Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Wyoming for 2024. Wyoming, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and home to seven national parks, is a state with a diverse economy that extends beyond its well-known mining, agriculture, and tourism industries. Beyond these, the state is home to growing sectors in manufacturing and healthcare.
Despite being the least populated state, the Cowboy State is home to driven and accomplished professionals. Among them is Catherine West, Director of Guest Experiences at Brush Creek Ranch. A seasoned hospitality professional, West has successfully planned and executed over $10 million worth of events in just 25 weeks.
We also honor the career of Jennifer Nelson, Chief of Administration of the National Park Service. Nelson has been a leader in partnerships, conservation of public lands, youth development, business, and finance for nearly 20 years, including working for the US Forest Service, where she served at the field, regional, and Washington office levels.
Finally, we congratulate Jennifer Conner, Vice President of Rural Health for the Southwest Region of the American Heart Association, the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. With a history of working in higher education, Conner is skilled in community engagement, public health, fundraising, community and economic development, and healthcare management.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Wyoming for 2024.
1. Jennifer McMillan
Chief Financial Officer, Banner Health
Jennifer McMillan is the Chief Financial Officer of Banner Health. She first joined the company in 1998. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health is one of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the country.
McMillan has strong industry knowledge and expertise in time management and leadership development. Her skills include executive coaching and productivity improvement, as well as the ability to conduct return on investment analysis. She is proficient in project management and financial reporting, ensuring thorough oversight and accurate financial data.
McMillan earned a Master's in Biblical Counseling from The Master’s University. She has two degrees from the University of Wyoming, a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
2. Stephanie Teubner
President & CEO, Blue Federal Credit Union
Stephanie Teubner is the President and CEO of Blue Federal Credit Union, which serves over 120,000 members in all 50 states and 18 countries around the world.
Teubner has been serving the Blue Federal Credit Union for nearly two decades. To prepare for her career, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from the University of Wyoming in 1994. During her tenure at the Blue Federal Credit Union, Teubner returned to her education, earning an MBA from the University of Wyoming in 2014.
3. Tessa Woodcock
Vice President of Customer Engagement, SAP
Tessa Woodcook is the Vice President of Customer Engagement at SAP, the leading enterprise application and business AI company. SAP’s integrated portfolio unites the elements of modern organizations into a unified ecosystem that drives progress.
Woodcook has 27 years of experience. She is a client experience leader focused on driving value through digital transformation, with a proven track record of delivering results for large, complex, global organizations. As a change catalyst, Woodcook is constantly striving for improvement and better outcomes. She started at SAP in 2018 as a senior customer engagement executive and was promoted in 2021 to enterprise customer success partner. She earned her current title in 2022.
Before joining SAP, Woodcook was a senior director of strategic client partnerships at ADP. Before that, she was a senior associate and strategic account manager at Mercer. Earlier in her career, she worked with Makers Architecture and Urban Design as an office and accounts manager. She studied engineering at LeTourneau University and business administration at the University of Phoenix.
4. Laura Cuddie
Vice President of Residential Property Management & Operations Americas, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Laura Cuddie is the Vice President of Residential Property Management and Operations Americas of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, a Canadian luxury hotel and resort company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
In her current role, Cuddie supports all Americas residential projects through the design and build phases, as well as the pre-opening and opening stages, by partnering with developer partners and cross-functional Four Seasons teams. Her role involves creating and delivering operational plans, developing operating budgets, and ensuring project governance. She is currently managing over 20 projects in development, including both mixed-use and stand-alone residential properties. Her specialties include residential operations and development, with a focus on luxury hospitality sales and marketing. She is also experienced in asset management, property management, and homeowner association management.
Early in her career, Cuddie was an assistant general manager at Deer Valley Lodging/Premier Resorts. From there, she went on to Teton Mountain Lodge, before eventually rising to business development and marketing at The Clear Creek Group, her most recent role before joining the team at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Cuddie graduated from Huron University with a Bachelor of Arts in Honors History.
5. Jennifer Nelson
Chief of Administration, National Park Service
Jennifer Nelson is the Chief of Administration of the National Park Service. She first joined the team in 2024. The National Park Service helps communities across America preserve and enhance important local heritage and close-to-home recreational opportunities.
Nelson has been a leader in partnerships, conservation of public lands, youth development, business, and finance for nearly 20 years. Her experience as an intrapreneur spans the National Park Service and the US Forest Service, where she has served at the field, regional, and Washington office levels. She has cultivated wide-ranging, high-quality connections with numerous domestic and international environmental professionals through her affiliations with Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment, her two agencies, the National Parks Institute Executive Leadership cohort, and various partner groups.
Nelson’s specialized expertise includes the effective management of financial and human resources, relationship management, meeting donor expectations, developing and providing training, government sector marketing, incisive strategic planning, agreements, process improvement within systems, and program startup and development. Nelson has a Master of Environmental Management, Resource Economics, and Policy from Duke University and an undergraduate degree in biological sciences, Spanish, and Latin American studies from Southern Methodist University.
6. Stephanie Kearney
Chief Ambulatory Officer, Cody Regional Health
Stephanie Kearney is the Chief Ambulatory Officer of Cody Regional Health, a healthcare system that reaches and serves the entire Big Horn Basin Region of Wyoming.
Kearney is a results-oriented healthcare executive with extensive experience in hospital and healthcare settings. As a strategic thinker, she excels in developing and leading multi-site clinical operations initiatives that achieve optimal results in a timely and cost-effective manner, while also enhancing patient care through quality, value-based care, and patient safety. A highly motivated and organized healthcare professional, Kearney thrives under pressure and works effectively both independently and in team settings. She is always open to new opportunities and eager to make new connections.
