Political Leadership
Paul served as a Teton County Commissioner for over 10 years. His fellow state-wide commissioners recognized him as Wyoming Commissioner of the year in 2016 for service to his county and the state of Wyoming.
As County Commissioner:
- Drawing from his 25-years in private sector senior management, Paul encouraged a number of solutions including:
- annual performance Reviews of County Staff,
- a self-insured plan for county employees’ health insurance, and
- helped facilitate a 14% “rightsizing” of Teton County’s operational spending, totaling more than $3.5 million in cost savings in 2010
- Paul worked with his fellow County Commissioners to balance Teton County’s budget each year. He led the effort to reduce the County’s mill levy and property tax calculation for the 2018 budget while protecting the County’s reserve funds
- Paul helped guide the creation of the Jackson/Teton County Housing department which is currently spearheading several public/private housing and affordable rental projects.
- He was appointed and served as the Wyoming County Commissioner representative on a statewide Governor’s Special Districts Taskforce with Wyoming legislators to establish procedures and accountability for one-billion dollars (approx) of annual funding.
- He was a host for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Western Interstate Region Conference. With over 400 elected county officials in attendance, this conference showcased the mutual aid agreements and partnerships with local leaders from National Park Service, National Forest Service, and other state and federal agencies.
Conservation Achievements
No jet boats on the Snake River
In 2014, Paul worked with other elected officials and advocacy groups to restrict motorized watercraft on the Snake River below Grand Teton National Park and before the forest section of the river in the Snake River Canyon. The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission had previously considered allowing motorized watercraft with no horsepower limit during the summer season. Through collaboration and advocacy, the Commission agreed with local elected leaders to restrict motorized watercraft from April 1 through Labor Day weekend. The commission further agreed to a 115-horsepower cap for any motorized watercraft after Labor Day.
Kept Forest Service Office in Jackson
During his time as a Teton County Commissioner, Paul worked with other local elected officials and the Forest Service to keep the offices of the Bridger Teton National Forest in Jackson. Several other communities were vying for a chance to relocate the headquarters. Through negotiations, the town and county kept both the Supervisor’s Office and the Jackson Ranger District Office and established the construction of the current facility on North Cache.
Wildlife Crossings on Highway 89 South
Balancing transportation with wildlife, Paul had an active role in negotiations with the Wyoming Department of Transportation to secure eight wildlife crossings and additional fencing on Highway 89 South.
Past Service
- A 2001 Founder and Board Member of the Jackson Cupboard (our local food bank).
- Over 20 years of Scout Leadership, including six years as the District Chairman for the Jackson District. 2008 recipient of Scouting’s Silver Beaver Award (The Boy Scout’s highest award for adult service)
- Past board member of Teton Youth and Family Services and the Jackson Hole Airservice Improvement Resources, Inc.
- Past President of Ring Lake Ranch (retreat center) in Dubios, Wyoming and helped facilitate a 400-acre winter habitat conservation easement.
- 20-Year member of Rotary Club of Jackson Hole.
- Youth Group leader at St. John’s Episcopal Church
Professional Background
Paul brings a 25-year background of senior management positions including Director of Proprietary Services for OTR Global, General Manager for the largest window manufacturing plant in California, and as the start-up manager for an Australian steel-decking manufacturer in Alaska.