Amanda joined the Council staff in 2019 bringing experience in community and economic development, state and federal grants management, and an established history working in government administration.  She’s a strong community and social services professional with a passion for helping Idaho’s rural communities.  Amanda earned her BA from Boise State University with an emphasis in Urban Planning and Sustainable Development and a Minor in Political Science.

What Amanda enjoys most about working for the WDC

I enjoy the pace of work and being a part of achieving the ambitious goals set by the WDC. The collaboration and efforts to reach strategic objectives for Idaho and Idaho employers is truly astounding and a remarkable team effort.

Kimberly is the Idaho Science and Technology Policy post-doctoral fellow at the University of Idaho’s McClure Center for Public Policy and is spending the year working with the Workforce Development Council on Idaho LAUNCH. She has spent the last 10 years in higher education and research, focusing on collaborative policy efforts between industry, government, local nonprofits, and higher education to develop responsible and fair uses of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence. Kimberly is excited to gain direct experience in Idaho’s efforts to grow the technology workforce pipeline for all Idahoans.

What Kimberly enjoys most about working for the WDC:

The WDC is a lean machine of smart and energetic people who come to work ready to make a positive impact for Idaho.

Michael joined the WDC in July 2023 as a Software Engineer.  His background includes over 25 years working in the software industry with development experience in Medical Billing, Government Collections, and Supply Chain Management.

What Michael enjoys most about working for the WDC

I’m happy to be working in such a great group that focuses on helping people and making a difference in the great State of Idaho!

Jenny joined the WDC team as Grants/Contracts Operations Analyst in spring 2023. She brings over ten years of economic and workforce development experience in government and non-profit roles, eight years in the financial sector, and six years in adult education.  Jenny holds a BA in Public Policy and a Master’s of Public Administration.  She has devoted her career to supporting individuals, families, and businesses to achieve success, and believes that Idahoans can thrive when we leverage our resources well.

What Jenny enjoys most about working for the WDC

I am inspired and motivated by the skills and enthusiasm shared across the WDC team. We are all motivated to see Idahoans achieve success, and I see that in action every day.  I love being a part of the collaborations between government, non-profits, and industry that are so impactful to Idaho’s economic development.

Denise joined the WDC in June 2023 as the Managerial Assistant.  She brings 35 years of experience as an Executive Assistant in the private sector (Hewlett Packard, Zennify).   Her passion for collaboration and building relationships aligns perfectly with our mission and vision to champion employer strategies and provide the opportunities to achieve a highly successful, diversified workforce for the economic success for the great state of Idaho and its employers.

What Denise enjoys most about working for the WDC

I enjoy being a part of an amazing team that strives to create positive, impactful opportunities and programs for the success of the people of Idaho and its employers and communities.

Stacy James is a CPA with over 20 years of practical accounting experience to help, educate and support her peers, her agency, and Idaho. Throughout her career, she has been driven by her intellectual curiosity to find solutions. She started out as a cashier and now works at the Idaho Workforce Development Council as a Financial Analyst, surrounded by peers who love what they do and, at the same time, give back to the community. As an experienced Finance and Accounting Manager, Stacy is committed to use her experience to find the gaps and innovative ways to contribute to the Workforce Development Council and its strategic goals. To that note, her career has centered around expanding her technical knowledge to become adept in delivering financial reports, leading projects, and driving accounting process improvement initiatives. On a more personal level, Stacy’s priority is to serve her fellow Idahoans and be a driver of positive change. She may not be an Idaho native but Idaho is her home. 

What Stacy enjoys most about working for the WDC

Stacy appreciates the opportunity to be on a team laser-focused on bringing together Idaho industry, academia, and workers; a team which comes to work each day with a renewed belief workforce education creates engagement between learners and employers and supports Idaho’s vision to be ready for tomorrow’s industry growth.

Matt McClure joined the Workforce Development Council in July of 2024. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Governors University in Accounting and has five years of experience working for different Idaho educational institutions and agencies. He is pleased to be working with a team of individuals with the same passion and drive to help Idahoans better their potential with educational and training opportunities. Matt likes to spend his free time enjoying his family with all that Idaho has to offer, from Bronco or Yotes sporting events to Idaho’s endless outdoor adventures.

