Westervelt Lodge Staff
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STEVEN CARROLL Lodge Manager
Steven’s career with The Westervelt Company began in 1991 (31 years), when he was hired as a wildlife coordinator at Westervelt Lodge. Over 10 subsequent years he logged thousands of hours in the field guiding guests on successful white-tailed deer and turkey hunts, then spent the spring and summer seasons working to improve the quality of wildlife and wildlife habitat on Lodge property. In the fall of 2006 Steven was named as lodge manager. Steven holds the distinction of being the only member of our staff to hold full time roles in all of our forest recreation businesses.
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JEFF OGELSBY Wildlife Coordinator
Jeff joined the Westervelt Lodge team in 2004 (18 years), after serving many years as a part-time hunting guide. As head quail hunting guide his knowledge and expertise have helped grow that exciting part of our business. His farming experience is put to use outside of hunting season, where he helps with the planting and maintenance for our many foodplots and dove fields. Jeff lives in the Coal Fire community and is married with two sons. He likes to spend summer bass fishing in the local waterways.
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JAY STEEN Wildlife Cordinator
A Westervelt Lodge staff member since 1981 (41 years), Jay is an expert wild turkey guide, and a master at working our bird dogs on quail hunts. He is also well known for the massive rib-eye steaks he grills to perfection and serves to guests of Westervelt Lodge. A resident of nearby Carrolton where he lives with his wife, he has three children, Jay can be found outside of hunting season in the local rivers camping and fishing, or playing golf.
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JUSTIN RAKESTRAW Wildlife Coordinator
Justin joined the Westervelt Lodge team in May of 2022. He is a former intern at the Lodge and is a graduate of Mississippi State University’s Forestry/Wildlife Management program . After his internship he helped manage a large hunting ranch in Southwest Texas. He has excellent experience under his belt for guiding a variety of different animal species and customer service. Justin is a native of Blue Springs, MS. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and shooting competitive archery.
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KRISTIE ELLIS Secretary and Outreach Coordinator
Kristie Ellis serves as secretary for the Westervelt’s recreation business division. A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Kristie she has a daughter and enjoys spending time outdoors (especially fishing). Kristie’s energy and organizational skills are valuable assets and contribute greatly to the team approach at Westervelt Lodge.
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KEVIN MCKINSTRY Recreation Director/Certified Wildlife Biologist®
Kevin is the Recreation Director for the Westervelt Company. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources and Conservation from the University of Florida and is a certified wildlife biologist™. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the Georgia Wildlife Federation and serves as Vice President for the Board of Directors for the Alabama Wildlife Federation. In 2017 he was appointed by Governor Kay Ivey to serve on the Alabama Environmental Management Commission.