Board of Directors

Galen graduated from Boise State University in 1985 with a BA in Political Science. In 2025, he retired from a career in law where he served for 20 years as Vice President, General Counsel of Green Diamond Resource Company, a timber company based in Seattle, Washington that owns and manages over 2.2 million acres of timberland in 9 states. Prior to Green Diamond, Galen was a partner at Perkins Coie LLP. Galen and his wife Miyoung have three sons, Peter, Jackson (BSU 2020), and Thomas (BSU 2024). They reside in Boise.

Jana graduated from Boise State University in 1984 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. She lives in Boise with her husband, Mike. She has one child, Jared, who also lives in Boise. Jana was an elementary teacher for 30 years before pursuing an elementary mathematics endorsement, also at Boise State. This led her to her current position as a mathematics specialist with Developing Mathematical Thinking Institute. Jana works with K-5 teachers in their classrooms to improve math instruction and focuses on professional development.

In her free time, Jana is found cooking, sewing, knitting and spending time outdoors. Her favorite thing to do is spend time at a family place in Donnelly. Jana is involved in a small business, Vintage Woolens of Idaho, making mittens from upcycled sweaters. Jana joined the BSU Alumni board February, 2019 and serves on the Drive for Impact committee. She enjoys the many volunteer opportunities through her participation with the Boise State Alumni Association.

Brett Davis graduated in 2017 with a Finance degree from Boise State. He was very active in fraternity life and as a student advisor. He currently works for Yardi where he builds relationships and helps Senior Living facilities of all shapes and sizes to ensure their day-to-day needs are met through their software. Brett is a member of the Boise State BOLD committee. In his free time, he enjoys trips to the dog park, trying new recipes, and sunny days on the golf course.

Abbie Belthoff is an Audit Senior Manager at Eide Bailly LLP and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). With over nine years of experience in public accounting, Abbie provides audit and advisory services to clients in a variety of industries, specializing in governmental public pension plans and commercial entities (retail, manufacturing, and distribution). In addition to overseeing the financial statement audit process, she is actively involved in recruiting and training efforts across the firm. Abbie was born and raised in the Treasure Valley and graduated from Boise State University with a BBA in Accountancy in 2016. Abbie has served on the Boise State Alumni Association Board since 2020 and has served on the Board’s Executive Committee since 2021. She also serves on the Broncos of the Last Decade (BOLD) Committee and is passionate about engaging recent Boise State graduates. In her free time, Abbie enjoys hiking, concerts, camping, and traveling.

Jim is a retired Air Force officer having served 33 years on active duty and attaining the rank of full Colonel. Jim graduated from Boise State University, Boise, Idaho in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication / English and minor in Journalism. He received his Master of Public Relations degree in 1989 through Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. Also that year, he was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force ROTC program and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Jim also holds a Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University / National War College, Ft. McNair, Washington, D.C. and completed a focused Executive Leadership Development program at the Darden School of Business Administration, University of Virginia, Charlottesville. He served as a credentialed federal law enforcement Special Agent in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) for the bulk of his Air Force career in world-wide assignments conducting and supervising felony-level criminal, fraud, and counterintelligence investigations and counterterrorism operations. Jim also served as the Commander of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC), Northwest Region, headquartered at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. The Region’s team of 215 cadre members supported 2,800 enrolled AFROTC cadets at 34 university detachments across 19 states from Alaska to the upper peninsula of Michigan.

Just prior to retirement from active-duty service, Jim was appointed as the Director of Force Development & Talent Management for the 4000+ personnel assigned to the Air Force OSI. He has been awarded several decorations during his Air Force career to include the Legion of Merit with 4 Oak Leaf clusters, the Defense Meritorious Service medal and the Meritorious Service Medal with 6 Oak Leaf clusters.

