Building Stronger Communities
WAM proudly serves all 99 incorporated municipalities across Wyoming, ranging from small towns to bustling cities. Our members include local government officials, career muncipal staff, community leaders, and partners committed to the betterment of Wyoming’s communities.
WAM provides a range of services tailored to Wyoming’s municipal leaders, including legislative tracking, events and training sessions, and exclusive resources for members. We advocate at the state and federal levels, ensuring that Wyoming’s municipalities have a strong voice in decisions affecting their communities.
Transparency
We believe in open and honest communication.
Collaboration
Working together to achieve shared goals.
Empowerment
Equipping local leaders with the knowledge and tools to succeed.
Our Staff
Ashley Harpstreith is the Executive Director for the Wyoming Association of Municipalities (WAM) which serves all of Wyoming’s 99 municipalities. As a 501c4 private, nonprofit association, WAM plays a pivotal role in providing vital educational resources that enhance the capabilities of local leaders. With a mission centered on advocating for the collective interests of cities and towns, WAM tirelessly promotes policies that prioritize local decision-making, ensuring that the voices of the 68% of citizens who reside within these communities are heard and respected. Through its efforts, WAM not only fosters a spirit of collaboration among municipalities but also inspires a brighter, more engaged future for all residents and businesses in Wyoming.
Prior to joining WAM, Harpstreith was the Executive Director for Wyoming Taxpayers Association where she advocated for sound tax policy for a healthy Wyoming economy. Harpstreith has additional experience in business and economic development as the former CEO of Goshen County Economic Development Corporation (GCEDC) where she managed a county-wide economic development effort which included the Goshen County Chamber of Commerce, Goshen County Tourism Promotions, Visitor’s Center, and Main Street programming. At the time, Goshen County was the only county utilizing an economic development sales tax which Ashley passed for the 5th time in 2018 by 72% margin.
Harpstreith holds her B.S in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from the University of Wyoming and is a graduate of Leadership Wyoming. Currently, she serves on several boards including the Wyoming Capitol Club, Wyoming Society for Association Executives and University of Wyoming College of Business Advisory Board. Ashley resides in Cheyenne with her husband, Grant and two children, Price and Adelyn. When not traveling for high school sports, they all enjoy snowmobiling, ATVing, golfing, fishing, and all things “ing” Wyoming has to offer.
Justin Schilling
Deputy Director
Justin delivers a steady stream of information to WAM members and partners through emails, in person visits, the monthly WORD from WAM e-newsletter, and videos like the “This Week at the Capitol” series. He plans and manages WAM events and trainings, and assists in WAM’s legislative advocacy efforts as well.
Justin graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2016 with a B.A. in Journalism.
Earla Checchi
Administrative Director
Earla manages financial operations and human resources at WAM. As WAM’s Administrative Director, she oversees finances for WAM, WAM-JPIC, and other partnership programs. Additionally, she manages all human resource functions to ensure WAM is compliant with state and federal rules.
Bob McLaurin
Legislative Director
Bob is a long-time resident of Jackson. Born and raised in North Carolina, he moved to Wyoming in 1979 and settled in Jackson in 1985.
Bob worked for the Town of Jackson, serving in the roles of Town Planner, Assistant Town Manager and Town Manager. He also served as the Town Manager of Vail, Colorado from 1994-2003, before returning to Jackson to resume his duties as the Jackson Town Manager for a second time.
Bob is active in community affairs serving on numerous boards. He sits on the Jackson Hole Airport Board and is a member of the Jackson Hole Historical Board, the Wyoming Community Foundation and the Jackson Hole Rotary Club. Most recently he joined the Board of Lower Valley Energy.
Dawson Kluesner
External Affairs Director
Dawson joined WAM in September of 2025 where he leads stakeholder engagement, supports advocacy efforts, and manages communications. Drawing on his experience as an economist and policy analyst, he brings a deep understanding of Wyoming’s economy, policy, and tax structure.
Dawson is a triple alumnus of the University of Wyoming, earning bachelor’s degrees in business economics and marketing in 2023, and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in energy business in 2024.
Our Leadship

Mayor Matt Murdock of Pinedale
WAM President
Mayor Kim Pexton of Douglas
WAM Vice President
Council Member Dr. Mark Rinne of Cheyenne
WAM Legislative Leadership Committee Chairman
| Region | Board Member | Status | Municipality | Term Complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allie Leitza | Town | Pine Bluffs | 2027 |
| Dr. Mark Rinne | City | Cheyenne | 2026 | |
| Patrick Collins | At Large | Cheyenne | 2027 | |
| 2 | Chris Schock | Town | Clearmont | 2027 |
| Shay Lundvall | City | Gillette | 2026 | |
| Kim Pexton | At Large | Douglas | 2026 | |
| 3 | Ernie Beckley | Town | Ten Sleep | 2027 |
| Kelly Tamblyn | City | Cody | 2026 | |
| Tracy Glanz | At Large | Worland | 2027 | |
| 4 | Joel Highsmith | Town | Shoshoni | 2027 |
| Tim Hancock | City | Riverton | 2026 | |
| Kyle Gamroth | At Large | Casper | 2026 | |
| 5 | Brian Ayres | Town | Mountain View | 2027 |
| Arne Jorgenson | City | Jackson | 2026 | |
| Matt Murdock | At Large | Pinedale | 2027 | |
| 6 | Ellen Freeman | Town | Hanna | 2027 |
| Steve Sanger | City | Rawlins | 2026 | |
| Chuck Davis | At Large | Saratoga | 2026 |
| Title | Board Member | Muncipality | Term Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| President | Matt Murdock | Pinedale | 2027 |
| Vice President | Kim Pexton | Douglas | 2026 |
| WAMCAT | Penny Robbins | Mountain View | 2025 |
| WYOCMA | Stu McRae | Sheridan | 2026 |
| Legislative Leadership Committee Chair | Dr. Mark Rinne | Cheyenne | 2026 |
| Past President | Kelly Krakow | Albin |


WAM Members
Learn more about the devoted public servants who dedicate their efforts to maintaining and improving Wyoming’s cities and towns.
Sponsors and Affiliate Members
Sponsors
Affiliate Members
Interested in becoming an Affiliate Member or Annual Sponsor?
The team at WAM would be happy to discuss the opportunity with you.
