Alex Gilbert- Chair

Alex was born outside of Memphis, TN and raised in Northwest New Jersey. His earliest connection to the outdoors was through fishing where he spent countless hours fly fishing for trout in the river systems that NJ/NY/PA had to offer. Those early experiences instilled a deep appreciation for healthy waters, accessible public lands, and the responsibility that comes with enjoying them. He began hunting in college, opening the door to a broader understanding of conservation and the role hunters and anglers play in protecting habitat and wildlife. Since then, his career and personal life have taken him across the United States, where he has consistently relied on public lands to pursue deer, upland game, and various freshwater and saltwater fish species. Since relocating to South Carolina, Alex embraced new landscapes and opportunities. He has found a new passion in fly fishing for tailing redfish and has broadened his hunting experiences to include waterfowl and wild turkey, deepening his appreciation for regional traditions and the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by conservationists in the state.

Ross Weiss - AFI Liasion 

Ross was born and raised in eastern North Carolina and relocated to Beaufort, South Carolina for work this past year. He grew up hunting and fishing on North Carolina public lands. From chasing deer to hunting ducks, he values the freedom and opportunity that public lands provide.

After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served four years in Washington, DC. He appreciated the region for its public lands and the hunting and fishing opportunities they offered. When he left the Coast Guard, he still wanted a clear purpose, so he began volunteering with North Carolina Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and later became a lineman. BHA became a launch pad for continued service and a way to help protect the natural resources that make the outdoor life possible. He is grateful for the chance to support others and give back to the public lands that shaped him.

He is joined in this work by his wife and their two Labrador retrievers. He looks forward to supporting policy and access efforts in South Carolina and to helping the military community connect with BHA through the Armed Forces Initiative.