​BOISE, Idaho – The Boise Metro Chamber is proud to announce the newest class of Leadership Boise. The 2026–2028 class includes 53 professionals representing a diverse range of industries and organizations across the Treasure Valley.
 
“We’re excited to bring these professionals together to learn about their community, explore issues and opportunities pertinent to our region, and form a network of allies and partners who can help lead our workforce now and into the future,” said Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, president and CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber.
The new class kicked off its Leadership Boise experience with the program’s traditional Opening Retreat at the YMCA’s Camp Horsethief in Cascade, Idaho, August 21 and 22.
 
Participants heard presentations from David Duro, CEO of the Treasure Valley YMCA, and Jim Everett, retired YMCA CEO and president emeritus of The College of Idaho. Mike Krauss of Global Bound LLC led discussions exploring leadership styles and team dynamics. Participants also took part in indoor and outdoor team building and personal leadership activities designed to strengthen connections and prepare the class for the two-year program ahead.
 
The Opening Retreat was planned in partnership with Chamber staff and a team of second year Leadership Boise participants.
 
Founded in 1975, Leadership Boise has graduated more than 2,100 individuals from across the Treasure Valley. Participants attend monthly, daylong civic and leadership sessions focused on relevant and pressing issues affecting the region. Topics include quality of life, health care, innovation, infrastructure, government, business, education and more.
 
Throughout the program, participants build relationships, broaden their perspectives and strengthen their leadership, management and strategic planning skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the community they serve.
 
2026–2028 Leadership Boise Class
Amanda Ryan | Amanda Ryan Designs, LLC
Amber Nelson | Idaho Coalition for Safe Healthcare
Amy Campbell | PacificSource Health Plans
Amy Bushlach | TOK Commercial Real Estate
Andrew Nelson | Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley, LLP
Angie Vanderpool | Idaho First Bank
Audrey Scholer | Stoel Rives
Brooks King | Morgan Stanley
Cassie Graves | Boise Metro Chamber
Chris Kutz | Boise State Athletics, BSU
Colby Bishop | Lysi Bishop Real Estate
Colette Wright | Bogus Basin
Colleen Toomey | WSP
Collin Mabe | ATS Inland NW
Cyndi Enderle | Your Health Idaho
Danni Parve | St. Luke’s Health Plan
Dharma Nichols | American Red Cross
Edinson Bautista | Ada County Highway District
Eric Nelson | Cushing Terrell
Eric Hanegraaf | Jacobs Engineering
Jacob Schwehr | Andersen Construction
Jakob Flores | Boise Cascade Company
Jakob Wachter | Velma V. Morrison Center
Jeff Maffuccio | Idaho Power Company
Jenn Aiko | Holland & Hart, LLP
Joe Huff | HDR
Jonathan Bigham | CSHQA, Inc.
Jose Giron | ICCU
Katie Dillavou | Boise Cascade Company
Katie Lamansky | St. Luke’s Healthcare
Katie Yeatts | Red Sky
Keith Mason | UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Idaho
Kelly Schnebly | Colliers
Ken Corder | Idaho Housing & Finance Association
Kevin Archangel | HP, Inc.
Lauren Bouvia | Dorsey & Whitney
Lisa Mesenko | Allied Business Solutions
Lonnie Jackson | Saint Alphonsus Health System
Mauricio Guardia | Your Health Idaho
Megan Vogt | HP, Inc.
Michael Allen | Washington Trust Bank
Pardis Kabeh | HP, Inc.
Patrick Hymel | Fortinet
Rachael Bickerton | University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Sadye Haylett | MDU, Intermountain Gas Company
Sam Brown | Block22
Sara Lords | Blue Cross of Idaho
Sarah Anderson | Boise State University
Scott Walker | Idaho Air National Guard
Shawn Jones | First Interstate Bank
Stephanie Tanis | Ada County Highway District
Steven Boscawen | Boise Cascade Company
Tanner Lindquist | Adler Industrial
 
Wes Stanfill of Johnson Barrow will serve as the 2026–2027 Leadership Boise president alongside Vice President Becky Moose of K2 Construction. Jeff Hunter of Horrocks will serve as vice president of Leadership Boise Academy.
 
Leadership Boise and the Boise Metro Chamber Foundation’s leadership programs are overseen by Karyn Stuart, director of leadership programs, and Cassie Graves, Leadership Boise programs manager.
 