Before joining Cody Regional Health, Kearney was a vice president of ambulatory and outpatient services at Vail Health. Before that, she was a department administrator at Baylor College of Medicine. Earlier in her career, she worked with Baylor College of Medicine as a physician revenue cycle manager, and team lead. Kearney graduated from the University of Houston-Clear Lake with an MBA/MHA and from The University of Texas at Austin with an undergraduate degree in microbiology.
7. Jennifer Conner
Vice President of Rural Health, Southwest Region, American Heart Association
Jennifer Conner is the Vice President of Rural Health for the Southwest Region of the American Heart Association, the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke.
Conner is an experienced professional with a proven history of working in the higher education industry. As a strong program and project management specialist, she is skilled in community engagement, nonprofit organizations, epidemiology, public health, fundraising, community and economic development, and healthcare management. Before joining the American Heart Association, Conner was an area coordinator at the CDC Foundation. Before that, she was a regional program manager at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Earlier in her career, she worked with Arkansas Children's Hospital as a center for applied research and evaluation.
Conner graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences with a Doctor of Public Health in Public Health Leadership. She has a Master of Public Health in Biostatistics and a Master of Applied Psychology in Experimental Design and Methodology. She earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
8. Tara Evans
Vice President and General Counsel, University of Wyoming
Tara Evans is the Vice President and General Counsel of the University of Wyoming, a nationally recognized educational and research institution that boasts accomplished faculty and world-class facilities.
Evans joined the legal staff at the University of Wyoming as an associate general counsel in 2008. She then held the position of deputy general counsel until August 2016, when she began her duties as interim general counsel. Before working for the university, Evans was a law clerk in the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and an associate attorney general in the Water and Natural Resources Division of the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office. Evans has a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Wyoming and a law degree from the University of Wyoming College of Law.
9. Melissa Hanes
Chief People Officer, Blue Federal Credit Union
Since September 2022, Melissa Hanes has served the Blue Federal Credit Union as the Chief People Officer. The Blue Federal Credit Union serves over 120,000 members in all 50 states and 18 countries around the world.
Hanes began her work with the Blue Federal Credit Union in 2005 as a trainer. After three years, she was promoted to assistant branch manager, where she completed staff scheduling, coaching, and performance reviews. In 2011, she accepted the responsibilities of a training manager, including training all newly hired and existing staff. She reached the director level in 2017 and joined the C-suite as VP of human resources and training in 2018.
Hanes earned an MA in Communication and Leadership and an undergraduate degree in multi/interdisciplinary studies from Park University.
10. Nicole Hobbs
Vice President of Regional Services, Billings Clinic
Nicole Hobbs is the Vice President of Regional Services of Billings Clinic, Montana’s largest healthcare system and the first and only Level I Trauma Center serving Montana, Wyoming, and the western Dakotas.
Hobbs is committed to driving healthcare excellence, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the highest standards of care across a network of Critical Access Hospitals. Her prior experience as a hospital CEO provides her with firsthand knowledge to guide and mentor CEOs across the regional network, helping to improve operations and enhance healthcare delivery. Hobbs is dedicated to aligning system strategy with the clinic's culture, finding innovative ways to improve healthcare operations, and creating sustainable operating models.
Hobbs started her career in 2007 as a project assistant and coordinator at Sisters of Providence Health System. From there, she went on to Samaritan Health Services, before eventually rising to CEO at Samaritan Health Services, her most recent position before joining Billings Clinic. Hobbs graduated from Oregon State University with an MBA and an undergraduate degree in health management and policy.
11. Stella Burn
Vice President of Database Solutions, Anteriad
Stella Burn is the Vice President of Database Solutions at Anteriad. She first joined the company in 2001. Anteriad provides B2B marketing leaders with depth and scale, as well as hyper granularity.
Previously, Burn was a director at Dovetail The Marketing Database Company. Before that, she was a programmer and manager at TCI. Earlier in her career, she worked with NDL as a data analyst. To prepare for advancements in her career, Burn earned an undergraduate degree in computer science from the University of Wyoming in 2003.
12. Jennifer Chiappa
Chief Nursing Officer, St. John's Health
Jennifer Chiappa is the Chief Nursing Officer of St. John's Health, a hospital and healthcare system that provides the community and visitors with exceptional and ever-advancing individualized care.
Chiappa has been with St. John’s Health for nearly a decade. She started there in 2015 as the director of medical and surgical services. She added the responsibilities of her current role in 2021. Chiappa graduated from Walden University with a Master of Science in Nursing, from Montana State University-Bozeman with an undergraduate degree, and from the University of Colorado Boulder with an undergraduate degree in psychology.
13. Leanne Parks
Vice President, American Physical Therapy Association
Leanne Parks is the Vice President of the American Physical Therapy Association, a national professional organization, representing more than 100,000 members, that seeks advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education.
Parks has 13 years of experience. She enjoys treating a variety of patients, with a particular passion for addressing shoulder issues, correcting postural dysfunctions, treating hips, managing post-operative conditions, and addressing pelvic health issues. The most rewarding part of her job is seeing patients apply what they have learned to manage their conditions and return to their day-to-day activities.
Before joining the American Physical Therapy Association, Parks was a clinic director of physical therapy at Wind City Physical Therapy. Earlier in her career, she worked with Advance Rehabilitation Greensboro as a doctor of physical therapy and clinic director. Parks graduated from Mount St. Joseph University with a doctor of physical therapy, and physical therapy/therapist, from College of Mount St. Joseph with a Master's in Physical Therapy, and from Miami University with an undergraduate degree in athletic training/training.
14. Melissa Stutz
Senior Vice President of Student Services, Laramie County Community College
Melissa Stutz serves as the Senior Vice President of Student Services and Title IX Coordinator for Laramie County Community College in southeast Wyoming. Her responsibilities include oversight of the infusion of career exploration into academic planning and the whole college experience preparing students for life, careers, and work for students at the main campus in Cheyenne and the branch campus in Laramie.
