About

The Wyoming Association of Municipalities’ mission is to provide exceptional educational opportunities for WAM Member Communities, and to advocate for the common interests of those same cities and towns at the state and federal level.

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

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Ashley Harpstreith

Executive Director

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

WAM President Matt Murdock

Mayor Matt Murdock of Pinedale

WAM President

WAM Vice President Kim Pexton

Mayor Kim Pexton of Douglas

WAM Vice President

Legislative Leadership Committee Chairman Dr. Mark Rinne

Council Member Dr. Mark Rinne of Cheyenne

WAM Legislative Leadership Committee Chairman

RegionBoard MemberStatusMunicipalityTerm Complete
1Allie LeitzaTownPine Bluffs2027
Dr. Mark RinneCityCheyenne2026
Patrick CollinsAt LargeCheyenne2027
2Chris SchockTownClearmont2027
Shay LundvallCityGillette2026
Kim PextonAt LargeDouglas2026
3Ernie BeckleyTownTen Sleep2027
Kelly TamblynCityCody2026
Tracy GlanzAt LargeWorland2027
4Joel HighsmithTownShoshoni2027
Tim HancockCityRiverton2026
Kyle GamrothAt LargeCasper2026
5Brian AyresTownMountain View2027
Arne JorgensonCityJackson2026
Matt MurdockAt LargePinedale2027
6Ellen FreemanTownHanna2027
Steve SangerCityRawlins2026
Chuck DavisAt LargeSaratoga2026
TitleBoard MemberMuncipalityTerm Complete
PresidentMatt MurdockPinedale2027
Vice PresidentKim PextonDouglas2026
WAMCATPenny RobbinsMountain View2025
WYOCMAStu McRaeSheridan2026
Legislative Leadership Committee ChairDr. Mark Rinne Cheyenne2026
Past PresidentKelly KrakowAlbin

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

Our annual sponsors understand the importance of building strong communities throughout Wyoming. They actively contribute to that mission by supporting WAM’s work and partnering with us across the state.

Affiliate Members

WAM’s list of Affiliate Members spans a broad spectrum of professional organizations and individuals that we regularly collaborate with to tackle shared challenges and explore mutually beneficial opportunities.

Interested in becoming an Affiliate Member or Annual Sponsor?

The team at WAM would be happy to discuss the opportunity with you.