Hailie is a seventh-generation Idahoan with a passion for making positive change in the state that she loves. She graduated from Boise State University in 2018 with two bachelor’s degrees in economics and political science. After her time at Boise State, she went on to complete her MBA with an emphasis in data analytics at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. During her time at Boise State University, she was an active member of the Talkin’ Broncos Speech and Debate team. She was a nationally ranked debater and has leveraged the skills that she learned to advance her professional career.

Hailie is a lobbyist and principal at Waskow Policy LLC, a government affairs firm that helps clients navigate state and local governments. She is motivated by learning opportunities and prides herself on becoming an expert in client issues. When she isn’t working, she volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) on child protection cases. As a Guardian Ad Litem, she advocates for the best interest of the children involved in the case.

Nolan King is a 2023 graduate of Boise State University with a B.B.A. in Finance and a minor in Marketing. During his tenure at BSU, he actively engaged in the Greek life community, assuming responsibility for organizing and directing his chapter’s philanthropic efforts. Additionally, he held a leadership role as the Financial Executive Officer for the Order of Omega. Post-graduation, Nolan swiftly transitioned into the financial services industry, assuming the role of a Financial Advisor, specializing in corporate retirement planning.

Outside of his professional career, he enjoys cooking, snowboarding, golfing, and cheering on the Broncos. As a dedicated Pacific Northwest enthusiast, he has been a lifelong fan of the Seahawks, Mariners, and Trailblazers.

Miranda was raised in the Twin Falls area, where she developed a deep appreciation for the people, pace, and potential of Idaho. She is a two-time graduate of Boise State University, earning her undergraduate degree in social work in 2013 and later returning to complete her MBA in 2022.

After grad school, Miranda set off on a bit of a corporate adventure, gaining experience at HP and later at JP Morgan Chase. Along the way, she picked up tools in business strategy, data analytics, and relationship-building that now fuel her real passion: helping small businesses thrive.

These days, Miranda focuses on being a connector in the Treasure Valley, supporting entrepreneurs, sharing resources, and finding creative ways to help good ideas grow. She loves calling Idaho home and is proud to be raising her family here.

Heather Hart Dunbar began her Boise State journey as a student in the College of Business and Economics, where she built strong relationships with faculty, staff, and peers. While completing her degree in accounting, which she earned in 2014, she also worked at the college, further deepening her connection to the university. The experience rooted her in the Bronco community and sparked a lasting commitment to Boise State.

That connection brought her back to the university in new roles: first as chapter advisor for Phi Mu Sorority, Xi Gamma Chapter, where she helped student leaders navigate challenges, build leadership skills, and strengthen their presence on campus, and then as an adjunct instructor in accounting for the Boise State College of Business & Economics, a position she continues to hold today.

Heather began her professional career in accounting but soon realized she wanted to move beyond traditional accounting work. She earned a Master of Business Administration from Northwest Nazarene University to broaden her business knowledge and expand her career options. While working at Albertsons, she discovered a passion for Treasury and now holds a Treasury role at Sorren, Inc., where she focuses on financial strategy and cash management.

Originally from Utah, Heather has lived in the Treasure Valley since 2005 and raised her three children in Boise. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, connecting with friends, shopping and attending concerts.

Heather brings both financial expertise and a deep sense of Bronco pride to her role on the Alumni Association Board.

Patrick is the CEO of A Body & Mind Health Services, bringing over 18 years of experience in the mental health field. He acts as an advocate for mental health and invests his time volunteering with different organizations in our community. Patrick has always been drawn to leadership roles and has served as a board member with Neighbors United and Make A Wish Foundation. Idaho Business review awarded Patrick the CEO of Influence and making the “Power List” as most influential leaders in Idaho for his business successes and employee center mindset in opening A Body & Mind in 2019.

He has also received recognition from the Boise mayor in serving the refugee community over his career. Patrick wants to ensure that those who struggle with mental health always have a voice with the changes taking place in our healthcare system. Patrick is a graduate of Boise State University with multiple degrees in Social Science, Criminal Justice, and minoring in psychology.

