糖心live

President's Advisory Board

Charge | Members | Membership | Meetings

Laramie County Community College (糖心live) is driven by and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves. Thus, 糖心live believes the community plays a vital role in advancing the mission of the College. Maintaining a quality institution of higher learning, one that ensures the outcomes of its programs and services results in real opportunities for economic benefit and social mobility, requires strong participation and contribution by key stakeholders. To this end, 糖心live has established the President鈥檚 Advisory Board (PAB) to provide a "community voice" for guiding and validating the work of 糖心live.

Charge

The PAB is comprised of individuals who are vitally interested in the future of the College because of the impact it has on them personally, their business and/or organization, the community, state, and region. These individuals are big-thinkers, have a staunch dedication to the community and the state, and are proven leaders.  This group of advisors helps inform the development of strategies to strengthen the College within the context of its mission and is reflective of the needs of the broader area within which 糖心live has impact. The PAB advises the President on strategic issues and opportunities facing the College and beyond, while also serving as a conduit to express the needs of the community.

Within this capacity, the PAB will function to meet the following objectives:

1. Provide information and ideas that reflect community perspectives and needs;
2. Create connections for the College with various segments of the community;
3. Help identify underserved populations and untapped opportunities in the College鈥檚 service region;
4. Offer input to 糖心live regarding its strategic directions and plans for the future;
5. Assist in identifying and advising on future facilities, programming and service needs;
6. Provide advice and support on a variety of other contemporary College issues; and
7. Serve as knowledgeable ambassadors for 糖心live across the region.

Members

Eric Boley,  
Executive Director,
2023鈥�2025 Term

Eric has led the healthcare industry in many different capacities: CEO/Administrator, Nursing Home Administrator, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Business Office Manager. Eric brings this healthcare knowledge to the State of Wyoming by leading the Wyoming Hospital Association initiatives. The Wyoming Hospital Association (WHA) is a member owned, private, non-profit organization representing Wyoming hospitals. WHA serves as the voice of Wyoming hospitals before local, state, regional and national legislative and regulatory bodies, the media and the general public. While the Association鈥檚 primary focus is representation and advocacy for Wyoming hospitals, WHA also provides data services, educational programs, and a variety of other membership services.

Rob Creager,  
Executive Director,
2023鈥�2025

Rob Creager is the Executive Director of the Wyoming Energy Authority. He previously served as Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Mark Gordon, where he strongly emphasized Wyoming鈥檚 economic portfolio and public policy. In that role, he led multiple efforts, including implementing multiple pieces of federal legislation and the successful execution of five pandemic-related business relief programs. He led the Governor鈥檚 budget transparency promise by creating the Wyoming Sense initiative. Creager has also presided over several of Wyoming鈥檚 state agencies and served as the Governor鈥檚 liaison to the White House. He is a native of Casper, Wyoming and a graduate of the University of Wyoming.

Mandy Davis,  

2023鈥�2025

With nearly 20 years of experience in human resources, including 10 years in postsecondary education, Mandy Davis is a seasoned HR professional committed to fostering positive organizational cultures and supporting employee development. A Wyoming native, Mandy, holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology and a master鈥檚 degree in human resources administration, along with professional certifications in HR. She is currently working at HIVIZ in Laramie, WY, is the co-chair of the SE WY High Altitude Manufacturing Partnership (HAMP) and serves on the 糖心live AMMC advisory board.  Mandy has a deep passion for educating individuals about the diverse opportunities within the manufacturing industry and guiding them in finding the educational and career pathways that best align with their skills and aspirations.

