Staff
Our Dedicated HSCF Staff
Our dedicated staff is here to assist you with all your needs. Whether you require support, guidance, or information, our team is committed to providing prompt, professional, and friendly service. We are always available to answer your questions, address your concerns, and ensure your experience with us is smooth and enjoyable. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we strive to exceed your expectations at every opportunity.
STAFF MEMBERS
CONTACT INFORMATION
14811 St. Mary’s Lane
Suite 265
Houston, TX 77079
Office: 713.623.8844
Fax: 713.623.8866
Email: info@wehuntwegive.org
JOE BETAR
Executive Director
FULL BIO
In his role as Executive Director, Joe provides leadership and management of all operational units, member relations, programs and external relationships for Houston Safari Club Foundation, Houston Safari Club and the HSC-PAC.
Joe is a leadership, operations and marketing executive with an extensive background in the outdoor and medical technology industries. From 2006 to 2012, he served as Vice President/COO and later as President/CEO, of Texas Trophy Hunters Association. He has also provided services, to various companies in the outdoor sector, as an operations and marketing consultant. From 1996-2006, Joe was with Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (now known as Acelity) where he helped lead the clinical programs, strategic development, sales planning and marketing departments for the global medical technology company.
He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Louisiana-Monroe (formerly Northeast Louisiana University) and is a licensed registered nurse, specializing in cardiology. In addition, Joe has completed Executive Education Programs at the Kellogg School of Management-Northwestern University and Columbia University Graduate School of Business Executive Education.
Joe has been affiliated as a member, liaison, committee member or board member for Texas Outdoor Writers Association, Professional Outdoor Media Association, Southeastern Outdoor Press Association, Safari Club International, National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Rifle Association, Texas Outdoor Partners, Something More Safaris, American Wildlife Conservation Partners, and Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. He has served as a member of the Texas Mule Deer Advisory Committee, the Steering Committee for the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP), the Steering Committee for Wildlife in the 21st Century: Recommendations for U.S. Conservation Principles for Incoming U.S. Presidential Administrations and serves as a Chair of the Federal Lands Hunting, Fishing & Shooting Sports Roundtable.
Joe and his wife Charlotte are both HSCF Life Members. They have 3 sons: Joshua, Zachary and Christopher. Joe grew up wandering the swamps, bayous and forests of northeast Louisiana. He has hunted and fished at home and abroad and has had an undying passion for the outdoors ever since his mother taught him how to fish and shoot his first BB gun.
Joe can be reached at the HSCF office by phone at 713-623-8844 or via e-mail at joe@wehuntwegive.org.
ANGI McCARTHY
Director of Administrative Services
FULL BIO
Born in Fort Worth and raised in Katy, Angi lived in Turkey and Idaho after marrying her husband Bill and settling back home in Katy. Angi brings over 15 years of Office Management and Accounting experience to HSCF. She has an Associate’s Degree in Business Management that she obtained from the University of Phoenix while working full-time.
Before joining the team at Houston Safari Club Foundation, Angi worked within the Houston Commercial Foodservice Industry where she honed her skills as an Office Manager, Service Manager and immersing herself into her true passion; accounting.
In her downtime, she enjoys yoga, baking, and walking her dogs. Her husband, Bill is a Veteran of the Air Force and a Project Manager in the Commercial Foodservice Industry. They have two sons: Garrick (19), a Sophomore Member of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, and Bailey (18), a freshman at Sam Houston State University.
She is passionate about giving back and helping those in need making Houston Safari Club Foundation a natural fit for her.
You may reach her at angela@wehuntwegive.org or 713.623.8492.
CARLA NIELSEN
Marketing & Publications Manager
FULL BIO
Carla is responsible for HSCF’s marketing, publications, PR and merchandise efforts.
Carla is a graduate of Sam Houston State University with a BFA in Advertising/Graphic Design. While there, she worked with the Multicultural Department and Recreational Sports. Her love for the outdoors started when she was young, living in Canada, where she traveled often with her family. She now explores and travels with her two daughters Avery and Reagan.
