Steven Jenkins has led economic development for the City of Caldwell for six years, helping attract diverse investments including a new Marriott hotel, Fred Meyer and WinCo grocery stores, and Home Depot. These projects have significantly increased the city’s tax base while enhancing quality of life as Caldwell’s population grew 21.5% over five years.

“My most significant accomplishment in the last year or so has been helping to attract diverse investments to Caldwell,” Jenkins said. “The cumulative impact of these projects has made a meaningful increase to the City’s tax base, which supports broader efforts to strengthen and build up the community.”

He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Reinhardt University and Missouri State University, respectively, plus an economic development certificate from University of Oklahoma. Jenkins overcame self-confidence challenges stemming from living in eight different states growing up, which now helps him connect with diverse people.

His goals include showcasing Caldwell’s cultural heritage, expanding Indian Creek Plaza, recruiting agribusiness manufacturers, and developing sports tourism facilities for the Treasure Valley.

Debbie Kaylor has led Boise State University’s Career Services for 18 years after transitioning from a 12-year high-tech career. Her most significant recent accomplishment was winning a grant to improve student access to high-impact internships, resulting in 293 students participating in paid internships.

“I led an effort to secure an Innovation Grant from the Idaho Workforce Development Council to support improving student access to high impact internships in order to develop Idaho’s workforce,” Kaylor said.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Boise State University and a master’s degree in adult and organizational learning from the University of Idaho. Kaylor left her high-tech position, taking a $100,000 annual pay cut, to work for a mission-driven organization.

“I wanted to make a difference beyond profits,” she said.

Her goals include integrating career readiness into academic experiences and supporting faculty and employers in facilitating accessible, high-impact internships. Her corporate background helps her understand both higher education and employer perspectives, serving as a bridge between students and Idaho’s workforce needs.

Tom Kealey serves as the director of the Idaho Department of Commerce and has led the agency since he was appointed by Gov. Brad Little in January 2019. 

Kealey is responsible for leading the state’s economic development efforts, fostering a business-friendly environment, aiding in job creation, supporting existing companies, promoting innovation, strengthening rural communities, expanding broadband connectivity statewide and marketing Idaho both domestically and abroad.  

Kealey has long championed innovation in Idaho, with active involvement with Idaho businesses, numerous councils, organizations and communities that advance economic development, shape key policies and foster innovation across the state. 

Under his leadership, the Idaho Commerce team has attracted multiple business expansions for innovative companies.  

Kealey received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and B.A. in accounting and finance from the University of Washington and has held senior business roles in Fortune 500 companies. 

“Idaho’s economy continues to grow and prosper thanks to the combination of Idaho’s growing businesses, a highly skilled workforce, low taxes, limited government regulation, efficient infrastructure and the state’s natural beauty,” Kealey said.  

Celia Kinney has served the Idaho Department of Finance for six years, focusing on consumer protection and financial literacy education statewide. Her most significant recent accomplishment has been expanding outreach and educational campaigns to increase financial literacy and fraud prevention, particularly in smaller communities with limited access to resources.

“One of my most rewarding accomplishments in the past year has been expanding the footprint of statewide outreach and educational campaigns focused on increasing financial literacy and fraud and scam prevention,” Kinney said. “By building trusted partnerships with other state and nonprofit agencies, we’ve been able to engage with more consumers than ever.”

A George Fox University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and master’s coursework in information performance technology from Boise State University, Kinney transitioned to public service after more than a decade in banking.

Her biggest challenge was developing relationships necessary for success when transitioning from the private to the public sector. Her goals include enhancing digital content quality and pursuing leadership opportunities to strengthen Idaho’s consumer education reputation among state agencies.

Clark Krause has been the executive director of the Boise Valley Economic Partnership (BVEP) since 2010. In that time, he has successfully promoted the Boise Valley to companies and site consultants and strategically redesigned the organization to uniquely help companies in the next decade grow workforce talent. 

Krause actively advocates for local and statewide programs that will jumpstart economic-based job growth in local communities, and his knowledge of state incentive programs has helped Idaho become a nationally competitive player in economic development. 

Prior to joining BVEP, Krause was the president and CEO of the New Mexico Partnership and before that, was the director of economic development for Cedar City/Iron County in Utah. He also demonstrated extensive experience in sales and marketing for major motor companies and a ski resort. 

Along with promoting the region, Krause is deeply invested in the community, serving on the board of Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area and Southwest Mountain Biking Association, both stemming from his passion for the outdoor life.

Tony Lima has led public relations and SEO efforts for Melaleuca for 14 years, overseeing initiatives from the annual Melaleuca Freedom Celebration to digital communications strategy. His most significant recent accomplishment involves directing the largest fireworks display west of the Mississippi River on Independence Day, bringing together more than 200,000 spectators.

“Although it’s thrilling to launch over 18,750 fireworks in a ground-shaking, high-flying pyrotechnics show, the honor is bringing 200,000-plus spectators together as a tribute to our Founding Fathers, our veterans, our service members and their families,” Lima said.

A Brigham Young University graduate, Lima previously worked with national brands at advertising agencies before joining the Idaho Falls-based consumer products manufacturer. His biggest challenge has been earning trust across diverse audiences, resulting in recognition including USA Today’s Most Trusted Brands in 2025.

Lima serves on the Public Relations Society of America Idaho Chapter board, helping build presence in eastern Idaho. His goals include enhancing Melaleuca’s reputation through storytelling and expanding the company’s community impact through disaster relief efforts.