Cindy Delancy,  
Director of Gov鈥檛 Affairs,
2023鈥�2025

A seasoned government affairs professional, Cindy has established a strong reputation as a common-sense problem solver who advances projects to build a better Wyoming. Clients seek Cindy out for her sophisticated understanding of the issues that matter to Wyoming and her ability to achieve consensus among diverse stakeholders. With nearly two decades of government affairs experience, Cindy has built deep relationships in the Wyoming business community, executive branch, and the Legislature. Cindy鈥檚 experience includes advocating for Wyoming businesses and local governments, translating business needs into legislative policy to advance client objectives. She has been appointed by Governor Gordon, Governor Mead, Senate President Drew Perkins, and Superintendent Megan Degenfelder to serve in roles that have helped shape the future of Wyoming from government reform and efficiency task forces to the state鈥檚 inaugural Charter School Authorizing Board. She served as the Director of Government and Public Affairs for BP鈥檚 US Lower 48 onshore exploration and production business, including BP鈥檚 Wamsutter facility, which at the time was the largest oil and gas field in their global portfolio. The "code of the West鈥� is woven through Cindy鈥檚 work for clients and for her community. Cindy and her family ranch, raise quarter horses in Wyoming and Arizona, and produce rodeo events and team ropings. Prior to joining Holland & Hart, Cindy served as the President/CEO of the Wyoming Business Alliance and Wyoming Heritage Foundation and formerly served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, in the criminal division of the Wyoming Attorney General鈥檚 office. Cindy was the first woman elected as the Carbon County and Prosecuting Attorney.

Dave Freudenthal
2024-2026

Wyoming native Dave Freudenthal graduated from Amherst College in 1973 and then returned to Wyoming to take a position as an economist for the Wyoming Department of Economic Planning and Development. Governor Ed Herschler appointed him state planning coordinator in 1975. After graduating from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1980, Freudenthal opened his own one-man law office in Cheyenne, which grew into a general practice firm representing individuals and businesses. In 1994, he was appointed U.S. attorney for Wyoming, a position that he held until May 2001. He has chaired the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, was a founding director of the Wyoming Student Loan Corporation, and has been a member of the Education Policy Implementation Council, the board of the Wyoming Community Foundation, the state Economic Development and Stabilization Board, and the Laramie County Community Action Board. He was elected governor of Wyoming in November, 2002.

Lexie Garrett,  
Owner,
2023鈥�2026

Alexis Garrett, founder and creative director of Alexis Drake, is the creative force behind a boutique leather handbag and accessories brand based in downtown Cheyenne, Wyoming. What began in 2013 as a side hustle in her garage quickly grew into a successful business after Alexis, a busy mom and Art Teacher, realized there were no handbags that fit her active lifestyle. Determined to create a bag that could seamlessly transition from work to play, she began crafting her own designs. The brand鈥檚 focus on high-quality materials, customization, and in-house production offers customers a unique connection to the craftsmanship behind each piece. Today, Alexis Drake operates two locations: a flagship retail showroom and manufacturing space in Cheyenne and a store in Fort Collins, Colorado. In addition to selling seasonal collections, Alexis hosts workshops and events where customers can engage in the creation process. Alexis鈥檚 entrepreneurial achievements have earned her recognition, including being named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Wyoming Council for Women in 2020, a spot on Forbes鈥� Next 1000 list in 2021, and Small Business of the Year by the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce in 2021, as well as the Business Beautification Award in 2022. Alexis currently serves as the Board Chair for the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, sits on the President's Advisory Board for 糖心live as well as the advisory council for The Business Studio @ 糖心live.

Trent Keller,  
Owner/CFO, ,  
2023鈥�2026

Trent Keller is an Entrepreneur with over 20 years of various business ownerships, emphasizing Industrial Distribution and International Business. With both a technical and business background, Trent excels in financial management and global market development. When not working at one of his companies, you can find Trent and his wife Tanya on the ski slopes of Steamboat or likely traveling. They have two grown children.