Giving back to the community has always been something Carla has loved to do. She volunteered with local animal rescues, where she served on the board, organized events, and provided all graphic design material.
You may reach her at carla@wehuntwegive.org.
MELISSA GUERRERO
Manager of Administrative Services
FULL BIO
Melissa is a seasoned management professional with over 20 years of experience in business development, executive administration, and operations across the Oil & Gas, Construction, Legal, and Healthcare industries. She has a strong track record in launching ventures, streamlining systems, and driving efficiency through automation and strategic improvements.
Throughout her career, Melissa has led key initiatives and played a central role in launching businesses in healthcare and hospitality. Her focus on innovation and efficiency has delivered measurable results, including cost savings and scalable systems.
She studied Business Management at Dallas Community College and holds certifications in ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001:2022, API Q1 and Q2, and Advanced Document Control. Fluent in English and Spanish, she also speaks conversational French.
As Manager of Administrative Services at the Houston Safari Club Foundation, Melissa oversees accounting, budgeting, HR, and operations, ensuring efficiency and alignment with the Foundation’s conservation mission.
Melissa thrives in roles that support leadership and mission-driven work. She’s proud to contribute to HSCF’s efforts in preserving wildlife and outdoor heritage.
Outside work, Melissa enjoys family life with her husband Sean and their twin boys—filled with outdoor adventures, camping, and laughter. She’s an avid reader, game night enthusiast, and sous-chef to her culinary-inclined husband.
Melissa may be reached at 713.623.8492 or melissa@wehuntwegive.org
MARY ALICE KAHANEK
Director of Convention & Events
FULL BIO
Mary Alice brings over 20 years of experience in event marketing and management to her role at HSCF. Having led large-scale programs and teams for companies like Daikin Industries and Halliburton. She holds certifications in meeting and trade show management and has planned events all over the world, from incentive trips to national sales conferences.
A native Texan, Mary Alice has a heart for the outdoors and conservation which makes her a natural fit for HSCF! In her free time, she dedicates time to Freedom Street Rescue, an all-breed dog rescue she co-founded. She also enjoys gardening, baking sourdough bread, and spending time with her rescue dogs. Mary Alice is married, and her husband runs his own GC business and is a carpenter by trade. They enjoy RV’ing and have recently picked up fly fishing that they can do together when they travel.
Mary Alice may be reached at 832-804-8959 or maryalice@wehuntwegive.org
TAYLOR SHELL
Membership and Youth Education Programs Manager
FULL BIO
Taylor oversees the membership program at HSCF and connects young people with conservation through hands-on programming and outreach. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Agricultural Development, Taylor brings both field experience and organizational leadership to her role.
Raised in Tomball, Texas, Taylor’s background in agriculture shaped her understanding of natural resource stewardship from an early age. Today, she applies that foundation to support HSCF’s mission by managing youth initiatives, coordinating member engagement, and building meaningful partnerships within the conservation community. With a practical approach and strong communication skills, Taylor is focused on delivering programs that are both impactful and accessible.
Taylor may be reached at 713-961-4744 or taylor@wehuntwegive.org
HSCF Member
TESTIMONIALS
HSCF is at the forefront of protecting our heritage through education, and we must stand firm to keep it alive. I am proud to be lifetime member of the Houston Safari Club Foundation.
AURELIA GIACOMETTO
22nd Director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service & HSCF Life Member
I joined HSCF to make a difference. If you want to make a difference through conservation, preserving our hunting heritage and helping to make sure the youth of today passes these values on to the youth of tomorrow, join HSCF.
DEREK HAM
HSCF Life Member
I love that no matter where in the world or what in the world you want to hunt, chances are several HSCF members have already done it. With so many outfitter options, HSCF members can really help to point you in the right direction.
CHAD GERMANN
HSCF Life Member
