Founding Board of Directors
-
President
Brandon Clewis, a founding member and President of the Carolina Deer Association, holds a deep passion for helping others and a commitment to preserving outdoor traditions. Raised with a solid work ethic, Brandon's journey has been one of service, leadership, and adventure. He is a first-generation farmer at Restorations Farm and Exotics, LLC in Highfalls, North Carolina, where he raises fallow deer. His commitment to his farm reflects his dedication to restoration and conservation of wildlife, all while working to ensure his sons can enjoy outdoor traditions. Brandon’s career spans over two decades in Emergency Medicine, where he served as a nationally registered paramedic. His experience includes 8 years with SWAT and 5 years in high-threat diplomatic security, which provided him with skills in managing high-stress, cross-cultural situations. Observing a need in our community led to the founding of BioRestorations, LLC (formerly Tarheel Trauma Techs) in 2011, aimed at supporting families through challenging medical emergencies and deaths. His time in emergency services was followed by a call to serve overseas in high-threat diplomatic security, which further shaped his sense of duty and purpose. His leadership in both professional and community settings is evident in his role as a coach and mentor to young men on the baseball field, as well as in his dedication to family and faith. Brandon’s vision for the Carolina Deer Association is to continue expanding its impact and make a meaningful difference in North Carolina’s cervid industry. His ability to balance professional, personal, and community commitments is a testament to his leadership, dedication, and heart for service.
-
Vice President
Jason Watson is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, Master Chief, with 26 years of distinguished active service. Following his military career, he dedicated an additional 12 years to supporting the development and operations of training and exercise programs within the Naval Special Warfare SEAL Teams. Jason’s Naval career took him across the globe, demanding adaptability in high-stakes and hazardous environments during conflicts and critical missions. Master Chief Watson (Ret) completed thirteen military deployments. When not deployed, he served as Lead Instructor across various training departments worldwide, contributing to the readiness of SEAL Teams, Special Boat Units, and the Special Activities Branch. His expertise played a pivotal role in reviewing and updating Standard Operating Procedures and curriculum development, benefiting the entire Naval Special Warfare community. After a successful career in Naval Special Warfare, Jason continued his commitment to service by establishing Kennerson Ranch at Lake Gaston, North Carolina. Kennerson Ranch Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), provides a dedicated retreat for Special Operations Forces and their families, including Gold Star Families and Youths. This all-inclusive facility is designed to foster recuperation, relaxation, and activities that enhance mental and physical well-being. Through Kennerson Ranch, Jason has created a sanctuary that celebrates resilience and strengthens bonds among those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Jason’s development of Kennerson Ranch introduced him to the equestrian lifestyle and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Cervid Program. Today, he raises North American Rocky Mountain Elk on his ranch and is deeply involved in promoting the stewardship and husbandry of cervids in North Carolina. As a member of the Carolina Deer Association, Jason works closely with fellow ranchers to ensure the proper care and management of cervids. His dedication extends to advancing genetic quality, herd health, and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) resistance within the program. By combining day-to-day experience with scientific research, Jason contributes valuable insights to public, community, and governmental discussions, advocating for policies that benefit the Cervid Program now and for future generations. Jason Watson’s unwavering commitment to service—both in and out of uniform—continues to inspire. His efforts reflect a profound dedication to supporting our nation’s heroes and preserving North Carolina’s natural heritage for generations to come.
-
Director of Public Affairs
Joshua Young is the owner of the Young-Outlaw Ranch which is a veteran-owned, 1st generation ranch located in Dudley, North Carolina. As one of the founding members of the Carolina Deer Association, he has continued to show commitment to the growth of the industry taking on the role of Director of Communications/Marketing. He spent time serving in both the Marine Corps and the Army, training all over the world and served in combat deployments in Afghanistan, Jordan and Syria with the Military Occupation Specialties of Crash, Fire, Rescue and Light Infantry. Upon honorably leaving the military service, he continued on as a federal civilian firefighter on Marine Corps Air Base Cherry Point. Following these significant life adjustments, Joshua started a ranch in the pursuit of a purpose and found peace in the chaos. In just 3 years, the ranch has tripled in size, raising registered Texas Longhorns, producing USDA inspected beef and pork and shipping across the country, and dedicated a significant investment into the furtherment of education in the industry. In 2024, he shifted focus to include education of others by bringing on university students, Ag summer camps, Boy Scout groups, and veteran groups to hopefully inspire the next generation. Community service is a pillar of character for Josh as he is heavily involved in several organizations such as NC Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Rancher, Veteran Farmers Coalition, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Assistant Chief at the Indian Springs Volunteer Fire Department, just to name a few. Taking a leap of calculated faith, he has left the federal fire service and committed to ranching full time. The Young-Outlaw Ranch is on track to become the first USDA inspected venison production ranches in the Carolinas. His dream has detoured slightly as he has embraced the role of developing and managing the Carolina Deer Association’s communication platforms, marketing, product development, education, event involvement and much more. Embodying his motto “Embrace the Chaos and Wreak Havoc”, the high stress experience with the military and the desire for servitude to the public has uniquely placed him in the position to thrive with building the cervid industry in North Carolina thus helping create more young ranchers and farmers, slowing the loss of farmland in NC, building the already booming agritourism and educational elements, and soon feeding the people with healthy quality venison products sourced locally.
