Leadership For Tomorrow: Starting Now

Kristy Oster is the Director of Community Engagement at the Natrona Collective Health Trust, where she brings people and systems together to better support individuals navigating the justice system, behavioral health challenges, and moments of crisis. She spent more than 20 years with the Wyoming Department of Corrections, primarily in Probation and Parole, where she gained a firsthand understandi...

Elissa is a Wyoming native, University of Wyoming alum, and serves as the Executive Director for the Wyoming Foundation for Cancer Care. Elissa also owns and operates Elevate Wyoming, which provides professional development training in partnership with Leadership Casper. In 2024, Elissa was elected as the State Legislature Representative for House District 56 and was sworn into office January of 2...

Amy Womack is a seasoned political strategist and grassroots leader with a strong track record in campaign operations and civic engagement. She currently serves as the Director of Grassroots Operations for the Wyoming chapter of Americans for Prosperity, where she leads volunteer mobilization, community outreach, and voter engagement efforts across the state. In this role, Amy helps translate poli...

Greta Maxfield is the CEO of Make-A-Wish Wyoming. Greta is passionate about the impact of non-profit organizations and communities, as well as social work education, with a master's in social work focused on non-profit leadership. Greta has spent most of her professional life in the nonprofit sector, including organizations focused on youth and family development, housing stability, and volunteeri...

Dr. DeDiego is an interim dean at the University of Wyoming at Casper and an associate professor of counseling at the University of Wyoming. She has a PhD in counselor education from the University of Tennessee and a master's in community counseling from the University of North Georgia. She's a licensed professional counselor and licensed auricular accomplished. As a researcher, she's committed to...

Lucy is the coordinator of the Wyoming Agriculture and Natural Resource Mediation Program, which operates out of Wyoming Department of Agriculture in Cheyenne. The program provides mediation, facilitation, and other alternative dispute resolution services for individuals and organizations involved in a wide variety of conflicts including farm predate, grazing permits, water disputes, neighbor-to-n...

Dr. Nicholas is a municipal leader and community builder who believes that connection, clarity and encourage are at the heart of growth. He currently serves as an interim director for the city of Casper Parks Recreation and Public Facilities Department, where he overseas initiatives that enrich community life, promote wellness, and strengthen civic pride. A passionate advocate for parks, recreatio...

John Jorgensen is the proud father of five adult children and eight grandchildren. He retired in 2015 after a career of nearly 50 years in banking, finishing as president of Hilltop Bank. John became active in community affairs after moving to Casper in 1987, serving on numerous boards, including the Casper College Foundation Board for 35 years. On June 28th, 1996, John's wife, Dr. Sue Jorgensen,...

Today, we have Chief Shane Chaney. With a career spanning over 30 years in law enforcement, Chief Chaney has dedicated his professional life to building trust, ensuring safety, and enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Casper. From his early days as a canine handler to his appointment as chief of police in 2025, Chief Chaney has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his...

Cheyenne is an active Lift Wyoming ambassador and trustee scholarship winner who advocates for the empowerment of individuals and communities across the state of Wyoming. A strong passion for leadership has led her to become the assistant manager of Metro Coffee Company and allows her to continually improve her leadership abilities, emphasizing communication, integrity, and innovation, ensuring th...

Karol Santistevan is an occupational therapist specialized in mental health, utilizing equine and animal assistance therapy. She's the founder of Ropes and Roses Therapy Services in Casper, Wyoming, where she integrates nature-based therapy approaches to support individuals with autism, PTSD, and other neurodevelopmental challenges. She mentors several students per year who will be future practiti...

Dana Howie began teaching family life and child development at Kelly Walsh High School in Casper in 1980, later expanding her courses to include basic foods, nutrition, interior design, survival skills for life, and eventually catering. After retiring in 2008, she sought a way to contribute to her community. Wanting to remain involved in education, she ran for the Natrona County School District Sc...

