Meet the 2025 Executive Board of the Wyoming Historical Society

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Beki Speas

President

“We, the Executive Board, are committed to listening to and engaging with all stakeholders of Wyoming History and our members.  your voices are invaluable in shaping the future of our Society, and we encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts and ideas with us.

Together, we can build a strong, more vibrant community that honors and preserves our rich history for generations to come.”

Beki has been a member of the Wyoming Historical Society since 2006 and has a passion for genealogy and Wyoming and Montana History. She served as a board member for the Museum at the Big Horns in Sheridan from 2020-2023 and is a 2018 Leadership Sheridan County Graduate. She is a past member of the East Yellowstone Chapter Trout Unlimited, past Team Leader for Wyoming March of Dimes, past Media Volunteer for National High School Rodeo, past Sunday School Teacher and Youth Volunteer for Trinity Lutheran Church in Cody, and past Parent Advisory Committee member at the Big Horn HS in Big Horn, WY.

Serving first term, eligible for re-election in 2028.

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Katie Phillips

Vice President

Katie has worked in the Development Department at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West for the past year doing donor relations and special events. Although a Texas native, she has loved Wyoming and its history since childhood and now gets to appreciate it from Cody. With other work in the environmental field and wedding industry, Katie is excited to share her love of Wyoming's history with others.

Serving first term, eligible for re-election in 2026.

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Scott Trabing

Treasurer & Southeast Representative

“I’m honored to run as a board member to help advance the WHS. A lifelong history buff, I especially enjoy Wyoming’s rich past and look forward to supporting the Society’s continued progress.”

US AF Captain Scott Trabing is a Wyomingite. After graduating from Hot Springs County High School, he attended and graduated from the United States Air Force Academy.
Trabing then served eight years as an Air Force pilot before beginning a 32-year career with Northwest/Delta Airlines as a commercial pilot.
Now retired, Scott and his wife Cathy raised their four
children in Buffalo and are proud grandparents of five. They currently reside in Cheyenne, where they remain closely connected to their Wyoming roots.
Scott has a deep appreciation for the state’s history and is excited to serve on the board of the Wyoming Historical Society. He looks forward to helping
secure the Society’s future while supporting its continued success in fulfilling its mission.

Serving first term, eligible for re-election in 2029.

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Nancy Tabb

Secretary

Nancy Tabb is local history archivist at the Johnson County Library in Buffalo, Wyoming and President of the Johnson County Historical Society. Storytelling about the people of Johnson County during her history talks led naturally to writing about them. Nancy is passionate about sharing Wyoming’s rich history, especially personal stories.  She exemplifies this through her collaborative efforts with compiling Johnson County’s oral histories through several volumes. She and her husband, Dozier, are thankful they had the opportunity to raise their now-grown children in Wyoming.

Serving first term, eligible for re-election in 2027.

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Dean King

Northwest Representative

“I have a passion in preserving and promoting Wyoming's historical heritage. Through my years of research, interviews, and production of historical documentaries, I possess skills that could help forward the Wyoming Historical Society's mission of encouraging the study of Wyoming's history.”

Dean recently retired from the Interim Director position at the Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center and previously served as a member of its board.  He is a member of the Hot Springs County and Wyoming Historical Societies.  He has been a Wyoming PBS editor, videographer and historical documentary producer for over 20 years.  He produced a series of mini-documentaries interviewing WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans, and is the producer and co-host of the Pioneers of Outlaw Country podcast.

Serving first term, eligible for re-election in 2028.

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Greg Luhman

Northeast Representative

Greg Luhman is a proud member the Wyoming Historical Society and sits on the Museum of the Big Horns Board.  He also serves on the Sheridan City Council as well as a member of the current Wyoming Academy cohort, owner of Sheridan Fire Equipment and service professionals, and former Sheridan Fire-Rescue firefighter.  Greg is a long-time proponent of arts, culture, and history for Wyoming.

Serving first term, eligible for re-election in 2028.

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Zane Fross

Southwest Representative

"Wyoming's history isn't just about dusty old buildings; it's the living story of who we are. Understanding our past, the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us, is how we build a stronger future for this state we all love."
 

Zane Fross is a lifelong Wyoming resident with deep roots in the state, having dedicated 26 years as a ranch hand and 22 years as a contractor. 
Since December 1998, he has served as the devoted overseer and caretaker of the historic J.B. Okie Mansion, residing in the home since April 2009. Fross is passionately committed to preserving Wyoming's heritage, as evidenced by his ongoing mission to restore the 122-year-old mansion.  He also actively shares the mansion's rich history and stories, offering tours and highlighting the achievements of its original owner, J.B. Okie. His extensive experience and dedication to local history make him an asses to the WHS Executive Board.

Serving first term, eligible for re-election in 2027.

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Ben Ridgley

Tribal Representative

“It is vital that people never forget.  It is very encouraging to see Native history and culture getting wider acknowledgment.  I am be thrilled to serve on the Wyoming Historical Society’s Board.”
 

Ben Ridgley is a Northern Arapaho elder, former director of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office, a
counselor, and a  federal tribal consultant.
An expert on the Sand Creek Massacre, Ridgely is the tribal expert and representative on the tragedy and is also a direct descendant of one of the survivors. 
Ridgely was instrumental in getting the trail signage along the historic route and modern highways in the early 2000’s and the national historic site near Eads, Colorado expanded in 2022.
He attended the University of Wyoming and credits Dr. Phil Roberts for encouraging his passion for history.

Serving first term, eligible for re-election in 2029.