James A. Endrizzi brings nearly three decades of executive and sales leadership expertise to his role as senior vice president at WaFd, where he joined in 2025. His extensive background spans commercial real estate, commercial and industrial lending, structured debt, asset recovery and equipment finance across banking and capital markets.

Before joining WaFd, Endrizzi served as executive vice president-direct borrower at A10 Capital, LLC, in 2015. He holds an MBA and undergraduate degree from Western International University and completed coursework at Pacific Coast Banking School.

“This is a relationship business,” Endrizzi said. “Becoming a trusted advisor to small and mid-size business as well as complex institutional borrowers is a balance that my decades of experience has allowed me to master.”

Endrizzi specializes in addressing skill gaps within organizations while enhancing leadership teams. He focuses on technology adaptation and artificial intelligence integration, working closely with boards of directors and executive management teams to navigate changing market dynamics.

Ashley Ford-Squyres has led AF Public Solutions for 15 years, specializing in economic development and urban redevelopment for local governments. Her most significant recent accomplishment involves the continued leadership and stewardship of three distinct urban renewal agencies, each navigating unique challenges and political landscapes.

“Sometimes the most meaningful professional accomplishments are the ones that happen behind the scenes but are deeply impactful,” Ford-Squyres said. “I consider it a privilege to help these communities realize their goals.”

She holds a bachelor’s degree in justice systems and a master’s in public administration specializing in community and economic development. Her upcoming goals include co-chairing the Meridian Auditorium District initiative for a potential May 2026 ballot measure and finding solutions for the stalled $100 million Union 93 redevelopment project in downtown Meridian.

Ford-Squyres began her career as an urban planner with the City of Boise in 1999, contributing to transformative projects including The Village at Meridian and various master-planned communities.

“I love working with local government agencies,” she said. “It’s where I feel most aligned with my skills and purpose.”

Erik Hagen, an architect by trade, serves as the president for the nonprofit North End Neighborhood Association (NENA) in Boise. He also serves as the organization’s planning and zoning chair. This is his second term as president of the organization.

The organization is entirely volunteer-run and works to protect the historic, social, cultural and environmental character of the North End, while guiding the future of Boise’s neighborhoods. Currently, there are 35 neighborhood associations in Boise.

Hagen and other board members participate in monthly meetings and other association-related activities such as fundraisers.

In his professional work, Hagen established his own firm, Erik Hagen Architecture, in 2002, which specializes in various types of architectural projects. He has also been a principal architect with Cole Architects, an associate principal with Mithun and others.

He earned his Masters of Architecture degree from Montana State University-Bozeman in 1995.

When he’s not serving on boards or drafting on one, Hagen spends time with his wife and two children.

Andrew Heidt has spent the last seven years as the president of sales at Visit Boise and in the last 18 months, his most significant professional accomplishment has been working with his team and local hotel partners to achieve record tourism to the city.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to witness how our collective efforts are not only boosting tourism but also solidifying Boise’s reputation as a vibrant destination for group events,” he shared.

Heidt joined the organization in April of 2018 and was promoted to his current position in September 2020. Before coming to his role in Idaho, he worked as the director of group sales and marketing for the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau in Colorado.

In the coming year, Heidt is working to adapt artificial intelligence and other innovative technologies to sales and marketing strategies. He is also working to leverage business intelligence to attract group business that aligns with Boise’s economic development objectives and grow convention and sporting events to the area.

For about a decade, Wally Jacobson has led the Panhandle Area Council in Hayden, an organization focused on creating jobs and helping businesses to grow.

Though he’s been leading the nonprofit for a decade, it’s actually been around for more than 50 years, and he’s been involved with it for many years.

Along with his connection to PAC, Jacobson has been the president of The Power Group, a member of the Kootenai Electric Cooperative board of directors, manager of business development for Industrial Design Services, Director of the SAIJ Group, and the managing director of Mammoth Renewables, where he provided sustainable project development services within the renewable energy sector.

Even though the panhandle region of the state took a hit like everywhere else during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jacobson and his agency have remained committed to getting funds into the hands of businesses and building the economy.

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.