Gunnar Malm,  
Broker,
2023鈥�2025

Gunnar is a sixth-generation lifelong Laramie County resident and real estate agent/owner with Coldwell Banker The Property Exchange. The Malm family came to the U.S. from Sweden settling in eastern Laramie County in the 1880鈥檚. They farmed the land for nearly a hundred years until a few of them turned their focus to banking, business, and real estate in the 1980s. His parents, Jody and Julie Malm, grew up in Albin and Pine Bluffs where their extended family still reside. Gunnar graduated from Central High school where he excelled on the debate team. After graduation, he attended the University of Wyoming (UW) where he studied Political Science and sharpened his debate and leadership skills while lobbying for the Wyoming Medical Society. After leaving UW in 2008, he began his career in Cheyenne as a residential and commercial realtor with Coldwell Banker The Property Exchange. What started as a real estate career for Malm, quickly developed into an interest in the political process where Malm exhibited his passion and care for Laramie County. As a realtor for more than a decade, Malm has worked diligently to protect private property rights and responsible land use. To this end, he has served on many civic and professional boards in key decision-making roles, all with the goal of improving and protecting the interests of Laramie County residents. Most notably, he served as the Public Policy Chair for the Wyoming Association of Realtors (WAR), the President of the Cheyenne Board of Realtors, Past President-Elect for WAR. Malm鈥檚 passion and care is not limited to property rights and land use, he has also volunteered with several Laramie County non-profits serving as a mentor with Special Friends of Cheyenne, and has served on the boards of both Recover Wyoming and Wyoming Housing Opportunities Association. Gunnar and his wife, Jessica Binning, reside in Cheyenne with their son Judah Kingston and dogs Zio and Ani.

Brandy Marrou,  
Mg Partner,
2023鈥�2026&苍产蝉辫;

Brandy is licensed to practice as a CPA in Wyoming. She has continually practiced public accounting since 2000 when she joined MHP. Brandy provides services in audit, accounting, consulting, tax planning and return preparation for both businesses and individuals. Her client portfolio includes government entities (including the State of Wyoming, the University of Wyoming and other State component units), manufacturers, not-for-profits, employee benefit plans, small businesses and individuals, ranging in size up to $5 billion in annual revenues. Brandy oversees the Firm鈥檚 General Services operations, managing a team of more than 25 professionals. She is a key component in the Department鈥檚 efforts to continually develop and refine its processes to ensure timely and quality client service. While providing timely and quality client service is of utmost importance to Brandy, she is also very passionate about people development and devotes a significant amount of time mentoring and developing the Firm鈥檚 accountants as a career advisor within the Firm. In doing so, Brandy is instilling the Firm鈥檚 values of honesty, integrity, quality and teamwork in each individual in whom she invests. Brandy is a Wyoming native, as is her husband, Steve, a taxidermist and avid hunter and fisherman. They have two children 鈥� Trevor and McKenna 鈥� who keep them very busy. Both children are well known at the Firm and know which partner or staff to seek out to find the candy stash. Outside of attending school and sporting events for her children and spending time with her family, Brandy enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors, reading and traveling to see family and friends.

Baylie Evans,  
Managing Director,
2023鈥�2026

Baylie Evans is a gBETA Managing Director with gener8tor, a national startup accelerator and venture capital company. She launched the gBETA Wyoming accelerator in 2020 and ran it until 2022 before taking on a management role. She is also the Fund Manager for the gener8tor Wyoming Fund, a new venture fund that will invest in gBETA Wyoming alumni startups. She has lived in Cheyenne since 2010 and is passionate about making a positive difference for Wyoming and its people.

Erin Moore,  
CEO/Partner,
2023鈥�2025

Erin Moore is CEO and Partner of Gannett Peak Technical Services, a software development company headquartered in Cheyenne, WY.  She graduated from the University of Wyoming with bachelor's degree in business economics and political science with a minor in decision science and has spent 20 years of her career in software development. Erin is active in community/statewide organizations and in advocating for computer science education.  She served on the Wyoming Business Council Board from 2018-2024 and was Co-Chair, together with Governor Gordon in 2022-2023.  She has served on various Wyoming Department of Education, University of Wyoming and Laramie County Community College boards working on computer science education. Erin was honored to receive the Wyoming Department of Education鈥檚 2017 Digital Learning Innovations Partnership Award, as well as, the 2018 Wyoming Women of Influence award for Manufacturing and Technology. Erin with her husband Ross have two wonderful children, who remind her daily of the important things in life and how much talent our younger generations hold.

Bob Nicholas,  
Representative HD7, Wyoming Legislature 
2023鈥�2025

Bob is an attorney and Laramie County state legislator.