Boise State University recognized Patrick’s ongoing service to the university’s community and he was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 2022. Patrick is a proud husband and father of two beautiful girls. Patrick and his family love tailgating, traveling, live music, and spending time outdoors.

As a fifth-generation Idahoan, Ben possesses a deep appreciation for Idaho’s community, culture, and values. Born in Meridian, he attended The Ambrose School through high school. He earned a General Business degree with a Marketing minor from Boise State University in 2016.

Since then, Ben has worked as a commercial real estate agent in the Treasure Valley. During his time in the real estate, he has garnered a breadth of experience across the industry, having been involved in over 600 transactions.

Ben has been married to his wife Carly since 2022. When he’s not working, he enjoys basketball, backpacking, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Bronco football.

Mr. Gillis used his degree and time at Boise State to catapult him into a career in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry. His focus has been working within the grocery industry, with such firms as Revlon, Hershey, ConAgra Brands and Westminster Pet Products. Mr. Gillis believes that his success was started and could not have been achieved without his time spent and lessons learned while studying at Boise State University. He currently lives in Boise with his two daughters Clare and Shea. They are avid Bronco fans and season ticket holders. When not cheering in Albertsons or ExtraMile, you can find them outside enjoying everything Idaho has to offer with their dog Trooper.

China Veldhouse Gum is the president of Wild West Strategies, a Boise-based public affairs firm specializing in political consulting, coalition building, and strategic communications. With over 20 years of experience in campaign management, public policy, and government relations, she has advised city, state and congressional leaders and helped shape initiatives that improve outcomes for communities across Idaho.

A 2002 graduate of Boise State University, China majored in Health Sciences and served as both a Senator for the College of Health Sciences and the Chief of Staff for the ASBSU President. Her student leadership experience ignited a lifelong commitment to advocacy and collaboration, particularly in creating opportunities for voices that often go unheard.

Now, as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, China brings a deep love for her alma mater, a passion for student success, and an eagerness to support the university’s continued growth. She’s inspired by the transformation of Boise State—from a commuter school to a vibrant, nationally respected institution—and is excited to reconnect with fellow alumni leaders in service of that momentum.

China lives in Boise with her husband of 23 years and their two sons, and together they take full advantage of Idaho’s incredible outdoor adventures whenever they can. Some of her favorite Bronco memories include the early days of tailgating beneath the trees where the indoor practice facility now stands—and witnessing the rise of the blue turf era, one unforgettable win at a time.

Dawn Hall is the Executive Director of IDeal – Idaho College Education Savings Program where she works to help Idahoans achieve their education dreams with tax-benefited savings. Dawn has over 25 years of experience in state government and non-profit work. The education she received at Boise State and the connections she made there have been invaluable in her career. Dawn holds three degrees from Boise State (Communication/Journalism ’95, Political Science ’95, and MPA 2000). Many great memories as a student revolve around working at the Arbiter newspaper. Dawn is a native of Hollister, Idaho. She lives in Boise with her husband, Ken (a Boise State alum), and daughters Kendall and Jamie. The family loves spending time in McCall enjoying the great outdoors. Dawn currently serves on the Girls on the Run Board and previously served on the Boise Figure Skating Club Board for many years. She enjoys supporting Jamie’s passion for figure skating and is a United States Figure Skating qualifying-level announcer.

Alfredo Hernandez’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the profound impact of community service. A first-generation college graduate, Alfredo’s path was shaped by his deep-rooted commitment to both his family and the communities he serves. Born and raised in Nyssa, Oregon, Alfredo graduated from Nyssa High School in 1990 before embarking on a journey that would forever change his life. After attending Eastern Oregon State College for a year, he re-enrolled at Boise State University in 1993, ultimately earning his Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in 1997.

