Floyd "Bud" Smith

Bud is an Attorney by profession, a judge by appointment and a community leader by desire. He is the Elk Research Institute’s legal counsel and has more than 25 years of experience providing legal services throughout southwest Colorado. Bud has been a municipal judge for 15 years. He has a B.S. degree from Cornell University, and graduated from Denver University School of Law in 1977. Bud is a member of several professional and civic organizations, frequently advises local government officials on issues affecting local government, and is a frequent public speaker on civic issues.

Dick Emmett

Dick has practiced law, specializing in conservation easements and real estate, since receiving his J.D. from Washburn University of Topeka, Kansas. Prior to law school, Dick received his masters and doctorate degrees from the University of Northern Colorado, and his bachelor’s from the University of Colorado. Dick was a consultant for the Center for Disease Control in Texas, studying Western Equine Encephalitis. He also participated in a study of brucellosis in a Wyoming bison herd. Dick also owned and operated a successful outfitting and guiding business in the Durango area. Dick serves on the board of directors of a number of organizations including: Colorado 4-H Horse Council, Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Durango Regional Horse Coalition..

Jim Tschetter

Jim's western, wildlife and sporting art paintings are internationally recognized. One of Jim's paintings won the $50,000 grand prize in the "Arts for the Parks" competition in 2001. Twice he has been the artist for the quarter, for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. His paintings and articles have been published in Bugle Magazine, Outdoor Life, and Hunting Illustrated. Jim has been featured in many publications and invited to exhibit in many art shows. In addition to his art, Jim is a professional hunting guide. He is a member and officer of many conservation organizations.

Sidny K. Zink, CPA

An owner of FredrickZinkElliott, Sidny leads the firm’s audit practice, and is their Vice President of Marketing. A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Sid has been a practicing CPA since 1978. Prior to joining FredrickZinkElliott in 1991, she was a senior audit manager in the Denver office of a national public accounting firm. She has a broad industry background with a strong emphasis on the not-for-profit segment. Sid serves on the First National Bank's board of directors and is a member of the Durango City Council.

Sid is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountant, serving on the Board of Directors. A long-time member of Toastmasters, she is an active member of her community.