Trevor Rutar,  
CEO,
2023鈥�2025

Trevor Rutar is the CEO of Kraken Financial, bringing over 20 years of experience in finance, spanning management, operations, and lending across Fortune 25 banking, regional credit unions, and digital asset banking. Before assuming the CEO role, he led operations at Kraken Financial and was instrumental in shaping the company鈥檚 infrastructure. Prior to joining Kraken Financial, Trevor served as Chief Lending Officer at Meridian Trust, where he successfully expanded the loan portfolio, diversified asset allocation, increased profitability, and maintained strong credit quality. He previously spent a decade at Wells Fargo Bank in management and operational leadership roles. Trevor has contributed to the financial industry through board service and by testifying before governing bodies on banking and digital asset regulations. Recognized for his leadership, he was named a "20 in their Twenties" honoree by the Chamber of Commerce and a "40 Under 40" by the Wyoming Business Report. He holds an M.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Wyoming, with minors in Bank Management and Finance.

Jeff Seibert,  
Executive Director,
2023鈥�2026

I was born in a small agricultural community in Nebraska in 1964 and my background is farming and ranching. I attended a small Bible college after high school and completed a machining certificate from Red Rocks Community College in 1988. After accepting a job at TBC Mfg, Inc. in 1990 I became the 2^nd generation owner and president in 2007. TBC manufactures custom tooling for the tube bending industry servicing industries such as HVAC, automotive, aerospace, furniture, and recreational vehicles and equipment.

I am a husband, father, and grandfather. I am happily married to Karri, my wife of 41 years. We moved this family business to Cheyenne in 2020 from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Problem-solving is the main part of our manufacturing process as we design custom tools for our customers. I believe my strengths as president of TBC are this ability to problem-solve as well as navigating multiple details to arrive at decisions that are both logically and fiscally reasonable. I enjoy the challenge of designing and manufacturing something that results in success for both TBC and our customers.

My ethics come from my deep Christian faith and my values of love of family and community. I attend church weekly and enjoy hunting, camping, and tractor-pulling in my spare time. I am committed to seeing our community of Cheyenne grow and prosper in a way that makes sense for the citizens of Laramie County and Wyoming.

Mark Stege
2023-2025

Mark Stege currently serves as the Chair of the 糖心live Foundation Board. Mark recently retired from Black Hills Energy where he served as the Vice President of Wyoming Operations. Mark has a BS from University of Wyoming, Geology and a BS from the University of Northern Colorado, Accounting and is a  Certified Public Accountant (retired). Mark has been happily married to his wife Patsy and has 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Mark remains active in the community and currently serves as the Blue Federal Credit Union Board Chair, Wyoming Energy Authority Board of Directors, Calvary Chapel Elder and a volunteer at LifeChoice Pregnancy Center and Calvary Chapel Food Bank.

Amy Surdam,  
Various,  
2023鈥�2026

Amy Surdam served in the Wyoming Army National Guard followed by the Hawaii Army Reserves, as a Family Nurse Practitioner for over 20 years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. She received both her Bachelor鈥檚 and Master鈥檚 degrees in Science in Nursing from the University of Wyoming. She has worked in Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care for most of her career, including owning and operating several urgent care centers, and now consulting for a large urgent care system in the East. She now owns and operates a Wyoming-based virtual health company, InstaClinic, with her spouse. In addition to healthcare and real estate development, Amy has served as the Director of the Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority, the Aeronautics Administrator for the State of Wyoming, and on many non-profit Boards. She has four sons and enjoys running, biking, swimming, and baking sourdough bread.