-
Treasurer
With 18 years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist, Grace Clewis has built a career founded on care, precision, and a deep passion for service. In 2017, she transitioned from full-time clinical work to help manage her husband’s business and care for their homestead while he worked overseas. Over the past four years, she has continued working casual part-time in the dental field, while also dedicating herself to their fallow deer farm, Restorations Farm & Exotics, where she works alongside her husband and two sons. Grace’s attention to detail, organizational skills, and passion for restoration extend far beyond the dental office. Whether rebuilding homes and furniture with her husband, managing the farm, or homeschooling her sons, she thrives in environments that require hard work, dedication, and a commitment to growth. With a heart for service, she continually seeks opportunities to nurture and support both her family and community.
-
Director of Finance and Sponsorships
Tim Bridgers is the owner of Boot Swamp Ranch, a 325-acre property specializing in fallow deer breeding and pine forest management, and a Managing Director of Preneed for Global Atlantic Financial Group. Tim has prior experience as the Senior Vice President of the Property Management and funeral home Lending at Live Oak Bank. As a former business owner, Tim understands the challenges that business owners face. Combined with his extensive experience in financing, Tim’s team provided over $760 million in loans nationwide to owners of small businesses. He recently served as a Trustee for the Selected Educational Trust board, on the advisory board of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, and has served on the fund development committee for the Funeral Service Foundation. Tim studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Business at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and completed his Finance degree at Liberty University. Tim completed his MBA at UNC Chapel Hill with a concentration in leadership and finance. Tim is a first-generation rancher and has a passion for the Lord, his family, the outdoors, and healthy wildlife.
-
Secretary
Tina Moore is a lifelong educator and dedicated agricultural enthusiast with deep roots in both teaching and farming. She spent 31 years as an elementary school teacher, during which she held numerous leadership positions and made a lasting impact on her students and colleagues. Her passion for farming began in middle school and grew through her active involvement in the FFA during high school. Throughout her life, Tina has remained an integral part of her family’s farming operations, balancing her love for education with hands-on agricultural experience. Today, Tina plays a vital role in Southern Raised Whitetails, the whitetail deer farm she and her husband operate in Nash County, North Carolina. She is especially passionate about fawning season, dedicating herself to the care and well-being of each newborn fawn. Looking ahead, she is eager to contribute to the growth of North Carolina’s deer industry, promoting responsible farming practices and advancing the field of whitetail deer management.
-
Director of NC Regional Development
Phillip Briley is a lifelong tradesman with a deep-rooted expertise in electrical motor controls, generator repair, and pump rebuilding. Over the years, he has expanded his skill set to include the development and maintenance of municipal water and wastewater equipment, ensuring critical infrastructure operates efficiently and reliably. His commitment to service excellence is exemplified through his leadership in providing 24-hour emergency response crews, dedicated to maintaining an uninterrupted flow of water and wastewater for consumers. Beyond his professional work, Phillip has a strong passion for agriculture, particularly in the areas of deer management, cattle, and hay production. As the owner of Rock Bottom Whitetails, he is dedicated to breeding and managing high-quality whitetail deer, with a vision for growing and advancing the deer industry in North Carolina. His commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and wildlife conservation reflects his deep respect for the land and its resources. At the heart of everything Phillip does is a foundation of strong family values. He believes in hard work, integrity, and the importance of passing down knowledge and traditions to future generations. Whether in his profession or on the farm, he strives to create a legacy built on dedication, service, and a deep appreciation for both people and the land. With a unique blend of technical expertise, agricultural knowledge, and a steadfast commitment to family and community, Phillip continues to make a lasting impact in both his industry and his home state.
-
Director of North American Development
Nash Murray is the Co-Owner of NT Ranch and NT Exotics, one of the largest Whitetail and exotic breeding operations in the United States. He serves as a Region 8 Director on the Texas Deer Association (TDA) Board of Directors and as the Registry Committee Chairman for the Exotic Wildlife Association (EWA). With a commitment to advancing superior genetics and responsible breeding practices, Nash and NT Ranch manage over 3,000 animals and collaborate with industry leaders like Venado Sires to enhance deer and exotic breeding programs. In addition to his operations in Texas, Nash also co-owns a fallow deer breeding program in Highfalls, North Carolina. His leadership continues to shape the future of the industry and conservation efforts.