I arrived in Idaho Falls in 1976 shortly after graduating from the Oregon State University School of Forestry.  Desiring to apply my BS degree in Resource Recreation Management, my professional life focused on outdoor recreation and tourism, environmental protection, and leading mission-driven nonprofit organizations. Over my 43-year career, I resided in Idaho Falls and Island Park, ID, and Bozeman and Great Falls, MT.  I returned to Idaho Falls in December 2020 to enjoy my retirement years.

As a traditional Protestant and now an active ruling elder at First Presbyterian Church, I believe God has gifted me with the qualities and experiences needed to serve as an elected official. I look forward to doing so in Bonneville County as the new county commissioner from District #1.

I grew up in California’s San Fernando Valley as the third child of loving, hard-working parents who emphasized education, weekend chores, and long family vacations.  Through Girl Scouting and family trips to national parks, I learned that I loved being outdoors and felt most at home in the mountains.  Although I left the West Coast to settle in the Greater Yellowstone region, I remain close to my large extended family including my 3 siblings and their spouses, 8 nieces and nephews, and their 20 children.

Bonnie is a 3-year old Idaho Shag that I adopted through the Snake River Animal Shelter.  We love our daily walks through our Jennie Lee community. Bonnie’s closest four-legged friend is Grayson, a 2-year old cat who loves to tease her and is fascinated with backyard squirrels when he is not napping.

My Professional Experience

As a Nonprofit Executive

• Executive Director, Montana Cooperative Development Center, Great Falls, MT (2015-19)
• Executive Director, Yellowstone Business Partnership in Bozeman, MT and Idaho Falls (2003-13)
• Executive Director, Henry’s Fork Foundation, Ashton, ID (1991-2000)
• Field Advisor, Silver Sage Girl Scout Council, Idaho Falls Regional Office (1977-79)

At the Idaho National Laboratory

• Advisory Scientist, Ecological and Cultural Resources, INEEL (2000-03)
• Program Specialist, National Low-Level Waste Management Program, INEL (1979-82)

With State and Local Governments

• Special Projects Manager, Fremont County Planning & Building Department, ID (2014-15)
• Special Assistant to Governor John Evans – Natural Resources/Nuclear Waste Policy (1985-86)
• Interpretive Specialist, Harriman State Park of Idaho (1982-84)

In the Recreation and Tourism Industry

• Co-Owner/Operator, Lucky Dog Retreat – a Nordic/fishing lodge in Island Park, ID (1984-94)
• Licensed naturalist guide in Yellowstone National Park and Targhee National Forest (1988-92)

Recognitions

• One of The Idaho Statesman’s Ten “Catalysts for Change” in the 21^st Century (2000)

• Outstanding Woman in Conservation Award, Idaho Wildlife Federation (1995)
• Environmental Education Leadership Award from the US Forest Service-Region 4, recognizing 12 years of service on the Intermountain Environmental Education Training Team (1991)
• Induction into the OSU Hall of Fame for Women’s Rowing (National Medals in 1974, 1975)

Decades of Volunteer Service in Idaho

In Bonneville County

• Bonneville County Democratic Party – Precinct Captain; State Committeewoman (2022-present)
• Church liaison to the Regional Council for Christian Ministry (2010-13; 2022-23)
• Chair, Resource Advisory Council, Caribou-Targhee National Forest (2002-03)

• Multiple Use Council, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Falls District (1980-82)
• Policy Advisory Committee, 208 Water Quality Program for Idaho DEQ (1980-83)

In Fremont County

• Treasurer and Board Member, Friends of Harriman State Park of Idaho (2020-present)

• Legislatively-appointed co-facilitator for the Henry’s Fork Watershed Council (1994-2000)
• Island Park City Planning and Zoning Commission (1994-98)
• Appointee, Idaho Governor’s Task Force on Irrigation Water Conservation (1993)
• Co-chair, Island Park Hydroelectric Project Advisory Committee (1991-94)
• Advisory Team for Fremont County’s first Comprehensive Plan and Development Code (1990-94)
• Advisory Board for Henry’s Fork Basin Plan, Idaho Department of Water Resources (1989-92)