Leadership Boise graduates 54 community leaders

Leadership Boise and the Leadership Boise Alumni Association (LBAA) welcomed 54 graduates into the alumni network at The Grove Hotel on June 1! The Class of 2017 along with their families and colleagues celebrated their two-year achievement and recognized five outstanding community leaders and organizations.

Like our past classes, the Class of 2017 was filled with outstanding and diverse individuals, and represented the Treasure Valley's top and growing organizations. Each graduate brought expertise from their own industries including law and healthcare, technology and architecture, events and human resources to name a few, but what they took away from the program was so much more.

"As a relative new comer to Boise, I have learned an incredible amount about our community. From the roads & infrastructure that keep our city running smoothly to the justice system that keeps us safe, the curriculum provided in-depth educational experiences across a wide spectrum of topics," shared Josh Bishop, PharmD and Vice President, Idaho Regional Director, at PacificSource Health Plans. Over their two years, we captured a brief summary of their educational experiences. ​

While their Leadership Boise involvement was impressive enough, several of them received promotions and other achievements during their participation. Jennifer Dempsey was named law partner of Andersen Schwartzman Woodard Brailsford PLLC and Alexis Townsend was promoted to senior architect at LCA Architects, to name a few. Several others were recognized for community achievements including Karlee May, Downtown Boise Association, Volunteer Award Winner at the Boise Convention & Visitor's Bureau's ROSE Awards and Jessica Harrison, Idaho School Boards Association, Accomplished Under 40 in 2016. In addition, Beth Oppenheimer, AEYC, ran for the Boise School Board and won. These are amazing and well-deserved acknowledgments as our participants are challenged to balance current jobs and roles, community involvement, and friends and family. 

One of the most common benefits our graduates cite is the access and connection to community leaders and industry experts. Bishop said, "Not only are the sessions educational, but they also provide access to our community's most influential leaders. I believe that this is an essential experience for the next generation of leaders to have in order to truly understand what drives our community and successfully lead us into the future." His sentiment was shared by others. Natalie Chatfield of Idaho Central Credit Union echoed, "I had the opportunity to listen and learn from inspiring leaders that have given me the courage to take action... if I want a city that is vibrant and full of culture, I need to get out and participate."

These community leaders have been and continue to be valuable resources and examples as our program continues to grow. Each year, Leadership Boise recognizes these individuals and change-makers at the Annual Reunion & Class Graduation. The Community Leadership Awards, presented by Sydney Sallabanks of Perkins Coie LLP, featured:

• Lauren McLean, City of Boise, 2017 Distinguished Alumni award recipient
• Todd Cooper, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Economic Impact award recipient
• Reverend Bill Roscoe, Boise Rescue Mission Ministries, Social Responsibility award recipient
• Ray Stark, Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, Legacy of Leadership award recipient
• Family Advocates, Nonprofit Excellence award recipient

The LB alumni association is committed to the betterment of the Boise Valley and they are proud to recognize the individuals above who work to improve the quality of life for our city and its people. This year was no different as each of these leaders and Family Advocates were deserving of recognition for their contributions. 
A special "thank you" goes to our 2016-17 Leadership Boise President Heather Kimmet, Keybank N.A.; Leadership Boise Vice President, Brett Lensing, Micron; and Leadership Boise Academy Vice President, Aaron Hegstrom, Bank of the Cascades. Your efforts and leadership strengthened our program and we're proud of your accomplishments.

The Alumni Reunion & Class Graduation was presented by Perkins Coie LLP and sponsored by Boise State University Executive MBA Program, Idaho Power Company, Intermountain Gas Company, and KeyBank, N.A. We kindly thank them for their support.