Gary Ehlers

Gary Ehlers is the current Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Diversity Officer at Bass Pro Shops. Gary has over 13 years of experience in human resources, including heading a team of 40 HR professionals and overseeing benefits, compensation, 401K, and C-level business partnerships across 18 distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, contact centers, and corporate office locations.

Ehlers has been with Bass Pro Shops since January 2012, when they were first hired as the Director of Human Resources. In this role, they were responsible for implementing a $100M benefit plan, redefined compensation standards, and oversaw bonus and equity award programs. Gary also delivered $3M in cost savings by redesigning the 300-employee merchandising organization, including talent assessment and selection for restructuring activities. Additionally, Ehlers managed the outsourcing of the creative services function at Cabela’s in partnership with QUAD Graphics and led change management to transfer services with no disruption to business operations.

In the lead up to Bass Pro Shops acquiring Cabela’s in 2017, Ehlers participated in executive integration planning and workforce strategy discussions with Bass Pro, Capital One, and Cabela’s to enable early stage analysis, due diligence, and strategic planning to execute a complex integration. Prior to their role in human resources, Ehlers was the Director of Merchandise Operations at Cabela’s from August 2006 to December 2012.

Gary Ehlers attended Niagara College and studied Business Administration and Management.

Gary Ehlers reports to Johnny Morris, Founder & CEO. They are on a team with Jason Jackson - Chief Security Officer, Christopher Johnson - Chief Digital Officer, and Justin Salmans - Chief Procurement Officer.