Tim Thornell,  
CEO,
2023鈥�2026

Tim Thornell is the President and CEO of Cheyenne Regional Health System in Wyoming. The system is comprised of Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (CRMC), 201 licensed acute care beds across two campuses, the free-standing Davis Hospice Center, Wyoming Institute of Population Health, and Cheyenne Regional Medical Group, the state鈥檚 largest medical group. CRMC is a Joint Commission (TJC) accredited hospital with special TJC accreditations as a Primary Heart Attack Center, a Primary Stroke Center, and Sepsis Care. CRMC is an ANCC Magnet hospital, the only one in Wyoming to hold this designation. Prior to his role at Cheyenne Regional, he served as CEO of Lea Regional Medical Center in Hobbs, NM for nearly eight years. He has held COO positions at MountainView Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces, NM and Yakima Regional Medical Center in Yakima, WA. In addition, Mr. Thornell has ten years of experience in physician practice management with Ventura County Medical Center and Health Management Associates. Mr. Thornell is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Diplomat of the American College of Medical Practice Executives. He serves on the Boards of the Wyoming Hospital Association (Past Chairman), Vizient Community Based Independent Hospitals (Chairman), Mountain States RRRG (Chairman), Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce (Incoming Chairman), American Hospital Association Region 8 Policy Board, and Adventure West Council of Boys Scouts of America. He holds undergraduate degrees in Physiology and French from University of California, Davis and a master鈥檚 in health administration from University of Southern California. He is currently pursuing his doctorate degree in Health Policy & Management at Johns Hopkins University. He enjoys spending time with his wife Tamara and three children who are active in church, tennis, and theatre.

Stephanie Propps  
CEO,
2023鈥�2026

CEO and President of Blue Federal Credit Union since 2005 and a catalyst for improving community financial services in our region, Stephanie has led Blue through significant growth over the last decade. Stephanie Propps is a successful credit union and community leader who dedicated her time and talent to the credit union movement and community she calls home, Cheyenne, Wyoming. Stephanie has led Blue Federal Credit Union over the past 21 years. As the largest financial institution headquartered in Wyoming, Blue has more than $2.25 billion in assets, serves over 140,000 members worldwide, and has 27 branch locations in Wyoming and Northern Colorado. Stephanie believes in 鈥楧oing Good鈥� and leads by example. As a civic-minded leader, she serves on a variety of boards, including the Wyoming Children鈥檚 Society, Credit Union National Association, Centennial Lending Board of Managers, and Western CUNA Management School (WCMS) Board of Trustees. Stephanie is a Development Educator with the National Credit Union Foundation and a Certified Executive with the Credit Union Executives Society (CUES). Stephanie holds an Executive MBA and a Bachelor鈥檚 in Business Management and Finance from the University of Wyoming. Stephanie enjoys spending time and being active with her family. Stephanie loves new adventures including traveling, skiing, camping, hiking, scuba diving, and almost anything outdoors. Stephanie loves to run and has participated in numerous races throughout the United States.

Annaliese Wiederspahn
Manager,
2024-2026

Annaliese Wiederspahn is the Manager of Sweetgrass Land Co. and Lummis Livestock Company. She is a fifth generation Wyoming gal. She previously worked in communications and journalism, founding the statewide publication Cowboy State Daily in 2019. Annaliese holds a bachelor's degree from Haverford College and a master's degree from Columbia University. She and her husband Will have three boys.

Chad Willett,  
Chief Instigator,
2023鈥�2026

Chad Willett is a Wyoming native, entrepreneur, and creative strategist with over 20 years of experience in marketing, technology, hospitality, and real estate. As the founder of multiple businesses, including West Edge, he has built and scaled ventures that drive innovation and economic growth. His expertise spans branding, digital experiences, websites, and strategic marketing. Passionate about the creative economy, Chad is dedicated to developing businesses and initiatives that foster innovation, culture, and sustainable growth.

Mike Williams,  
Cheyenne Market President,
2023鈥�2025

I鈥檝e been working in the banking industry as both a lender and regulator for almost 20 years. I鈥檝e learned in this time that customers aren鈥檛 looking for someone to handle transactions for them. They are looking for someone to be a true partner: sometimes a banker; sometimes a consultant; sometimes just a friend. The Code of the West is what makes Jonah Bank of Wyoming, not only different but better. The statement, 鈥淏e Tough, But Fair鈥� depicts this relationship between the banker and the customer, and it goes both ways. As a banker, you want to make your customer鈥檚 business stronger and as a customer, you want a fair deal. At Jonah Bank, we get it.

Betsey Hale  
CEO,
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2023-2025

Betsey Hale has been the CEO of Cheyenne LEADS since April 2020. With more than 15 years of experience in economic and community development, she previously served as the President of Three Rivers Development Corporation in Corning, NY, and held roles as Business Development Manager and Economic Development Director for the City of Loveland, Colorado. In 2020, she earned her certification as an Economic Developer (CEcD) and is passionate about continuing to foster economic growth and create opportunities in Cheyenne and Laramie County.