Alfredo has dedicated his life to social work, focusing on domestic violence, mental health, and addiction. From 2012 to 2016, he worked at Family Services Counseling Center (FSCC), where he split his time between mental health and addiction counseling and leading the Domestic Violence – Offender Intervention Program. His work led him to A New Path and Recovery 4 Life in 2016, two organizations owned by the same individuals. Alfredo balanced his time between the two programs—Recovery 4 Life, which focused on mental health and addiction, and A New Path, which specialized in domestic violence. In 2019, Alfredo transitioned to full-time domestic violence work as the Program Supervisor at A New Path, where he guided individuals through critical behavioral change.

When A New Path and Recovery 4 Life were acquired by Trivium Life Services in 2020, Alfredo continued as Program Supervisor, further cementing his role in shaping successful outcomes for those in need of intervention and support.

In addition to his impactful domestic violence work, Alfredo has made significant contributions to healthcare. He served as Program Supervisor and Medical Case Manager at HIV Services Clinic in Boise, where his research on Latino health disparities in relation to HIV/AIDS inspired his role as a Community Health Educator. Through Centro de Comunidad y Justicia, Alfredo facilitated the Latino HIV Teen Pregnancy Prevention curriculum, educating youth across Idaho’s Treasure and Magic Valleys.

In 2022, Alfredo transitioned to the employee health insurance industry with Field Waldo Insurance, where he now focuses on helping businesses provide tailored health benefits to employees. While Alfredo’s heart remains deeply rooted in social service and he continues his domestic violence work in the evening, he is very intentional and purposeful in taking his social work values of helping and being of service to others into the employee benefits space.

Alfredo’s passion for education extends to his family. He and his high school sweetheart, Lori Hernandez, have been married since 1996 and are incredibly proud of their three children, all of whom have graduated from college. Their journey together is a shared commitment to education, community, and service—values that Alfredo brings to everything he does.

As the first in his Mexican American family to attend and graduate from college, Alfredo understands the power of education to break cycles and create opportunities. He is passionate about supporting students at Boise State University, advocating for scholarships, and promoting lifelong connections between alumni and their alma mater. Alfredo is deeply committed to the Boise State Alumni Association’s mission to advocate for higher education in Idaho, and he looks forward to using his voice and experience to ensure that future generations of students have the same opportunities to thrive that he had.

Donny Hopoi was born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawaii where he attended a private Hawaiian only high school, Kamehameha Schools. Being a 4-time Varsity Letterman, he was recruited to play golf for Dixie State University. After two-years Donny then transferred to Boise State University where he won the Itani Quality Homes Washington State University Golf Tournament. After a short stint of professional golf Donny realized his true passion lay in the financial services industry, this led him to become an Investment Advisor. Joining the Wealth Management industry in 2021 and finding his home at Wealth Management Associates where he specializes in retirement plans.

Heidi Peterson is Grameen Foundation’s Senior Director of Fundraising and leads philanthropic fund development. She co-leads the External Affairs department and in this capacity, oversees Individual Giving, development operations, and multichannel fundraising campaigns that deliver solid, year-over-year, revenue growth. She has more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience at a variety of INGOs in the U.S. and abroad.

Prior to her service at Grameen, she was the CEO at Mobility Outreach International and held several senior leadership roles prior to that with PATH, Room to Read, CARE, and Global Partnerships. She is a passionate advocate for social equity, entrepreneurship, and the empowerment of women and girls. Heidi lives in Boise, Idaho, where she enjoys volunteer work, cheering on the Boise State Broncos football team, and a variety of outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, skiing, and sailing. She speaks fluent Spanish and earned an MPA from the University of Washington and a B.A. from Boise State University. International travel and cuisine is a passion for Heidi. When she’s not at work, she loves exploring new places and cultures and spending time with her family and dog.”