The 2026–2027 Leadership Boise program is sponsored by K2 Construction. The Boise Metro Chamber also thanks the Opening Retreat sponsors whose support helped make the weekend possible.

What began with a lighthearted game of fact or fiction quickly developed into a wide ranging conversation about leadership, Idaho’s rapid growth, artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure and the importance of remaining curious throughout a career.

Leadership Without All the Answers
Grow’s career at Idaho Power began in 1987 as the company’s second female engineer. Becoming CEO was never part of a carefully mapped career plan.

Instead, Grow described a career shaped by curiosity, new opportunities and a willingness to continue learning.
“I wanted to be an engineer. I wanted to solve problems,” Grow said.

As her responsibilities grew, so did her understanding of leadership. One of her most significant lessons came almost immediately after becoming CEO in 2020, when she found herself leading Idaho Power through the COVID pandemic.

There was no handbook for the situation, and Grow quickly realized leadership did not mean having every answer. It meant surrounding herself with people capable of finding them.

“My job is to help all of the 2,200 people at Idaho Power be their very best, sometimes in impossible circumstances,” she said.

That philosophy continues to shape how she leads today. Rather than viewing leadership as an individual responsibility, Grow emphasized the importance of trusting teams, asking questions and creating an environment where people can succeed.

Managing Idaho’s Rapid Growth
The conversation turned to one of the most significant issues facing businesses throughout the Treasure Valley: growth.

For Idaho Power, that growth means determining how to expand infrastructure quickly while maintaining the safety, reliability and affordability customers expect.

Grow described the pace and scale as unlike anything she has experienced during her nearly four decades with the company.

New infrastructure requires equipment, land, permitting, contractors, financing and a skilled workforce, all while Idaho Power continues serving existing customers.

“The truth is maybe balance is the single biggest thing that is the biggest challenge,” Grow said.

Richins and Grow also addressed concerns that large industrial customers are responsible for increasing residential electricity rates.

Grow explained Idaho Power's approach as “growth pays for growth.” When infrastructure is required specifically for a large customer, that customer is responsible for those costs rather than passing them along to other customer classes.

Growth, she explained, can create benefits when it is managed responsibly.

Preparing for Risks Customers May Never See
Some of Idaho Power’s most important work happens behind the scenes.

Grow highlighted the company’s wildfire mitigation efforts, which range from vegetation management and infrastructure improvements to drones, artificial intelligence and sophisticated weather modeling.

Idaho Power is using technology to inspect infrastructure in ways that would be difficult from the ground while atmospheric scientists analyze conditions to help the company better understand where wildfire risks may emerge.

The goal is not only to reduce the possibility that electrical infrastructure could contribute to a fire, but also to strengthen the system so it can better withstand fires when they occur.

The work reflects a larger theme of the conversation: preparing for challenges before customers ever experience them.

Using AI While Preserving Human Judgment
Artificial intelligence is also beginning to change how Idaho Power operates.

Grow pointed to opportunities to use AI for tasks such as reviewing decades of documentation, analyzing drone imagery and assisting with coding and other time intensive work.

But she cautioned against viewing AI simply as a replacement for people.

Instead, she compared its emergence to earlier workplace technologies that changed how employees performed their jobs rather than eliminating the need for their expertise.

“I think that it will make human judgment more important, not less,” Grow said.

For a company responsible for critical infrastructure, that distinction matters. AI can accelerate work and help employees process enormous amounts of information, but Grow emphasized that Idaho Power must remain thoughtful about where and how it is deployed.

Creating an Idaho the Next Generation Wants to Call Home
When Richins asked about Idaho’s greatest opportunity, Grow pointed to something larger than any single business or industry: quality of life.

Maintaining that quality of life as the state grows will require continued investment in education, workforce development and businesses that create opportunities for the next generation.

For Grow, the issue is also personal. She spoke about wanting Idaho to remain a place where young people can build meaningful careers and choose to return after leaving for college or other opportunities.

That means economic growth is not simply about attracting more companies. It is about creating the conditions that allow people to build lives here.

“We’ve got a good thing going here,” Richins said.

Stay Curious
Throughout the conversation, Grow repeatedly returned to curiosity.

Early in her career, she sometimes hesitated to ask questions because she worried that not knowing an answer could be viewed as a weakness. With experience, she learned the opposite.

Asking questions became one of her greatest tools as a leader.

The best career advice she received reinforced that lesson: what gets someone to one stage of a career will not necessarily be what makes them successful at the next.

