Foundation welcomes New Board Members

The Community Foundation of Teton Valley welcomes Eileen Kelly, September Myres, Cathy O’Connor, and Natalie Shirley as new board members whose leadership will help guide the Foundation in independence, service to the community, and a successful future. The Foundation also appointed new governance and committee leadership roles for current board members.

Eileen Kelly grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, studied economics at Indiana University, and earned her law degree from Stanford, where she first embraced pro bono service. She spent 25 years practicing corporate law in the Chicago area while continuing to volunteer in foreclosure mediation, guardianship, and on the IRS Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. Since retiring, she and her husband divide their time between Tetonia and Chicago, enjoying hiking, biking, and skiing. Eileen is honored to support an organization that “exercises prudent stewardship of the resources entrusted to it.”

September Myres, a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, has more than 40 years of experience in compliance and environmental consulting. She spent over two decades as the founder and CEO of Sundance Consulting, Inc., a women-owned Native American business, she grew to 95 employees. After serving on the Community Foundation’s Grants Committee, she quickly recognized the organization’s positive impact and is dedicated to supporting its transition toward independence. September calls serving on the Foundation’s board “a privilege.” She and her partner, Shawn, live in Victor.

Cathy O’Connor moved to Teton Valley after a banking career in New York and helped shape the local nonprofit landscape by launching Music on Main as the Teton Valley Foundation’s first executive director. She later served as the Community Foundation’s inaugural executive director, leading the first Tin Cup Challenge. Cathy now manages attraction partnerships across North America for City Pass, Inc. and remains an active community volunteer and longtime Tin Cup Challenger. She values “the role the Foundation plays in fostering a collaborative, efficient, and resilient nonprofit community.”

Natalie Shirley is a longtime leader in education, workforce development, and cultural institutions. She became the first female President and CEO of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum after serving as president of OSU–Oklahoma City. She also served as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Education and Workforce Development, head of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, and as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Commerce. Natalie, who serves on several boards, says she is “excited and privileged to be part of the Community Foundation of Teton Valley” and believes in giving back with “time, treasure, and talents.”

As the Foundation welcomes new leadership, we also extend our deep gratitude to outgoing board members Tina Culman, Sue Mason, and Pam Walker for their many years of dedicated service. Tina graciously returned for a third term as Vice-Chair, Sue served as a passionate champion and lead for Donor Relations, and Pam contributed her strong nonprofit background through diligent service on the Grants Committee. All three readily contributed valuable insights to the organization. We appreciate their commitment to supporting and improving the Foundation.

The Community Foundation’s Board of Directors and Officers continue to provide essential leadership for the organization. Scott Pierson will remain Board Chair, supported by Muffy Mead as Vice-Chair and Thad Nosal as Secretary. Dean Scofield remains Treasurer and continues to lead the Finance Committee. Additional board members include Jeannette Chiari, Stella Martin, Ben Turner, and Marie Zolezzi, with Gene Marcowka serving as an emeritus member, and additional community members generously contributing through committee service.

Executive Director Bonnie Self emphasizes the importance of strong, mission-driven leadership: “Community impact is achieved through the collective and selfless efforts of individuals dedicated to a common goal and purpose. By bringing together people passionate about helping, we advance our mission. We are fortunate to have a strong team committed to elevating lives through the power of generosity.” Together, this team remains committed to strengthening what has become a cornerstone of Teton Valley’s nonprofit landscape over the past 19 years. Board members bring diverse expertise and a shared passion for advancing the Foundation’s mission through their time, talents, and leadership.

Community members interested in learning more about the Foundation’s work or getting involved can visit www.cftetonvalley.org.