilled in his family. Jay will tell you that some of his most memorable hunting trips have been those hunting trips with his children where their success in the field was more important than any trophy he may harvest.

Jay was the founder of the Lake Superior Chapter of Safari Club International, in Minong, Wisconsin – one of the largest chapters in the world. Jay is committed to conservation efforts locally, nationally and internationally – having first-hand knowledge the important role that hunters play in sustainable wild life management. Serving on the Executive Committee of Safari Club International, the Board of the Weatherby Foundation, amongst numerous other conservation organizations, locally, nationally and internationally, Jay speaks from knowledge and experience and his impacts on these committees have helped to shape these organizations today. Jay As a life member of the National Rifle Association, Jay is passionate about the 2nd Amendment and the important role we as hunters play in the arena. His enthusiasm for this protection will move any audience.

Working in conjunction with the Hunt of a Lifetime Organization, Jay gives back frequently, including his annual disabled youth bear hunts, where youth who otherwise would not have the opportunity to harvest a black bear come to Minong, Wisconsin, and are hosted by Jay and his dedicated team who work tirelessly to help this young hunter harvest a Wisconsin Black Bear. Jay understands that our youth are the future and mentors’ young hunters as frequently as possible.

Jay is the owner of Link’s Wild Safaris, a leader in the International hunting and fishing consulting field. Providing a “boots-on-the-ground” approach to outfitter evaluations – experience needed to ensure that clients are going to the finest hunting and fishing adventures available today.

Jay can say he has hunted the world and is passionate about sharing his experiences with others. Whether high in the mountains of Mongolia, Canada, Alaska, or the cold fringes of Arctic, Russia, Iceland or Sunny Baja Mexico, New Zealand or Europe, or the unforgiving heat of Benin, Tanzania, Uganda or Ethiopia (to name just a few) Jay has literally been all over the world and has a story to share about every adventure.

Chris Vitek: Board Member

Growing up and living in Minnesota my whole life I developed a passion for hunting at a young age and am happy that I still have that passion today. Whether it is trapping and developing our hunting land in northern Minnesota or hunting my lease in western Texas, hunting is who I am.

I joined SCI after many years of hunting and I decided that it was time to give back and encourage young hunters and to protect our hunting heritage.

Cory Bouchard: Board Member

Cory is a life member of SCI and enjoys hunting and traveling with his family.

Dave Jaeger: Board Member

Dave is a retired businessman who enjoys spending his time with like minded men and women sin sharing the SCI message. He is an avid outdoorsman with a long history hunting both the US and South Africa and fishing in Mexico. He also provides great entertainment!

John “Buck” Schmit: Board Member

Terry Pittman: Board member