Every new responsibility creates another opportunity to learn.

“Anytime you think you don't have anything more to learn, you are fooling yourself,” Grow said.
It was a fitting conclusion to a conversation that stretched from engineering and energy infrastructure to artificial intelligence and leadership.
​
The challenges facing Idaho will continue to evolve. Grow’s message to business leaders was simple: remain curious, trust good people, keep learning and be willing to solve the next problem together.

Thank You to Our SponsorsThe Boise Metro Chamber extends a special thank you to the sponsors whose support makes the CEO & Business Leader Speaker Series possible.

Presenting Sponsors: Regence and Idaho Power

Official Airline Sponsor: Alaska Airlines
​
Event Sponsors: Ahlquist, Blue Cross of Idaho, Idaho Business Review, Intermountain Gas Company and Simplot

Lisa Grow delivered these remarks at the Boise Metro Chamber's CEO and Business Leaders Speaker Series Event at JUMP on August 19, 2026. This blog post was prepared from a transcript using the help of AI.

More than 400 business and community leaders gathered at Boise Centre East on June 23, 2026 for the Boise Metro Chamber's 2026 Small Business and Chamber Excellence Awards, presented by Bank of America and Meta. The annual event recognized organizations whose leadership, innovation, service, and community impact are helping strengthen the Treasure Valley and shape Idaho's future.

The awards celebrated excellence across industries, but a common theme emerged throughout the afternoon. This year's winners and finalists are organizations that see opportunities where others see challenges. They are finding new ways to connect people to information, support families, strengthen communities, create memorable experiences, and help Idaho adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Small Businesses Making a Big Impact
The Small Business of the Year Awards highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to drive Idaho's economy.

In the category for businesses with 10 employees or fewer, BoiseDev was recognized for its role in helping Idahoans understand the rapid growth and development transforming communities across the state. Through local journalism and community-focused reporting, BoiseDev has become a trusted source of information for residents, businesses, and decision-makers navigating a changing Idaho.

The category's finalists reflected the diversity of Idaho's entrepreneurial community. Atlas Strategic Communications was recognized for helping organizations navigate complex public affairs and community engagement challenges, while White Whale Web was honored for its work creating accessible, high-performing digital experiences for government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses.

In the category for businesses with 11 to 50 employees, Stoltz Marketing Group earned top honors. For nearly three decades, the Boise-based agency has helped organizations connect people to experiences through strategic marketing, branding, and creative storytelling. Its success demonstrates how Idaho companies continue to compete and thrive while serving clients across a wide range of industries.

Fellow finalists Pacific North Contractors and A Better Solution in Home Care showcased two very different paths to success. Pacific North Contractors has built a reputation for quality and innovation in commercial construction, while A Better Solution in Home Care provides critical support services that allow seniors and individuals with specialized needs to maintain independence and quality of life.

Together, the Small Business of the Year finalists represented the innovation, resilience, and leadership that define Idaho's entrepreneurial community.

Strengthening Communities Through Service
Many of this year's honorees demonstrated that business success and community impact often go hand in hand.

The Community Engagement Excellence Award was presented to Idaho Central Credit Union, recognizing the organization's longstanding commitment to supporting schools, nonprofits, community programs, and economic development initiatives. As one of the region's largest financial institutions, ICCU continues to demonstrate how businesses can create meaningful impact far beyond their core operations.

Finalists Zions Bank and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Boise were also recognized for their dedication to serving local communities. Through volunteerism, charitable giving, small business support, and community partnerships, these organizations exemplify the important role businesses play in building stronger communities.

The Nonprofit Excellence Award highlighted organizations whose missions directly improve lives throughout Idaho. This year's award was presented to Idaho Youth Ranch, a nonprofit that has served Idaho youth and families since 1953 through behavioral health services, residential treatment, adoption programs, workforce development initiatives, and other critical support services.

Finalists United Way of Treasure Valley and WCA were recognized for their efforts to address some of the community's most pressing challenges. Through collaborative partnerships, resource navigation, education initiatives, shelter services, counseling, advocacy, and crisis support, these organizations continue to create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.

Innovation in Health and Well-Being
As Idaho continues to grow, healthcare providers are finding new ways to meet the evolving needs of residents and families.

The Healthcare Industry Excellence Award was presented to Gemba Boise, a transitional living program supporting young adults as they navigate the journey toward independent adulthood. Through individualized coaching, skill development, and community-based support, Gemba is helping bridge a critical gap between treatment services and independent living.

