Tommy Ahlquist began his career as an emergency physician in the 1990s and after years in that role and caring for more than 45,000 patients, he decided to shift gears and begin a career in commercial real estate.

“In both fields, we triage rapidly evolving situations, diagnose challenges, and implement solutions that are measurable and outcome-driven,” he explained. “The pace, problem-solving and purpose feel remarkably familiar — just with a different kind of impact.”

Now, with 21 years as the CEO of Ahlquist, he and his team have helped build Idaho. In the last 18 months alone, some of their most notable projects have been the ICCU Tower Office Building, the Bannock Residential Condo Tower and the District at 10 Mile — just to name a few.

Ahlquist shared, “Each of these represents our belief that great development is about more than buildings — it’s about building community. Our developments help shape communities, creating spaces where people can live, work and thrive.”

Steve Allred gave nearly 13 years to the Idaho Commission on the Arts before announcing his retirement earlier this year and stepping away on June 30, four of those as the commission’s chair.

A resident of Montpelier, Idaho, for three decades, Allred had a career in banking that ran for 39 years before he retired in 2024. He worked for Ireland Bank, Zions Bank, Wells Fargo and First Security Bank during his career.

His place on the commission came from appointments by both Governors C.L. “Butch” Otter and Brad Little.

“Serving on the commission has been one of the highlights of my civic life,” Allred said upon announcing his retirement. “It’s been an honor to help support Idaho’s vibrant artistic communities and work with so many talented individuals who make the arts a vital part of our state’s identity.”

Though he’s retired, he has stated that he has interest in continuing to be involved in community service.

John Berryhill is the spirit behind Berryhill Bacon. Founded in 1995, the company and their bacon products have become a staple around Idaho.  

While Berryhill cooked the first strip of bacon that launched the company that year, there was more to it ― he was destined to be a rising chef. In fact, he was named one of the Best Chefs in America in 2013 and his recipes and writings have been published all over the world. He spent seven years as the KTVB Channel 7 Chef and is the chef for BSH Home Appliances Corporation, makers of Bosch, Thermador & Gaggenau.  

Berryhill Restaurant became one of Boise’s most well-known dining locations, but in 2017, he decided to close the restaurant and open BACON Boise.  

The café has grown in popularity since opening and now it cooks more than 20 tons of bacon per year. To date, Berryhill and his staff at BACON Boise have served more than 100,000 guests. Berryhill’s son recently joined the family business, too, and is working on expanding its product offering and reach. 

Marie Blanchard founded The Marie Blanchard Friendship Clinic in 2004, serving as founder and clinic nurse manager for more than 20 years providing free health care to underserved communities in Boise. She points to bridging health care gaps for socioeconomically and geographically underserved patients while maintaining the clinic’s mission as a teaching facility among her accomplishments.

“I was 77 years old when we opened our doors,” Blanchard said. “My age was an asset, not a barrier because by then, I had the connections, experience and determination to bring this dream to life. Now, 20 years later, I’m proud of the lives we’ve touched and hopeful for the future.”

Her inspiration came from childhood experiences during the Great Depression, nursing training at Denver General Hospital, and witnessing health care disparities as a Pan Am stewardess and school nurse. The clinic serves individuals who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

Before health care, Blanchard was involved in theater, serving as the first female president of Boise Little Theater and helping establish Boise Civic Opera.

Cherie Buckner-Webb could be called a trailblazer. A Boise native, she became the first African American elected to the Idaho Legislature, serving in both the House of Representatives and the State Senate. Buckner-Webb was also elected Democratic caucus chair for the Idaho Senate and later served as an assistant minority leader.

In 2020, she decided to shift gears and not seek re-election. In its place, she ran for the College of Western Idaho Zone 5 Trustee and won. She still holds that role today.

Buckner-Webb is also a respected businesswoman and consultant who founded Sojourner Coaching, a consultancy that focuses on organizational development, cross cultural competence and executive coaching. She’s also a sought-after international speaker and serves on a variety of local and national boards.

When she’s not working, mentoring or serving the public, you’ll find her spending time with her family.

Clay Carley has served as co-general manager of Old Boise for 25 years, overseeing real estate development and property management in downtown Boise.

“The most significant professional accomplishment I have achieved in the last 18 months is working with my son, Reid, to assume general manager responsibilities at Old Boise,” Carley said. “Sharing and instilling the qualities and character of our past family achievements dating back to 1867 has been eye opening for the two of us.”

Carley relocated to Boise in 2000 without urban development experience, immersing himself in various civic roles including Historic Preservation Commissioner, president of Urban Land Institute Idaho District Council and president of Downtown Boise Association.

His biggest challenge was learning urban development from scratch through extensive community involvement. His mother, Joan Davidson Carley, founded Old Boise in 1974 and initiated the Old Boise Historic District, fighting to protect historic buildings and culture downtown.

His goals include identifying further neighborhood development and supporting the new downtown YMCA fundraising effort.