Before joining LCCC, Stutz worked at the University of Wisconsin Colleges as the associate vice chancellor of student affairs and enrollment management. She has served in various roles at Roosevelt University in Chicago, McHenry County College in Illinois, and Columbia College of Missouri, Crystal Lake, Illinois campus. Stutz currently serves on the board of directors for The Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Wyoming, as well as the Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne.
Stutz earned a doctorate in Education with an emphasis on Higher Education Leadership from Northcentral University. She also has a Master of Arts in Human Resource Development from Webster University and a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Communications from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her published dissertation is Mentors Lead and Leaders Mentor: A Qualitative Study of the Impact of Mentoring on the Pathway to the Presidency of Minority Female Illinois Community College Presidents. She lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming with her husband and Labrador. She has two grown children living in Chicago and Austin, Texas. She enjoys walking outdoors, Lego’s, jigsaw puzzles, and shoes
15. Kim Byrd
Vice President for Student Services, Casper College
Kim Byrd is the Vice President for Student Services at Casper College, one of the largest and most comprehensive community colleges in the region.
In her current role, Byrd is responsible for overseeing a wide range of areas, including student life (housing and student activities), security, the Campus Wellness Center (covering physical and mental health), disability services, career services, student success, enrollment services, the Early Childhood Learning Center, and athletics. Additionally, she serves as an advisor for the student senate and holds the role of Title IX Deputy Coordinator.
Previously, Byrd served Casper College as the director of student success for over two years. Before, she was the student success coordinator for four years. Byrd graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Master's degree in Adult and Post-secondary Education and an undergraduate degree in social work.
16. Tammy Reed
Senior Vice President, Trihydro Corporation
Tammy Reed is the Senior Vice President of Trihydro Corporation. She first joined the company in 2004 as a transportation and infrastructure development team leader. Headquartered in Laramie, Wyoming, Trihydro provides environmental consulting, engineering and surveying, air quality and process management, information technology, and water and natural resource services to public and private clients.
Reed is an experienced civil engineer with a proven history of working in the infrastructure and transportation engineering consulting industry. She is skilled in environmental awareness, transportation design, and municipal infrastructure design, including water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater systems. Her expertise extends to drainage design, civil site design, resource management, quality assurance/quality control, construction cost estimating, bidding assistance, and construction administration, monitoring, and reporting.
Previously, Reed was a civil engineer at WWC Engineering. She earned a Master's degree in Civil Engineering and an undergraduate degree in civil engineering from the University of Wyoming.
17. Barbara Tyrrell
Chief Capture & Proposal Officer, Noble
Since January 2024, Barbara Tyrrell has served Noble as the Chief Capture and Proposal Officer. Noble drives mission success with world-class products, logistics, services, and training through accelerated procurement.
Tyrrell has 30 years of experience managing large federal proposals with complex requirements, multi-disciplined technical solutions, diverse team members, fast-paced production, and budget constraints supporting a wide range of technical disciplines. Before joining Noble, Tyrrell was a consultant at Shipley Associates. Before that, she was a director of proposal operations and strategy analysis at ORAU. Earlier in her career, she worked with SAIC as a proposal center manager.
To prepare for her future career, Tyrrell received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Maine.
18. Deby Forry
Chief Financial Officer, WEST
Deby Forry has extensive work experience in financial leadership roles. Forry most recently served as the Chief Financial Officer at WEST, Inc. since October 2021. WEST provides environmental and statistical consulting services and contract research nationally and internationally to industry, government, and private organizations. They offer clients a unique combination of field ecology and statistics to help solve ongoing and contemporary natural resource problems.
Previously, Forry was the outreach director at ConnectGEN LLC, starting in May 2018. From November 2018 to June 2021, she worked as the chief financial officer and chief general counsel at San Juan Construction, Inc. In her early career, she held the position of CFO and corporate counsel at Trihydro Corporation, serving in those roles from September 2000 to May 2018. She was responsible for overseeing corporate fiscal responsibility and strategic planning. Forry also served as the SVP at Trihydro Corporation during the same period.
Forry has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Wyoming., as well as a Master of Science in the same field. She also has a JD from the University of Wyoming College of Law.
19. Sagan Wheeler
Chief Human Resources Officer, Ivinson Memorial Hospital
Sagan Wheeler is the Chief Human Resources Officer of Ivinson Memorial Hospital. She first joined the team in 2016 as a human resources generalist.
Wheeler began her tenure at Ivinson Memorial Hospital in 2016 as an HR generalist. She was promoted to marketing director two years later and then to senior director of partner services less than three years after that. In 2022, she was made a VP and started her current position in April 2024. Previously, Wheeler worked with the University of Wyoming as a program advisor and senior project coordinator.
Wheeler earned a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration and Management and Mental Health Counseling and an undergraduate degree in communication from the University of Wyoming.
20. Cathi Lewis
Executive Director, Aledade
Cathi Lewis is the Executive Director of Aledade, a public benefit corporation and the largest network of independent primary care in the country, helping physician practices, health centers, and clinics deliver value-based care to patients.
In her role at Aledade, Lewis is responsible for ACO accounts in the West region market, covering Colorado, New Mexico, Washington, and Utah, for all lines of business, including commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid. Her prior experience includes over 12 years at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming in the provider relations and contracting area. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Institute of Business and Medical Career as an instructor.
Lewis graduated from Western Governors University with an MBA in Business. She also studied population health management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
21. Lacey Russell
Vice President of Finance, AMPEX BRANDS
Lacey Russell is the Vice President of Finance of AMPEX BRANDS, a restaurant company based in Richardson, Texas, United States. Russell’s first role at AMPEX BRANDS was as a finance manager. She was promoted to director of financial planning and analysis less than a year later and then to her current position less than two years later in April 2024.