Dale Steenbergen,  
CEO,
贰虫鈥怬蹿蹿颈肠颈辞
2023-2025

Dale G. Steenbergen is the President & Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. Prior career accomplishments include more than 18 years of successful management experience in Chambers of Commerce, Agri-Business operations, and Small Business. Dale's track record of streamlining organizations has led to increased productivity and profits including a 48% membership increase in less than three years at the Dahlonega Georgia Chamber. Dale鈥檚 policy expertise in local state and federal advocacy efforts have led to major improvements in policy regarding business and increased funding for needed local and regional projects. Dale serves on the board of directors of the ACCE, is a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 member and on the GBSD Advisory Group.

Steve Newton,  
Superindent,
贰虫鈥怬蹿蹿颈肠颈辞
2023-2025

Dr. Stephen V. Newton has been in the field of education for 30 years. He has served in a wide variety of leadership roles within K-12 education as a teacher, building principal, and Director of Instruction.  Currently, Dr. Newton is the Superintendent for Laramie County School District #1 in Cheyenne, WY.  He has also served as an adjunct professor at the community college level and an adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Wyoming.  He has been published in several medical and education journals and has authored two books, Leading from the Trenches and Breaking Down the Schoolhouse Doors.  Dr. Newton has also partnered with leaders nationwide as a consultant, program review auditor, and keynote speaker.  He is married to Amanda, an attorney in Cheyenne, Wyoming and has been blessed with 6 wonderful children.

Janine Thompson,  
Chairwoman of the Board, 糖心live Board of Trustees,  
贰虫鈥怬蹿蹿颈肠颈辞

Janine Thompson was elected to the board in 2018.  She is an alumna of 糖心live obtaining AS degrees in Business Administration and Accounting.  She received her BS in Business Management from Regis University, and her MBA in Finance and Accounting from Regis University.  Janine was an 糖心live adjunct teacher of accounting for 12 years and has been the owner of the Cheyenne accounting firm of 1st Accounting Solutions since 2001.  She has served on numerous boards including the Wyoming Judicial Nominating Commission and the Wyoming Board of Professional Responsibility for attorneys.  She has also volunteered her time for many local organizations such as the Cheyenne Competitive Baseball Association, the Center for Dispute Solution, CLIMB Wyoming and Holy Trinity Church. Her husband Rick is a senior partner in the law firm of Hathaway & Kunz, and they have three sons, Reed, Trey and Brett.

Membership

The President鈥檚 Advisory Board is comprised of both ex-officio, on-going members and term-bound members.  The majority of the PAB is made up a select group of community and business leaders appointed for specific terms by the President. Ex-officio members include the elected Chair of the 糖心live Board of Trustees, as well as representatives from primary education and business organizations, etc., and because of their role with these organizations shall have ongoing membership on the PAB.  All members will be knowledgeable of the trends in their industry/professions, aware of the needs and engaged in the community, and committed to promoting post-secondary education and training for individuals and businesses in the College鈥檚 service area.

In totality, the PAB will be comprised of no more than 25 total members. Term-bound members will serve staggered three-year terms. A current roster of members shall be kept on file in the President鈥檚 Office. Terms may be renewed at the discretion of the President with concurrence by the PAB, however individuals may serve no more than two-consecutive terms.

Meetings

The PAB is composed of a diverse group of prominent, influential and passionate leaders. These individuals have numerous demands on their time, and thus PAB meetings must be engaging, purposeful, and with minimal addition to member鈥檚 schedules. Yet, to be an effective advisory council to the President, the PAB must be frequently convened and up-to-date on relevant issues pertaining to the College.

Thus, the PAB will meet twice annually - once in the summer months and once in the winter. Meetings may be adjusted to accommodate full participation. The PAB and President may decide to conduct additional meetings or form ad hoc subgroups to address pertinent or time-sensitive issues. An agenda and any additional materials will be sent to PAB members well in advance of the meeting to ensure fully engaged dialog.