Westarctica's government is managed by Grand Duke Travis with the assistance of the Prime Minister and the Royal Council. In addition to these primary executives, the Grand Ducal Court is responsible for interpreting the laws of Westarctica. Our noble Peers are devoted citizens who contribute their knowledge, energy, and skills to helping Westarctica accomplish its mission and goals.
To contact a specific department, please refer to our Contact Us page.
Head of State
Grand Duke Travis
His Royal Highness studied Theatre and Anthropology at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania from 1997 - 2000. He also graduated from the CoRe program at Harvard Business School and completed the two year acting conservatory at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute.
Grand Duke Travis served in the United States Navy as an Intelligence Specialist from 2001 - 2008 where he was a recognized expert in the fields of anti-terrorism and foreign country military capabilities.
He enjoys amateur astronomy, film, philosophy, Shakespeare, and world history. The Grand Duke spends his leisure time hiking, training as an amateur boxer, and long-distance running.
Prime Minister
Baron of Hull Bay
The Prime Minister of Westarctica, Brendan Cook, was elected to office on February 20th, 2023.
Prime Minister Cook joined Westarctica as a Baronet in March 2020 and became Deputy Prime Minister one year later.
In November 2021, he was appointed to the post of Minister of Citizen Affairs and awarded Knight Commander in the Order of the Snowflake.
High Commissioner
Count of Discovery Ridge
Our High Commissioner became a citizen of Westarctica in 2020 and first served as Minister of Transportation, overseeing planning logistics for our nation. In 2021, he was promoted to the post of High Commissioner of Westarctica.
His Lordship has over 20 years of experience as an executive in the private sector, including positions with Microsoft and A.P. Moller - Maersk. He graduated from West Virginia University’s John Chambers School of Business and Economics with a BSBA in Organizational Design and Development.
Foreign Minister
Sir Charles Ross
The Foreign Minister is responsible for overseeing Westarctica's interactions with other nations. He is also in charge of our diplomatic corps, which includes consulates located in many countries around the world.
Sir Charles Ross has previously been involved with many micronations and joined Westarctica's government as Foreign Minister in late 2022 after his micronation, Raphania, was absorbed as a colony.
Minister of Communications
Countess of Carter
Our Minister of Communications is currently tasked with managing Westarctica's Twitter account as well as helping us branch out to other social media platforms.
The Countess is a recent graduate of Cal State Channel Islands where she earned an AA in Graphic Design and a BA in Digital Media. Her previous experience running Twitter accounts has given her a unique brand of humor that resonates strongly with Millennials.
In her words: "Sass is good."
Minister of Culture
Duke of Fox Grove
The Minister of Culture is responsible for artistic outreach and guiding the cultural life of Westarctica. Duke August of Fox Grove creates fun and engaging programs that involve many forms of art and leisure.
In March of 2018, August was made a member of the nobility, as the Duke of Fox Grove. He was among the first to join the Westarctica Civilian Corps the following month. After serving as Deputy Minister of Immigration for two months, the Duke was promoted to head the Ministry of Citizenship & Immigration where he served with from 2019 - 2020.
Minister of Defense
Duke of Wasche
The Minister of Defense was born on the island of Puerto Rico and became a citizen of Westarctica in 2004. He quickly distinguished himself as an energetic supporter of Westarctican affairs and due to his extensive military experience, was appointed to the position of Minister of Defense and granted the title Duke of Waesche.
The Duke was instrumental in maintaining continuity of Westarctica during the years 2006 - 2010 when we experienced multiple changes in leadership, resulting in significant challenges from inside and outside the organization. In recognition of his dedication and service to Westarctica, His Grace was appointed to the position of Prime Minister in 2010, a position he held until May, 2017 when he stepped down and was appointed to the honorary post of Minister of Defense.
In addition to his service with Westarctica, the Duke is a highly decorated veteran of the United States Army, having served as a tank crew member for 21 years.
Chief Justice McPhee
Chief Justice
The Chief Justice became a citizen of Westarctica in May 2018, and later joined the Civilian Corps. She was invited to join the Constitutional Convention as a delegate representative of the non-noble citizens of the nation.
For her contributions to the Convention, she was invested as a Dame in the Order of the Snowflake.
Duke of Driscoll
Third Justice
Justice Callahan was granted the Princely title Duke of Driscoll in 2017 in recognition of his support of Westarctica.
From 2018 - 2019, His Serene Highness served as Consul-General to the Southern United States before being appointed as a Justice in the Grand Ducal Court in 2020.
Viscount of Bursey
Second Justice
Justice Klempsmann was born in Bielefeld, Germany, and completed his military service at a rocket artillery battalion in northern Germany.
A member of the Civilian Corps since 2019, His Lordship was granted the title Viscount of Bursey in recognition of his support of Westarctica. Shortly after he was appointed as a Justice in the Grand Ducal Court.