Russell is an accomplished senior finance and accounting professional with a strong background in hospitality, specializing in analyzing financial business trends and partnering with sales and operations leadership teams to provide data that supports sound business decisions. She has extensive experience in collaborating with operations teams to identify efficiencies and enhance understanding of P&Ls. Russell’s expertise includes detailed short-term and long-term planning, forecasting, and reporting for restaurants and corporate departments. She has successfully improved data inefficiencies in previous roles by developing standardized reporting tools using Power Pivot, business intelligence software, and VBA solutions. Known as a resourceful collaborator and leader, she is respected for her integrity, professionalism, and ability to inspire cooperation and exceed business expectations.
Russell started her career in 2013 as a print manager and then account supervisor at Six Flags. Before joining AMPEX BRANDS, she held finance and accounting positions at multiple companies, including a financial analyst for Infinix Global, a financial planning and analysis manager for Lucky Strike Entertainment, and an account for WRJ Design Associates, LTD. Russell graduated from Western Governors University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
22. Nicole Ostermiller
Chief Operating Officer, Powell Valley Healthcare
Nicole Ostermiller is the Chief Operating Officer of Powell Valley Healthcare. She first joined the team in 2004 as a registered nurse. Powell Valley Healthcare serves the BigHorn Basin's healthcare needs with a 25-bed critical access hospital, physician clinics with various specialties, Powell Valley Care Center, The Heartland Assisted Living, and Fast Track Walk-in Care located in their Emergency Services department.
With 20 years of serving Powell Valley Healthcare, Ostermiller started as a registered nurse in 2004. After just one year, she was promoted to a director role. She was made resident services administrator in 2011 and then VP of resident care services in 2015. She accepted her current position in 2017.
Ostermiller earned an MBA in Health/Healthcare from Western Governors University and an undergraduate degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix.
23. Kelli Furniss
Chief Deposit Officer, First Bank of Wyoming
Kelli Furniss is the Chief Deposit Officer of First Bank of Wyoming. At First Bank of Wyoming, Division of Glacier Bank, their people are their most valuable asset. They seek qualified employees who enjoy people, are innovative and who are eager to learn. In return, they provide opportunities for personal advancement and professional growth.
She is an experienced Banker with over 42 years with a demonstrated history of working in the banking industry. Before joining First Bank of Wyoming, Furniss was a head/lead teller at America First Credit Union.
Furniss is a business development professional with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Finance focused in Business Administration, Management, and Finance from Weber State University.
24. Erica Galvez
Chief Executive Officer, Manifest MedEx
Erica Galvez is the Chief Executive Officer of Manifest MedEx, a nonprofit health network serving all of California that helps health leaders reach their goals of improving outcomes and reducing costs.
Galvez has been with Manifest MedEx since 2017. She started there as the director of community and public partnerships. She was promoted to the chief of staff for VP programs and partnerships just six months later. By November 2018, she was the chief strategy officer, and then the chief operating officer by November 2021. She started as CEO in July 2022.
Galvez started her career in 2005 as an associate project director at the Department of Health Services Research at The Joint Commission. From there, she went on to AHIMA Foundation, before eventually rising to health information exchange director at Aledade, Inc., her most recent position before joining Manifest MedEx.
25. Jennifer Evans
Chief Operating Officer, Climate Cardinals
Jennifer Evans is the Chief Operating Officer of Climate Cardinals, a youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to making the climate movement more accessible to non-English speakers and championing grassroots climate education. It aims to educate and empower a diverse coalition of people to address the climate crisis.
Previously, Evans was an ORISE climate equity fellow at the USDA Northeast Climate Hub at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. Before that, she was a climate and society student at Columbia Climate School at Columbia University in the City of New York. Earlier in her career, she worked with Jackson Hole Sports as a rental technician.
Evans earned a Master of Arts in Climate and Society from Columbia University and Columbia Climate School and an undergraduate degree in sociology and environmental studies from St. Lawrence University.
26. Allison Gapter
Vice President of Marketing, Lightning Estimates
Allison Gapter is the Vice President of Marketing of Lightning Estimates, a SaaS tool designed to help mortgage lenders with an easy-to-use interface to create mortgage estimates in less than two minutes versus 20 to 30 minutes with other loan apps.
Gapter is an authentic, approachable, and naturally curious leader, teacher, and life coach, passionate about inspiring people to try new things and innovate to achieve their goals. At her core, she is a socially interactive person who is always fascinated by learning about other people and cultures. Her role as a marketer is a natural extension of this innate interest. Bringing people together to solve problems, reach common goals, and help stakeholders and customers overcome challenges is what inspires her and keeps her motivated.
Early in her career, Gapter served as an advertising and marketing manager at Extron Electronics. From there, she went on to Comstor, before eventually rising to VP of global partner marketing at SAP, her most recent position before joining Lightning Estimates. Gapter graduated from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs with an MBA in Marketing and from James Madison University with an undergraduate degree in communications.
27. Kayla Vos
Chief Operating Officer, Peregrine Global Services
Kayla Vos is the Chief Operating Officer of Peregrine Global Services, which develops leaders and provides higher education assessment, educational, and support services. As COO, Vos understands that true leadership stems from empowering others and that success is a collective endeavor. Her approach is deeply collaborative, ensuring that each voice is heard and every team member is seen.
In 2012, Vos joined Peregrine as a business manager but quickly realized her passion lies in engaging with others. Over the past 11 years, she has taken on various roles at Peregrine, including director of client services and vice president of business development. During this time, she has learned from the best in education, technology, and leadership, and has passed these insights and lessons down to cultivate the next wave of leaders.
Vos started her career in 2006 as a director of sales and events at Clarion Hotel. From there, she eventually rose to customer service representative at Visionary Broadband, her most recent position before joining Peregrine Global Services. Vos graduated from Franklin University with an undergraduate degree in public relations and client engagement.