Bailey Reese is a Client Services Representative at Echelon Group, a financial advisory firm in Boise. He was born and raised in the Treasure Valley, graduating from Payette High School. He continued his education at Treasure Valley Community College graduating with an Associates of Arts in 2018. After graduation he decided to move to Seville, Spain and teach English for a year. He eventually moved back to Boise and enrolled at Boise State University. He received a BBA in International Business and a Minor for Spanish for Business in May of 2023. He has been working at Echelon Group since 2022. With a passion for Spanish, he is excited to help individuals and retirement plan participants achieve a sound retirement. In his free time, Bailey is actively traveling with his girlfriend around Idaho enjoying the outdoors; camping at Anderson Ranch Dam Reservoir, hunting, snowboarding, and discovering the hidden gems of Idaho. As Idaho has continued to grow, it has been exciting to see Boise State University grow along with it.

Dr. Bryan Taylor is the Chancellor for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise. Prior to this position, he was the duly-elected Prosecuting Attorney for Canyon County, Idaho for 14 years. Dr. Taylor holds a BA in Political Science from Boise State University, a Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver, College of Law, a Doctorate of Philosophy in Adult, Organizational Learning, and Leadership from the University of Idaho, a Masters in Theology from the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College, a Masters in Canon Law from the University of Ottawa, and a Juridical Licentiate in Canon Law from Saint Paul University.

Dr. Taylor has taught as an adjunct at Boise State off and on for the past twenty years. He is also an avid BSU football fan. Dr. Taylor lives in Caldwell, ID with his wife, Katie, and two children, Lucy and Matthew.

Mary was a military brat and was fortunate enough to experience growing up on US Air Force bases in the US and around the world. Mary was born overseas and had many adventures in foreign lands but treasures the time in Germany the most.

It was the military that brought the Toy Family to Idaho, and it’s been home ever since. Mary is a graduate of Boise State University with a BA in Marketing and a Minor in Economics and was a student-athlete competing in Track & Field during her time at BSU. Today, Mary still is strongly connected with university athletics as a board member of Boise State Varsity B Letter Club and supporter of her college, COBE.

In her professional life, she has built her career in marketing, advertising, and communications. Mary has over two decades of experience in program management and account services. She is currently an account supervisor with Team One, a division of Publicis Groupe.

Mary has overseen all facets of marketing ranging from planning, strategy, and execution of awareness/brand campaigns, lead generation and sales enablement programs. Her experience also includes direct marketing, brand refresh, sales and channel support, and product launch initiatives in traditional and social spaces, in both B2B and B2C. Of the many brands she has supported, among her favorites include the WNBA and Boise State University Athletics.

Outside of day-to-day work, Mary divides her time across volunteering and supporting multiple worthy non-profit organizations that touch on the areas she is most passionate about—working with underserved and underrepresented groups and those centric to diversity, equity and inclusion: NAACP, Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, Big Brothers Big Sisters of SW Idaho, Girl Scouts of Silver Sage, Idaho Food Bank, and Mountain View Community Fellowship/Community Ministries Center & Food Bank, to name a few.

During the spring, you will find Mary planting and shaping rose, flower, and veggie gardens, and in the summer traveling to tropical locations, but in the fall and winter you most definitely will find her on the Blue or in the arena or on the court supporting BSU football, Women & Men basketball, and all sports from tennis, volleyball, gymnastics, track & field, and everything in between.

ONCE A BRONCO, ALWAYS A BRONCO

Bryan Wewers is an Idaho native and 1984, Business Management graduate of Boise State University.  Bryan was a Community and Business Development Advisor for Idaho Power in the Boise area and retired in 2020 after 35½ years. He was active representing Idaho Power in various capacities working with City and County government officials, Economic Development leaders, Chambers of Commerce, and non-profits.

As an active community volunteer, Bryan is a board member for St. Luke’s Children’s Advisory Board, a member of the St. Luke’s Hospital Community Engagement Committee, a charter member and past president of the Boise Centennial Rotary, former board member for Idaho Council of Government and former commissioner for Serve Idaho.  He has been active his entire career volunteering with various community organizations and continues to volunteer in retirement.

Bryan is married to Bridgette Wewers, a Boise State graduate. Together they have two adult children; Joe, a Boise State graduate; and Ally (Daniels) an MBA graduate from Boise State and Director for BSU’s JD/MBA program. He loves to spend time with his family, skiing, biking, tennis, and traveling with Bridgette.