What Matt enjoys most about working for the WDC

Matt enjoys working on a team, in collaboration with Idaho’s businesses, training centers and colleges and universities, that is committed to helping Idahoans gain marketable skills needed by employers that operate in Idaho. This not only helps Idaho families, but helps create a stronger, more skillful Idaho workforce.

Thomas Morrison joined the Workforce Development Council in February of 2023. Thomas earned two Bachelor’s Degrees from Boise State University in Political Science and History. With four years of experience working for different Idaho government agencies, he has developed a love of public service and helping Idahoans grow and is excited to help Idaho’s workforce grow in the same way. Thomas is fluent in French and has a passion for learning about all things international.

What Thomas enjoys most about working for the WDC

Thomas enjoys working with a group of individuals who have Idaho’s success at the forefront of their minds and celebrate the growth and knowledge of Idaho’s workforce through education, financial well-being, and family care.

Theresa joined the Idaho Workforce Development Council in April 2024 as a Technical Records Specialist 2. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Theresa owned a business in Washington State for 8 years prior to transferring into public service and moving to Idaho. She is passionate about helping others grow and succeed and is excited to help Idahoans continue to build a strong workforce.

What Theresa enjoys most about working for the WDC…

Theresa enjoys being part of a team that collaborates at many levels – government, education, Idaho employers – to focus on helping Idaho’s communities grow stronger.

Sherawn, a native Idahoan, is the newest member of the WDC Staff joining as the Communications and Program Manager. She has been in the field of education for the past 29 years. Her experience spans many different scenarios in education. Her background affords her the experience of working together with education, government, and industry. She is passionate about training and education for all Idahoans that will lead them to a job they too are passionate about. Sherawn is eager to share with others the incredible work of the WDC.

What Sherawn enjoys most about working for the WDC:

I am excited to be part of a team that comes to work every day for the benefit of all Idahoans. I love the way that collaboration occurs between all entities: government, education, and industry with the same end goal, making Idaho a great place to live and work!

Wendi brings a wealth of experience in workforce development, education and economic development to the Council. She has worked in the private sector (ManpowerGroup), for state and local governments (State of Idaho and Door County, Wisconsin), non-profits (Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce) and education (Idaho Career & Technical Education and University of Idaho). When her children ask what she does for a living, she sums it up as “helping Idahoans get good jobs!”.

What Wendi enjoys most about working for the WDC

I have the best job in the State of Idaho! Every day the partners we collaborate with are changing people’s lives and I love connecting the dots, filling the gaps, and doing whatever it takes to make Idaho the best place in the world.

Matthew joined the Council staff in March 2018 as the Business Partnership Manager bringing with him over 13 years of experience working with employers, job seekers, government and community partners.  Matthew received his Bachelors in Political Science from Idaho State University and became a Certified Public Manager while working with the State of Idaho.

What Matt enjoys most about working for the WDC

The work we do is rewarding and has a direct impact on Idahoans and employers. I love collaborating with industry, education, government, and other community partners on innovative programs that help move Idaho forward.

Rebecca Watson joined the Workforce Development Council in the summer of 2022 as an administrative assistant. Her background over the last 15 years includes working as a records technician in law enforcement, as a paraprofessional in an alternative high school, and as a secretary in healthcare. She brings curiosity, optimism, and enthusiasm to her role with Council staff.

What Rebecca enjoys most about working for the WDC

Working for the WDC is a privilege because we have the opportunity to make a difference in Idaho by building bridges between employers, educators, and every Idahoan! We are growing our state’s successful workforce, one person at a time.

After three years as a professional landscape designer, Elaine is proud to bring her project planning and community engagement skills to her role as Project Coordinator with the Council. Born and raised in Idaho, Elaine used her college education to study Idaho’s rural communities and better understand the state’s needs now and into the future. She enjoys tackling new challenges and creating innovative solutions in support of those needs. An avid Excel user, she believes is the power of data and communication to bring people together.

What Elaine enjoys most about working for the WDC

Elaine has two big goals in life: to give often and learn always. Her favorite part about working for the Council is that her goals are always met!