Dr. Guyla Greenly is on a mission to transform workplaces from toxic battlegrounds into thriving, productive environments. As the founder of Dandelion Leadership Coaching, she helps companies and professionals foster self-awareness, improve team dynamics, and create sustainable workplace habits using her signature WISH Method. With a doctorate in strategic leadership, a background in journalism, a...

Mike Howe is a public affairs professional with over 25 years of experience in the energy industry. A proud Wyoming native, Mike has been professionally and socially active in the state for many years. His career began in Wyoming with the Wyoming Municipal Power Agency, followed by roles as an advisor to Governor Jim Geringer and as a policy analyst for Governor Dave Freudenthal, focusing on local...

Mr. Lance Porter, he is the CEO of Banner Wyoming Medical Center. He was previously the CEO of Banner Payson Medical Center, a position he was appointed to one year prior to the hospital being acquired by Banner Health. He was instrumental in guiding the facility, its employees, and patients through the transition into the Banner family. Prior to Banner Payson, Porter was chief operating officer o...

Richard Plumlee is the Director of Operations for the Food Bank of Wyoming and has worked to develop innovative solutions to address food insecurity throughout the state for the last 5 years. Richard has been heavily involved with non-profits since 2008, primarily focusing on food banking, emergency management and disaster preparedness. Prior to relocating to Wyoming in 2019, Richard served as the...

Steve Friel is a proud Wyoming native hailing from a family with deep roots in the state. As a third generation Wyomingite, Steve has a profound appreciation for the rugged, beauty and independent spirit that characterizes the cowboy state. Steve's professional journey led him to serve his community for over 26 years in law enforcement. His unwavering dedication and commitment to public safety wer...

Anna Kinder is the current Executive Director of the Casper-Natrona County Health Department and the recipient of the 2023 Casper College Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award. She has a background in healthcare and public health, graduated from Casper College in 1987 with an Associate of Science, earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Dakota in...

Robbie Alexander is currently the Developing Markets officer for Farm Credit Services of America. Robbie has been involved in lending since 2015 and spends the majority of the time focused on young and beginning farms and ranches in this role, he has the opportunity to follow his passion of working with farmers and ranchers by helping them reach their dreams in the agricultural industry. Robbie gr...

In this episode, we sit down with Hailey Sorg, the first-ever WORTH (Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality) Extension Educator with the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute. Hailey plays a key role in supporting rural communities and helping Wyoming’s tourism industry grow in a sustainable and responsible way. Originally from Douglas, Wyoming, Hailey brings a strong academic background with...

Governor Mark Gordon grew up on a family ranch in Kaycee, Wyoming, where he learned the values of hard work, integrity, and the importance of collaboration. As Governor, he brings those values to his leadership, remaining committed to a Wyoming where its citizens can pursue their dreams while the state maintains its unique character. Governor Gordon strongly believes that Wyoming must chart its ow...

Governor Mark Gordon grew up on a family ranch in Kaycee, Wyoming, where he learned the values of hard work, integrity, and the importance of collaboration. As Governor, he brings those values to his leadership, remaining committed to a Wyoming where its citizens can pursue their dreams while the state maintains its unique character. Governor Gordon strongly believes that Wyoming must chart its ow...

Carrie Reece has been an executive director at the Seton House since 2020, where her compassionate leadership has transformed the organization into a beacon of hope for single parents' families facing homelessness. With a bachelor's degree in English literature and creative writing from the University of Puget Sound, brings a unique blend of empathy and insight to her role. Under her guidance, the...

Caleb Lindsay is a dedicated student veteran and leader in the field of organizational leadership at the University of Wyoming at Casper. Caleb is not only committed to his own academic and professional growth, but also to empowering fellow veterans as they transition into civilian life. As a leader within the Student Veterans of America SVA Chapter, Caleb brings a unique passion for advocacy and...

The Leadership For Tomorrow: Starting Now podcast team welcomes Ray Pacheco as the first guest on our new podcast. Ray Pacheco. Ray is the former mayor of Casper, Wyoming. He's also an assistant lecturer in the social work program at the University of Wyoming and a mental health therapist. He discussed servant leadership with a focus on community collaboration and its impact on driving meaningful...