28. Alexandra Jajonie
Senior Vice President of Operations, Luxury Card
Alexandra Jajonie is the Senior Vice President of operations of Luxury Card. She first joined the company in 2014 as a marketing manager. Luxury Card is a global leader in the premium credit card market with a mission to shape the industry through innovation, value, and service.
Jajonie has had a diverse range of roles and experiences in her work history. Jajonie began her career at Richard B. Cheney in 2009, where she served as a research assistant, supporting Vice President Cheney and Liz Cheney with research for her book and coordinating related events. In 2014, she joined Luxury Card as a marketing manager, overseeing marketing activities until 2017 when she was promoted to director of operations. Jajonie then advanced to vice president of operations in 2018 and subsequently became senior vice president of operations in May 2019.
Jajonie obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Virginia Tech, completing her degree in 2009.
29. Brittany Ashby
President and Managing Director, The Align Team
Brittany Ashby is the President and Managing Director of The Align Team. With over 30 years of strategic management and administration experience, Align has the expertise to address strategic business goals, including improved service and productivity, overall efficiency, reduced costs, and superior team development with measurable outcomes.
Ashby has more than 15 years of experience working within nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, and private businesses in strategic planning, human resources, program management, project management, organizational structure, group facilitation, and training in the small business, human services, early education, and economic development sectors. Ashby has additional experience in instructional design and training implementation with a background in online learning; leadership and styles assessments and coaching; organizational development; and strategic HR. Ashby is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources through the Human Resources Certification Institute and a SHRM-Senior Certified Professional. Ashby received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado at Boulder and her Master of Science from the University of Wyoming.
Ashby is also a principal consultant with Align, a consulting, training, and program management firm started in 2004 to help organizations and businesses advance toward their mission through customized solutions, including program management, knowledge development, and trusted advising.
30. Nadia Kimmel
Chief Executive Officer, Desert Mountain Medicine
Nadia Kimmel is the Chief Executive Officer of Desert Mountain Medicine, which provides wilderness medicine training for outdoor recreationists, outdoor professionals, medical professionals, and personnel employed by governmental agencies or industries operating in remote regions.
Kimmel is an experienced owner with a proven history of working in the public safety industry. She is skilled in research, customer service, adult education, strategic planning, and teaching. Her expertise allows her to effectively manage and lead in a dynamic and critical field.
Kimmel graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Master's in Forestry, from Regis University with an undergraduate degree in nursing, and from Colorado State University with an undergraduate degree in natural resources management and conservation biology.
31. Misty Gehle
Chief Financial Officer, Wyoming Community Foundation
Misty Gehle is the Chief Financial Officer of Wyoming Community Foundation. For over 30 years the Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) has connected people who care with causes that matter to build a better Wyoming.
Gehle graduated from Midland Lutheran College in 1994, she received her CPA certification from the State of Nebraska in 1996 and spent the next 15-plus years working in public accounting in Nebraska, Kansas, and Wyoming. She joined the Cheyenne, Wyoming, office of McGladrey & Pullen in the fall of 1997, where she began working in the tax department. The partners of this office bought out McGladrey in 2000 and at that time joined the McGladrey Alliance network of offices, allowing McGee, Hearne & Paiz, LLP (MHP) local ownership and control but with national resources. Gehle worked with this office from 1997 through 2010, except for about one year during which she worked as a finance manager for a local chemical manufacturing company. She left MHP in 2010 to broaden her financial/accounting knowledge, as well as complete her MBA with the University of Wyoming.
Gehle enjoys volunteer work with other organizations. In 2012 and 2013, she served as the president of the Cheyenne Kiwanis Club, one of the largest Kiwanis clubs in the world. She has worked with many other volunteer organizations in Cheyenne and is a graduate of the 2006-2007 Leadership Cheyenne program sponsored by the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. In addition to her Nebraska CPA certification, Gehle currently holds a CPA certification with the State of Wyoming and is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Wyoming Society of CPAs.
32. Julie Adelmann
Vice President Public Relations, Teton Therapy
Julie Adelmann is the Vice President of Public Relations of Teton Therapy, a Physical and Occupational Therapy company with clinics in Riverton, Lander, and Cheyenne Wyoming.
Adelmann has 27 years of experience. She is an innovative professional with a proven track record in public relations and marketing. She has demonstrated versatility in working independently or leading and inspiring teams to achieve outstanding results. Passionate about crafting engaging content, she excels at driving strategic initiatives that resonate with audiences. Before joining Teton Therapy, Adelmann was the owner, managing director, and website manager for Otsdawa Junction Farm, where she designed, developed, and maintained the website and marketing initiatives of a family farm business. Before that, she was a producer and camera and audio operator for VideoLink Philadelphia. Earlier in her career, she worked with NY1 News as a master control operator, studio audio and camera operator, director, and technical director.
Adelmann graduated from S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University with an undergraduate degree in producing electronic media.
33. Deli Ranieri
Chief Retail Officer, Trona Valley Federal Credit Union
Deli Ranieri is the Chief Retail Officer for the Trona Valley Federal Credit Union, a caring partner dedicated to financial success that offers services and products in 10 counties in Wyoming and Utah.
Ranieri started at the Trona Valley Federal Credit Union in 1993 and has faithfully served the team and customers for over 30 years. In addition to her current role, she has also held the responsibilities of the chief human resources officer. She oversaw and implemented all HR functions, including performance management, executing relevant strategic initiatives, and managing retirement and benefit accounts.
Additionally, Ranieri has experience overseeing business development, training, marketing, and branch managers. She has also worked closely with the management team at the Trona Valley Federal Credit Union to cultivate leadership development and coaching skills.
34. Ashley Davis
Clinical Director of Hospice and Palliative, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
Ashley Davis is the Clinical Director of Hospice and Palliative of Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, a 222-bed hospital, located in Cheyenne, Wyoming that provides exceptional patient care and is passionate about moving healthcare forward for their region.
