Jess Peterson

Jess Peterson is a 5th generation rancher from Montana and the founder of Western Skies Strategies (WSS), established in 2007. WSS is a public policy, executive management, and strategic communications firm. Jess and his team staff several national organizations, including the US Cattlemen’s Association, the Society for Range Management, the Big Sky Passenger Rail Association, and the Montana Economic Developers Association. They also assist NGOs, ranchers, land managers, investors, telecommunications, and energy companies navigate the local, state, and federal process.

With extensive experience in executive management, public policy, and strategic communications, Jess has developed and led a diversified team to support various organizations in achieving their strategic goals. His 15 years in Washington DC have solidified his expertise in federal government relations, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, and he maintains meaningful relationships with contacts across the political spectrum, both on and off Capitol Hill.

Jess balances his role at WSS with managing his family’s ranching operations, J2 Bar Land & Livestock, assisted by daughters, 6th generation ranchers Cadence and Chloe. The family operation maintains summer leases in Park and Yellowstone counties, with the haying and wintering headquarters at the ranch near Hysham, MT.

Jess holds degrees from Gonzaga University and Miles Community College. He serves on the Billings Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Producer Partnership Board of Directors, and the Montana Land Reliance Future Montana Committee. Jess is also a recognized leader in the agriculture and natural resources sectors, frequently appearing in national media forums and industry panels. He has delivered over 250 speeches across nearly 30 states and has been featured by CNN, Fox News, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.