One of Bryan’s favorite memories is attending and watching BSU win at the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.

Jonathan Wheatley is an associate in Hawley Troxell’s transactional practice group and the government affairs/lobbying practice group, where he represents clients with issues in healthcare, technology, and energy. With a strong background in transactional law and a broad range of expertise in contract drafting and review, healthcare regulatory compliance, business negotiations, taxation, and intellectual property, Jonathan is well-equipped to provide strategic counsel to clients navigating the complex landscape of legal issues and government affairs challenges.

Jonathan holds a M.S. in Accounting and Taxation from Boise State University and a J.D. from the University of Idaho College of Law, which he completed in 2021. During his time in law school, he served as the Editor In Chief of the Idaho Law Review, where he was responsible for overseeing all operations and publications. He also gained valuable in-house counsel experience as an extern at St. Luke’s Health System, and served as a Research Assistant for the American Business Law Journal.

In his free time, Jonathan enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including cooking Mexican food, hiking, paddle-boarding, snowboarding, going to the gym, and rock climbing. He is passionate about maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle and finding new and exciting ways to challenge himself both physically and intellectually.

After moving to Idaho in 2013, Reid completed his MBA at Boise State, graduating in 2017. He previously attended Pacific Lutheran University, graduating with a degree in mathematics in 2003. And recently, Reid completed a graduate banking program hosted by the University of Pennsylvania.

Reid has worked in commercial banking for 21 years, with the past 17 at WaFd Bank (previously known as Washington Federal). Currently he leads commercial banking for the Idaho region, which includes commercial real estate, business banking and small business/community banking. In addition to the Boise State Alumni Association, Reid serves on the Downtown Boise Association Board and the Mofi.org loan committee.

Reid and his wife Amy, have two boys ages 10 and 7. They are both proud to be first generation Idahoans, and hopefully future Broncos! They enjoy many of the wonderful activities available to Idaho families, kids sports, hiking in the foothills, go karting, and summertime in Stanley. Reid also enjoys coaching tennis and competing in community running races.

Greg Williams graduated from the Boise State College of Business & Economics in May of 2019 with a Business Administration degree as well as a Human Resource Management degree. Greg was also named COBE’s Spring Semester Signature Student in 2019.

Greg pursued and obtained his degree utilizing the G.I. Bill which he earned after serving honorably in the US Army, completing a combat deployment as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Kandahar, Afghanistan. During his time as an infantry team leader, Greg received various awards and honors for his honorable service and acquired foundational skills such as servant leadership and team building.

Greg utilized his degree and experience at Boise State to obtain employment with an international outdoor and military soft goods brand, Eberlestock, located in Boise. In less than five years, he has climbed the ranks to achieve the position of Chief Marketing Officer, heavily contributing to the company’s sustained hypergrowth. In his professional experience he has acquired skills and knowledge regarding Finance, Business Law, Marketing, and Operations and has a passion for developing small to mid-size brands.

Bernie is a counselor / coach at Cultivation Counseling in Boise. He specializes in career counseling and life coaching. Bernie has been practicing counseling for 25 years.  Bernie received his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology 1996, Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling 1999 and Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) 2021 from Boise State University.  He is registered with the State of Idaho as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and as a Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapy Supervisor.  He is an active member of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Program’s (NATSAP) Government Relations committee and annually travels to Washington DC to advocate for special needs children and their families.  In addition to the BSU Alumni Board, Bernie is an Honorary Commander for the 124th Fighter Wing of the Idaho Air National Guard, an Ethics Commissioner for the City of Boise, and an advocate for those suffering mental health / substance abuse issues.

Bernie has a deep passion for Boise State University.  As a former Bronco football player, he is active with the Varsity B club and loves attending events on campus.  Bernie is excited to be a part of the mission to illuminate and grow this great university.