Davis is a passionate clinical director and experienced team leader. As an active listener, she delivers quality patient care and efficiently manages hospice and palliative operations. A strong patient advocate, she uses her knowledge to educate staff members and is assertive in making decisions that benefit both the patient and the team. Davis began her healthcare journey as a staff nurse, quickly advancing in her career due to her leadership skills and willingness to take risks. Her passion for hospice care drives her to provide unwavering support for her staff and to communicate effectively to ensure tasks are completed.
Davis graduated from Western Governors University with an MBA from Kaplan University with an undergraduate degree in registered nursing and from Albright College with an undergraduate degree in biochemistry.
35. Toni Marie Kopack
Partner, DAPCPA
Toni Marie Kopack is the Partner of DAPCPA. She performs bookkeeping duties, prepares individual and business tax returns, and collects and analyzes financial information to recommend or develop efficient use of resources and procedures. She provides strategic recommendations and maintains solutions to business and financial problems, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations while safeguarding the integrity of financial data. Additionally, she compiles and analyzes financial information to prepare financial statements, including monthly and annual accounts, along with a variety of other tasks.
Kopack is an experienced staff accountant with a proven history of working in the accounting industry. She is skilled in tax preparation, Microsoft Excel, analytical skills, fixed assets management, and customer service. As a strong accounting professional, she holds a bachelor's degree in accounting, with a focus on accounting and finance, from the University of Phoenix.
Early in Kopack’s career, she served as a general manager at Subway, where she was in charge of the full operation of numerous Subway and Bagelmaker restaurants. After over a decade in this role, she became an independent fashion consultant with LuLaRoe for nearly five years. She joined DAPCPA in 2008. Kopack graduated from the University of Phoenix with an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance.
36. Arunram Kalaiselvan
Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Arya
Arunram Kalaiselvan is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Arya, a software company for healthcare providers. Kalaiselvan is an engineer, entrepreneur, and UX/game designer currently working in the IoT space, where she bridges the gap between blockchain and the broader ecosystem. She leverages her diverse experience in AdTech, OTT, music, finance, and mobile development to build new and more efficient technology.
Previously, Kalaiselvan was the chief product officer at Flow Labs and the chief information officer at AIKON. Before that, she was a member of the technical staff at Machinify, Inc. She has several additional leadership positions, including director of engineering at Chronicled, co-founder and CTO at Blockdaemon, VP of engineering at Modus Capital, senior software engineer at Vizbee Inc., VP of engineering at Voray, and senior software developer at PlaceIQ. Her responsibilities have included technical leadership, product development, and team management.
Kalaiselvan obtained a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Anna University. She has a Master's degree in Integrated Digital Media from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University.
37. Margaret Cox
Chief Financial Officer, HealthWorks
Margaret Cox is the Chief Financial Officer of HealthWorks. In addition to primary medical care for all ages, HealthWorks provides dental care, mental and behavioral health services, and affordable prescriptions.
Cox is an experienced business manager with a proven history of working in the education management industry. As a strong sales professional, she is skilled in nonprofit organizations, event planning, Microsoft Excel, customer service, and data analysis. Her expertise allows her to effectively manage and support various business operations within the educational sector. Cox started her career in 2004 as an IT specialist at Mountain West Farm Bureau. From there, she went on to Toothzone, before eventually rising to business manager at Carbon County School District One, her most recent position before joining HealthWorks.
Cox graduated from the University of Wyoming with an MS in Finance and an undergraduate degree in economics and finance.
38. Laura McKinney
President and CEO, Magic City Enterprises
Laura McKinney is the President and CEO of Magic City Enterprises, which has provided support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1971.
McKinney first joined Magic City Enterprises in 2008. She possesses extensive industry knowledge and strong interpersonal skills, with expertise in budgeting and leadership development. Her experience in nonprofits and strategic planning is complemented by her abilities in team building, social services, and management.
McKinney is skilled in program development, training, and organizational development, making her a valuable asset in driving initiatives forward. Additionally, she has a proven track record in fundraising, community outreach, and public speaking, and she has experience in the healthcare sector.
39. Heather Becker
Global Senior Director Solution Architecture, GE Vernova
Heather Becker is the Global Senior Director of Solution Architecture at GE Vernova, an energy business company that provides digital, energy consulting, energy financial services, gas power, grid solutions, nuclear energy, power conversion, renewable energy, and steam power. Becker has a proven track record of launching successful sales strategies, managing sales teams, and driving growth in the oil and gas sector. Additionally, Becker excels in motivating and retaining sales teams and distributor networks.
Becker is a sales, marketing, and business development executive with extensive experience and success in managing multi-million dollar projects, sales-cycle management, and the development of planning and implementation strategies. With over 20 years of experience as a top-performing technical sales executive, she is independently motivated and excels in sales and account management. Becker offers deep sales knowledge within technology services and has a proven track record of business development success within mid-sized and Fortune 500 markets. She has a demonstrated ability to develop teams, processes, and synergies that drive top growth, profit, and efficiency. Her strong communication and organizational skills enable her to manage multiple projects concurrently, with exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving, and follow-through capabilities. Innovative and resourceful, she quickly learns and implements new concepts into daily operations.
Early in Becker’s career, she was a director of sales and marketing at Wyoming.com, LLC. From there, she went on to Cerento Inc., before eventually rising to SVP of sales at End 2 End Technologies (E2E), her most recent position before joining GE Vernova. Becker graduated from the University of Wyoming at Casper with an undergraduate degree in communications and marketing.
