John Neporadny, Treasurer

A founding member of MOC, John began free-lance writing part-time in 1981 when he had his first article published in BASSMASTER Magazine. The University of Missouri School of Journalism graduate left a newspaper editor position in 1983 to devote all of his time to writing about freshwater fishing, especially bass and crappie. Since then, his articles have appeared in several national and regional outdoor publications, including Field & Stream, BASSMASTER, B.A.S.S. Times, In-Fisherman, BASSIN'’, CRAPPIE World, Wired2fish, and Fishin' Magazine.

Ryan Miloshewski, Secretary

Ryan was born in St. Louis and has been fishing since he could first hold a rod. Ryan has always had a passion for the outdoors, which he inherited from his father and grandfather. Ryan graduated with a degree in Biology from Rockhurst University in Kansas City. Ryan was a co-founder of Mahoney Outdoors magazine and has had bylines in The Conservationist, Missouri Game & Fish Magazine, Outdoor Guide Magazine, Conservation Federation Magazine among others.

Ryan also serves on the MOC “Buck” Rogers Scholarship committee.

Nathan “Shags” McLeod, 2027

Nathan “Shags” McLeod grew up in the Pacific Northwest fishing the Columbia River and its tributaries for Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Cutthroat trout and Sturgeon. He’d spend the fall hunting the hills of the Oregon Coast for Blacktail Deer and Roosevelt Elk.

Shags is the co-host of the popular morning radio show "The Morning Shag" on 96.7 KCMQ, based out of Columbia, Mo.

In addition to his radio job, Shags is the co-host of the award-winning Driftwood Outdoors Podcast.

Shags currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Conservation Federation of Missouri, was a co-founder of Conservation Day at the Capitol and was recognized as the 2016 Conservation Federation Outdoor Communicator of the Year. He also is a member of the Lake Taneycomo Hall of Fame.

Lauren Butler, 2029

Lauren Butler is a marketing and communications professional with a background in conservation outreach, outdoor product marketing, and media relations.

She has worked with state agencies on R3 and conservation initiatives and has supported marketing efforts for several outdoor brands. Lauren is passionate about hunting, fishing, and conservation.

She was a four-year member of Drury University’s competitive bass fishing team.

She is also a two-time recipient of the Missouri Outdoor Communicators’ Buck Rogers Memorial Scholarship.

Neima Shahdadi, 2027

Neima Shahdadi is an academic advisor at the University of Missouri Honors College in Columbia, Mo. Originally from Jefferson City, his love for fishing, camping, hiking, floating and exploring Missouri's outdoors developed at an early age.

Neima earned a degree in English from the University of Missouri and enjoys fishing, hiking, cooking, running, watching Cardinals baseball and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Neima also is a freelance writer with bylines in Terrain Magazine and The Conservationist.

Brad Kovach, 2029

Brad Kovach is the publisher of Terrain Magazine and deputy director of River City Outdoors. He founded Terrain in 2014 to help grow outdoor recreation in his hometown of St. Louis. In 2018, he helped launch River City Outdoors, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to supporting, promoting, and advocating for outdoor recreation across the region.

Brad believes everyone should have access to safe, welcoming outdoor experiences — fueling healthier communities, a vibrant culture, and a lasting appreciation for the natural world. He is a writer, editor, publisher, and creative project manager with 25 years of experience across travel and recreation media. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University.

Outside of work, Brad is an avid mountain biker, trail runner, hiker, and paddler.

Brad was named Conservation Federation of Missouri's Conservation Communicator of the Year in 2025.