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
Duke of the Bear Peninsula
The Prime Minister and Chief Operating Officer of Westarctica was elected to office on February 11th, 2019.
Prior to becoming Westarctica's Prime Minister, Duke Jordan served as the Minister of Citizenship & Immigration.
The Duke served for eight years in the United States Army and has extensive experience in the medical field as well as comprehensive knowledge of non-profit fundraising and financial management.
His Grace has also worked with Native American tribes in the Midwestern United States.
Foreign Minister
Baron of Dorrel
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.
The Baron of Dorrel served as Westarctia's Consul-General to Spain from 2018 until his appointment as Foreign Minister in February 2021.
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 Conservation
Duchess of Eights
The Duchess of Eights comes from an academic background, having studied Zoology and Environmental Science/Management at Michigan State University. Her Grace also completed a Master's Degree at the University of Texas at Tyler studying Map Turtle Genetics, and awarded a Ph.D in Biology from the University of Notre Dame for work in conservation genetics of salamanders.
During her schooling, the Duchess has worked many different non-profits, doing everything from working with tigers to surveying reptile populations on public lands, to teaching graduate courses. She has spent the last three years working for a national center, where she teaches the national community of biologists computation and genetics techniques.
In her capacity as Minister of Conservation, the Duchess launched the Westarctica Conservation Scholarship, which awards an annual research grant for conservation and environmental studies.
Minister of Transportation
Sir Michael Stolarczyk
Sir Michael, Baronet of Alenroux, became a citizen of Westarctica in 2020 and proposed the creation of a government department dedicated to overcoming our nation's present and future logistical challenges. In his capacity as Minister of Transportation, Sir Michael is responsible for planning and implementation of our global supply chains.
Sir Michael 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.
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.
Ellsworth King of Arms
Baron of Abele
The Baron of Abele was appointed to the position of Ellsworth King of Arms in 2020 and granted exclusive license to create armorial bearings for citizens and nobles of Westarctica.
He is also responsible for managing Westarctica's College of Arms, the depository for all armorial achievements recognized or created by our nation.
His Lordship has designed arms for several institutions and many peers of Westarctica.
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.
James Murphy, KtS
Fourth Justice
Sir James was honored as a Knight of the Snowflake in 2017.
In his capacity as Clerk, he is responsible for overseeing filings of the Court, assisting with caseload management, and maintaining the records of the Court.
He publishes matters relating to judicial business on the Penumbral Emanations blog.