40. Shannon Polk
Executive Director for the Ivinson Memorial Hospital Foundation
Shannon Polk is the Executive Director for the Ivinson Memorial Hospital Foundation. She first joined the team in 2021. Ivinson Memorial Hospital has been providing world-class care to Wyoming since 1917. Polk is a graduate of the University of Wyoming and completed the Leadership Wyoming program in 2020. She is actively engaged in the Laramie community, and currently a member of the Laramie Rotary. Polk previously served as chair of the Laramie City Planning Commission and assisted with developing Laramie’s 10-Year Community Economic Development Strategic Action Plan.
Previously, Polk worked at the University of Wyoming for eight years in various roles. From August 2019 to August 2021, she served as chief operations officer and senior project manager. Before that, she was the executive director of board relations for the UW trustees and the office of the president. From 2013 to 2017, she held the position of manager of business operations for the office of the president and deputy secretary for the UW Board of Trustees.
Polk served on numerous committees while at UW and held a seat on the President’s Cabinet, and in November 2019, she was awarded the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees Certificate of Gratitude and Appreciation for her exemplary leadership and service. Before coming to UW, Polk worked in the US Department of Justice in the United States Attorney’s Office in Cheyenne and Casper and the Division of Criminal Investigation for the State Crime Laboratory in Cheyenne.
41. Kristina Behringer
Medical Director, Optum
Kristina Behringer is the Medical Director of Optum, a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives.
Behringer is currently working with Wyoming Medicaid/WYhealth, focusing on population health, health management, and utilization management initiatives. Her role involves reviewing data, adjusting methodologies, driving programmatic innovation, and engaging in client-facing activities while building relationships across the state. She is skilled in data analysis and is adept at initiating and driving projects forward. Known for her creativity and innovative thinking, she consistently brings fresh ideas and solutions to her work. She is active in the Wyoming Medical Society Executive Leadership Training and serves as the president of the Laramie County Medical Society.
42. Laura Parker
Regional Director of Revenue Strategy, Aimbridge Hospitality
Laura Parker is the Regional Director of Revenue Strategy of Aimbridge Hospitality. She first joined the company in 2018 as area director of revenue strategy.
Parker is a hotel marketing expert with 19 years of experience in electronic distribution and revenue management, leading a group of hotels to drive all sales and marketing activities. She is knowledgeable about a wide range of hotel brands, including Doubletree, Hampton Inn, HGI, Marriott, Sheraton, Hyatt, Wyndham, and Intercontinental. Her extensive experience as a regional director of revenue management spans managing regions with five to 26 hotels across the US. She has been heavily involved in brand management and vendor relations, demonstrating strong analytical skills, effective communication, and proven leadership ability. Her accomplishments include achieving the number-one rank in RevPAR (revenue per available room) for the Westchester market for three consecutive years, with her hotel maintaining its position as the market leader.
Previously, Parker has worked in a director role for multiple hospitality companies, including Holiday Inn, Meyer Jabara Hotels, Highgate Hotels, Hersha Hospitality, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Baywood Hotels, and Paragon Hotel Company. Parker graduated from Johnson & Wales University.
43. Kari Finley
Co-Director, Montana State University
Kari Finley is the Co-Director of Montana State University. In this role, Finley delivers strategic leadership for the Center for Health and Safety Culture at Montana State University, an interdisciplinary center dedicated to serving communities and organizations through research, training, and support services designed to cultivate healthy and safe cultures. She spearheads initiatives focused on growing positive cultures and ensuring continued effectiveness in the evolving public health landscape.
Finley is passionate about effecting positive change through science and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. As an accomplished leader of a portfolio of projects, she has consistently provided strategic, programmatic, and operational leadership throughout her career, enhancing organizational responsiveness and sustainability. Her work extends to fostering multidisciplinary collaborations with organizations and communities nationwide, facilitating the growth of research, training, and support services. As a researcher, writer, and keynote speaker, she has stimulated dialogue on the role of culture in public health, presenting at an international conference and across the United States. Her expertise in behavior change has yielded positive outcomes, evidenced by the development of impactful training, collaboration, and research.
Before joining Montana State University, Finley worked with West Park Hospital as an outpatient supervisor and outpatient therapist. She graduated from Colorado State University with an MSW from Walden University with a PhD in Human Services, and from Montana State University Billings with an undergraduate degree in counseling and human services.
44. Jill Vail
Director of Strategic Initiative Management, Sysco
Jill Vail is the Director of Strategic Initiative Management at Sysco, an American multinational corporation involved in marketing and distributing food products, small wares, kitchen equipment, and tabletop items to restaurants, healthcare, and educational facilities, and hospitality businesses like hotels and inns.
Vail is an experienced director of business specialists with a proven track record of managing people and fostering a strong, unified culture. With extensive experience in the food and beverages industry, she is skilled in marketing, strategy, consulting, catering, food preparation, menu costing, and business planning. Her expertise allows her to drive successful initiatives and lead teams effectively in a competitive market.
Vail spent over two decades at Sysco Montana, starting as a relief marketing associate and ending her tenure there as the director of business resources and marketing. She started at Sysco as a director of business specialists in 2020 and accepted her current role in 2023. Vail graduated from Montana State University-Bozeman with an undergraduate degree in business.
45. Danette Pape
Director of Operations, Change Healthcare
Danette Pape is the Director of Operations of Change Healthcare, a provider of revenue and payment cycle management that connects payers, providers, and patients within the US healthcare system.
Pape has been part of the Change Healthcare team for over 25 years. In her current position, she utilizes a variety of leadership skills, including communication and professional development, as well as exceptional interpersonal skills. Pape is dedicated to fostering a positive work environment for the Change Healthcare team and is focused on building strong, collaborative teams. Pape has achieved professional credentials in interviewing techniques, motivating and engaging employees, time management for managers, hiring contract employees, and being positive at work.
46. Catherine West
Director of Guest Experiences, Brush Creek Ranch
Catherine West is the Director of Guest Experiences at Brush Creek Ranch. She is a passionate and seasoned hospitality professional with a robust background in event management and guest services. Born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming, her journey in hospitality began at Pima Community College before she transferred to Northern Arizona University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Management.
