With a career in communication that spans more than a decade, Jessica Anderson has specialized in getting the message out for organizations that have a direct impact on the economic development of Idaho and the Treasure Valley.

After graduating from Boise State University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in communication and journalism, Anderson began her career by starting her own freelance company, Things That Start With J, helping businesses create stronger relationships with their clientele. She then joined Social Eyes Marketing as the company’s social media marketing strategist in 2011.

She later spent seven years as the public affairs manager for Amalgamated Sugar Company, helping to communicate its corporate message.

Anderson went on to join the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry in 2023, taking on the role of the organizations director of strategic communications, a role she still holds today.

In 2022, she returned to school to earn her Executive MBA from BSU, graduating two years later with the degree.

Iris Anderson has been in charge of Idaho National Laboratory’s finance and accounting operations for the past five years, after nearly three decades in the financial industry.

“I believe in the mission of our National Lab system, and I am fortunate to be part of an organization that is solving the nation’s complex problems,” Anderson said in an 2024 interview. “At Idaho National Lab, for instance, we are changing the world’s energy future. It’s amazing and inspiring to work with people who are intelligent, passionate about their work and most of all dedicated to making an impact.”

She has held roles for US West NewVector Group and US Bank, after which she joined Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) as the controller and manager of financial operations. There, she was responsible for the management and oversight of the company’s accounting systems and financial services, including the asset management function.

In her current position with INL, she oversees the development and implementation of the laboratory’s financial strategy and planning.

Karen Appelgren has spent nine years in banking, with two years in her current role helping small businesses and entrepreneurs secure financing across Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. Her most significant recent accomplishment was helping small businesses secure more than $2.6 million in capital to support growth and operations, earning recognition as one of Zions Bank’s top five performing retail employees.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing clients bring their lifelong dreams to life, such as opening the doors to a new business, acquiring a company and creating jobs,” Appelgren said. “This is why I’m a banker: to empower individuals to achieve their goals while contributing to the broader growth of Idaho’s economy.”

A Northern Arizona University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Appelgren transitioned to banking from education after helping launch the Women’s Business Center of Idaho. She serves on the Idaho Manufacturing Alliance advisory board and previously worked as Idaho Department of Commerce’s Business Retention and Expansion Program Manager, counseling thousands of entrepreneurs statewide.

Mark Arstein has led advancement efforts at College of Western Idaho for two years, building a new team and foundation for the institution’s fundraising division. His most significant recent accomplishment has been establishing relationships that led to significant investments in CWI during the past two years.

“My most important professional accomplishment is building a new team and the foundation for a robust Advancement Division at CWI,” Arstein said. “We have enjoyed tremendous early success building relationships that have led to significant investments in CWI the past two years.”

He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Boise State University, a master’s in public administration from Idaho State University, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in public policy and administration. Arstein’s biggest challenge involves the patience required in higher education fundraising.

“Fundraising in higher education can sometimes be a rollercoaster ride, and it requires patience, persistence and understanding that we are always on the donor’s timeline,” he said.

His goals include expanding CWI’s constituency of donors, alumni and advocates to support accessible, affordable education leading to employment opportunities.

Susan Beard has led partnerships and business development at Northwest Nazarene University’s Center for Professional Development for five years, focusing on building community connections and brand recognition. Collaborative messaging and brand recognition has been at the forefront of her priorities for the school.

“In the past year, one of my most significant accomplishments has been building a more recognizable and trusted brand presence for our department within the community,” Beard said. “As a result, we’ve seen tangible outcomes: New community partnerships, increased brand awareness, and invitations to speak at regional events significantly elevating our visibility and credibility.”

She holds bachelor’s degrees in communication from Eastern Washington University and elementary education from University of Washington, plus a master’s degree in innovative instruction from NNU and certificates in marketing strategy and business marketing education.

Her biggest challenge has been addressing the lack of awareness about NNU’s programs in the Treasure Valley. Her goals include establishing partnerships with 10 mid- to large-sized employers to support professional development for working adults.

Jessica Burke recently stepped into an expanded leadership role at U.S. Bank, overseeing middle market commercial banking across Idaho, Utah, Montana and Wyoming. Her most significant recent accomplishment involves broadening her responsibilities across four states while completing a rigorous FINRA certification process.

“Over the past year, one of my most significant professional accomplishments has been stepping into an expanded leadership role as U.S. Bank’s Market Leader for the Mountain West region,” Burke said. “This position broadened my responsibilities to include oversight across four states, where I’ve focused on deepening client relationships, expanding markets and driving strategic growth.”

A Boise State University finance graduate with more than two decades in commercial banking, Burke was named incoming board chair for Treasure Valley Family YMCA and received the YMCA Service to Youth Award. Her biggest challenge has been navigating organizational change while maintaining team performance.

Her goals include expanding U.S. Bank’s presence in rural markets and increasing YMCA visibility among new residents and growing geographic areas.