What distinguished this year's healthcare honorees was their focus on meeting needs that are often overlooked by traditional systems. Gemba's approach reflects a growing recognition that successful outcomes require more than treatment alone. By combining coaching, community, and practical life skills in a real-world environment, the organization is helping young adults build confidence and independence while supporting families throughout the process.

Finalist Ascend Physical Therapy was recognized for its personalized approach to rehabilitation and recovery. Since opening in 2023, the locally owned practice has expanded to multiple locations while maintaining a strong focus on individualized care, patient education, and long-term health outcomes.

Together, these organizations demonstrate how healthcare providers across the Treasure Valley are finding new ways to improve quality of life, expand access to care, and help individuals achieve their full potential.

Supporting Business Growth and Economic Opportunity
Behind every successful business is a network of advisors, financial professionals, and trusted partners helping organizations navigate challenges and seize opportunities. The Financial Services Industry Excellence Award recognizes organizations that provide the expertise and support businesses need to grow and thrive.

This year's award was presented to Sorren, a community-focused financial services firm providing assurance, tax, accounting, and advisory services to businesses, organizations, and individuals. Through a relationship-driven approach, Sorren helps clients navigate an increasingly complex business environment while planning for long-term success.

The company's recognition reflects the critical role financial advisors play in Idaho's economy. Beyond compliance and reporting, firms like Sorren serve as strategic partners, helping organizations make informed decisions, manage growth, adapt to changing market conditions, and prepare for future opportunities.

As Idaho's business community continues to evolve, access to trusted financial expertise remains essential. Sorren's commitment to delivering insight, guidance, and long-term value exemplifies the leadership and service this award was created to recognize.

Celebrating Idaho's Food and Agriculture Heritage
Food and agriculture remain central to Idaho's identity and economy, and this year's finalists showcased both tradition and innovation within the industry.

The Food and Agriculture Industry Excellence Award was presented to Telaya Wine Co., a Garden City winery that has helped elevate Idaho's reputation as a producer of premium wines. What began as a small operation producing just 50 cases has grown into one of Idaho's most respected and decorated wine brands.

Finalists ERTH Beverage Company and Kanak Attack Catering demonstrated the breadth of Idaho's food and beverage industry. ERTH Beverage Company has created health-focused beverages featuring local ingredients, while Kanak Attack Catering has spent more than two decades bringing people together through food, hospitality, and service.

Together, these organizations represent the creativity, entrepreneurship, and craftsmanship that continue to strengthen one of Idaho's most important industries.

Welcoming the World to Idaho
The Jim Moore Lifetime Legacy Award for Excellence in Travel and Hospitality was awarded to the Boise Airport as it celebrates 100 years of service to the community.

For a century, the airport has connected Idaho to the rest of the world, helping facilitate tourism, business travel, economic development, and community growth. What began as a simple airfield along the Boise River has become one of the region's most important transportation and economic assets, serving more than 5 million passengers each year.

Finalists Duck Club Entertainment and Enterprise Mobility highlighted the many ways organizations contribute to Idaho's visitor experience. Through live music, festivals, transportation services, and community events, they help create the experiences and connections that make Idaho an increasingly attractive place to visit, work, and live.

Together, these organizations represent different aspects of a thriving visitor economy. Whether welcoming travelers at the airport, creating memorable cultural experiences, or helping visitors navigate their journeys, each contributes to the connections that make Idaho an increasingly attractive place to visit, live, and do business.

A Celebration of Idaho's Future
While each award category recognized different industries and achievements, the organizations honored this year share a common commitment to making Idaho stronger.

From BoiseDev's local journalism and Stoltz Marketing Group's creative leadership to Sorren's financial expertise, Idaho Youth Ranch's support of youth and families, Gemba Boise's innovative approach to transitional care, Telaya Wine Co.'s contribution to Idaho agriculture, and the Boise Airport's century of service, this year's honorees represent the many ways organizations are helping Idaho grow and thrive.

They are informing communities, supporting families, creating jobs, driving innovation, improving health outcomes, strengthening local economies, welcoming visitors, and investing in future generations.

The 2026 Small Business and Chamber Excellence Awards served as a reminder that Idaho's success is built by organizations willing to lead, collaborate, and invest in the communities they serve.

Congratulations to all of this year's winners and finalists. Your work is helping shape a stronger, more vibrant future for the Treasure Valley and the State of Idaho.