West’s career spans over a decade, during which she has made significant contributions to renowned establishments. She honed her skills at JW Marriott Starr Pass in Tucson, where she held various roles from locker room attendant to event assistant, before advancing to event services manager. Her journey continued at Gaylord Opryland Resort, where she coordinated conferences in a venue boasting 600,000 square feet of meeting space. In 2016, West returned to Tucson, thriving in her role as event services manager and later as part of the Catering Sales Team, where she played a pivotal role in achieving a record sales milestone of over $2.5 million in local catering.
In 2018, West’s passion for event management led her back to Wyoming with a new challenge at Brush Creek Ranch, a luxurious destination celebrated in various travel magazines. After a rewarding tenure, she took her expertise to the Parthenon Management Group in Nashville, where her dream of becoming a director of events came true in March 2021. Since then, she has successfully planned and executed over $10 million worth of events in just 25 weeks. West and her family share a love for travel, frequently visiting resorts across the United States and Mexico. This firsthand experience has given her a deep appreciation for creating spaces, where clients feel welcome, comfortable, and pampered.
47. Sydney Werry
Wine Director, Brush Creek Ranch
Sydney Werry is the Wine Director of Brush Creek Ranch, a grand western destination offering an ultra-private collection of historic guest ranches set on a 30,000-acre working cattle ranch outside of Saratoga in south central Wyoming's North Platte River Valley. Werry started at Brush Creek Ranch in 2002 as the head sommelier and was promoted to the director level in 2023.
Werry is a dedicated, passionate, and driven individual who always seeks solutions to any problem. With a deep interest in all aspects of the restaurant industry and experience as a sommelier, she is a positive person looking for a place where she can make a difference and achieve success in the work environment. Previously, Werry was a head sommelier at WS New York. Before that, she was a sommelier at Aldo Sohm Wine Bar. Earlier in her career, she worked with Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa as a retail associate.
Werry graduated from the University of Arizona with an undergraduate degree in theater arts, where she participated in the Kappa Alpha Theta Women's Fraternity.
48. Lael Good
Director Global Consulting Services, The Ken Blanchard Companies
Lael Good, the Director of Global Consulting Services for Blanchard, is a skilled speaker and facilitator who understands the people and business aspects of today’s organizations. Her capabilities in and knowledge of organizational development and instructional design complement her natural ability to influence and involve people in solving problems on their own.
Good acquired extensive intercultural knowledge and skills through her work and travel experience in Western and Eastern Europe, Central and Latin America, Africa, China, India, and the Middle East. She has been the lead consultant on many of the largest multinational client initiatives for Blanchard and is consistently a requested senior consultant because of her diverse skill set and ability to work with global organizations. Her clients include many Fortune 1000 organizations in multiple industries. Good is a coauthor on Leading at a Higher Level and three Blanchard solutions: Team Leadership, Leadership Point of View, and The Leadership Bridge: SLII and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. She is an expert on the dynamics of people working together and high-performance teamwork. She is a certified team coach and team practitioner through EMCC Global and specializes in working with leadership teams at the executive level.
Good received her Bachelor’s degree in Counseling from the University of Arizona and her Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wyoming. She was honored with a Distinguished Alumni award by the University of Wyoming in 2003. She has been recognized as an Outstanding Woman of Wyoming for her professional and civic contributions as a result of her role as director of a private nonprofit behavioral health center and her commitment to community development.
49. Melissa Babcock
Community Director, Kairoi Residential
Melissa Babcock is the Community Director of Kairoi Residential. Since 2002, Kairoi Residential has developed or owned more than 27,000 units in many cities and states across the country. In 2017, it rebranded its businesses as Kairoi Residential with the clearly stated mission to deliver value for its residents, provide incredible growth opportunities for its associates, and generate greater returns for its partners.
Babcock is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in collaborative leadership and strategic planning across property and operations management. Recognized for her natural aptitude in leading and managing multi-site property operations, she consistently ensures cost-effectiveness in project execution. Her contributions have directly supported company growth and expansion throughout her career. Babcock’s expertise includes property portfolio management, budget development, compliance strategy, capital project improvement, operational efficiency, tenant relations, process improvement, and problem-solving. To excel in these areas, she leverages effective communication, negotiation skills, business acumen, project management, cross-functional collaboration, and resource management, all aimed at supporting efficiency and maximizing returns.
Babcock started her career in 2005 as an administrative assistant at eTelecare Global Solutions. From there, she went on to Walmart, before eventually rising to senior multi-site property manager at Seldin Company, her most recent position before joining Kairoi Residential. Babcock graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management.
50. Nikki Melanson
Director of Marketing & Communications, Western US and Canada Division, The Nature Conservancy
Nikki Melanson is the Director of Marketing and Communications at, the Western US and Canada Division of The Nature Conservancy, a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world, where people and nature can thrive. In this role, Melanson collaborates across the Western US and Canada divisions to achieve high-impact marketing outcomes, managing a team to activate strategic marketing plans for business units in partnership with the organization's marketing resource center. She contributes to and supports national brand campaigns and other projects that reach local audiences, bringing a creative and solutions-oriented approach to elevate the work and increase efficiencies.
Melanson specializes in marketing strategy and planning for divisional programs and initiatives, with a strong focus on strategic planning and implementation. Her expertise includes project and brand management, building cross-functional teams, and assessing and implementing organizational efficiencies. She is also dedicated to developing leadership acumen. Her specialties include relationship building, negotiation, creative thinking and problem-solving, and project management. Melanson began her service for The Nature Conservancy in 2008 as the associate director of marketing. In 2000, she was made the director of marketing and added her current responsibilities in 2022.
Melanson earned an MS in Publications Management from Drexel University and an undergraduate degree in English and French from James Madison University.