Our vision
We envision a Wyoming where every employee and job seeker has an opportunity to secure purposeful and rewarding work and where employers can access a prepared workforce to help grow the state’s economy.
Our mission
To take a lead role in supporting a workforce system that meets the current and future needs of Wyoming.
About the Council
Appointed by the Governor of Wyoming, these visionary individuals volunteer their time and expertise, serving four-year terms to drive progress in employment and training across the state.
Council members come from diverse fields, including business and industry, organized labor, the state legislature, education, social services, and other key sectors. Together, they collaborate in quarterly meetings and focused subcommittees to address workforce challenges and opportunities, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the table.
We deeply appreciate the dedication and impact of all our council members—past and present—who have contributed to building a stronger, more resilient workforce for Wyoming’s future.
For more information, contact Jennifer Wilch, WWDC Director at jennifer.wilch@wyo.gov.
Our Council Members
Mark Gordon, Governor of Wyoming
E-Mail lauren.schoenfeld@wyo.gov
Bio: Governor, State of Wyoming
Tony Cross, Chair
E-Mail tony.cross@jhairport.org
Bio: Human Resources Director at Jackson Hole Airport Board – Senior Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience, including HR management, employee relations, HRIS management, performance management, recruiting, policy development, operations management, benefits and compensation administration. Demonstrated experience working with all levels of staff across multiple continents. What I find most rewarding is the opportunity to help people find satisfaction in their work, and to play a direct role in shaping company culture and growth through effective HR strategy. A dynamic, entrepreneurial environment is where I thrive the most.
Danny Burau, Vice-Chair
E-Mail danny@firewaterpublichouse.com
Bio: Restaurant Owner, Firewater Public House – I studied advertising, then worked in advertising for a few years. I ate pastries, and then I worked in pastry for a while. I spent a bit of time in front end website design. Then onto big brand graphic design work in the toy industry. After spending some time as the creative director for a fitness and nutrition company focused on teaching kids, I moved on to working on branding, graphic design and product design for a company that makes all kinds of stuff for dogs. Then I managed a creative department creating packaging, marketing materials, photos, and other creative work for a consumer goods company. Then I was the Brand Manager for a brilliant restaurant group focused on changing the way we eat and understand food.
All of these things in my life led me to a real change and I opened my own restaurant. It was the culmination of my experiences with brands, people, and creating an experience, along with my hobbies of whiskey and food. I once read the words “Everything matters, even the bathroom” in a branding book. Being able to personally create a brand and make sure that everything mattered is amazing. I can walk into my brand and see the world interact with it on a daily basis.
Dr. Michelle Aldrich (Designee for Megan Degenfelder)
E-Mail michelle.aldrich@wyo.gov
Bio: State CTE Director, Wyoming Department of Education – Dr. Michelle Aldrich is currently the Wyoming State Director of Career & Technical Education and Perkins Funding. She spent eight years teaching the family resource management strand at the University of Wyoming as adjunct faculty. She has been teaching nutrition at two Wyoming community colleges over the last 26 years in nutrition and education. Dr. Aldrich most recently was a Family & Consumer Science teacher at Triumph High School in Cheyenne for 15 years, which is the oldest and largest alternative high school in Wyoming with 250 students in grades 9-12. Dr. Aldrich has won national teaching awards in culinary arts, was named the Wyoming Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year and received honors that include the 2021 Rising Star Award from Advance CTE and the 2021 Wyoming Women of Influence in Education.
Aldrich is currently the president of the Zonta Club of Cheyenne. She is the past president of DKG Upsilon Chapter, past president of the National Association of Teachers of Family Consumer Science, which represents over 3000 FACS teachers nationally, the past president of the Wyoming Early Childhood Association, past president of Cheyenne Rotary After Hours and immediate past state president of Delta Kappa Gamma Wyoming Alpha Xi State Chapter. Michelle currently serves on the Governor’s Corrections Industry Board and the National Council of Governors’ Health Summit. She has previously served as a Governor appointee on the Wyoming Women’s Council, the Department of Family Services Advisory Council for several consecutive terms and on the Wyoming Early Child Care Licensing Board. Michelle also serves on the Cheyenne City Council representing Ward 3.
Michelle is married to her high school sweetheart of over 45 years, Andy. Andy and Michelle have two daughters, Abigayle and Adrielle, who are both elementary educators; an Art teacher in Laramie and a second-grade teacher in San Diego respectively. She has two grandchildren, Geela and David. She loves to read and travel with family.
Staci Balcaen
E-Mail
Bio: Staci Balcaen is a dedicated Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager, passionate educator, active community volunteer, devoted wife, and protective mother. Staci is proud of her multi-racial heritage and has lived in Cheyenne, Wyoming for the past 27 years.
Staci holds a Master of Arts in Communication Management, has multiple teaching endorsements, and certifications which include OSHA 30, NFPA 70E Train the Trainer, Adult & Infant CPR/First Aid/AED instructor. She has been recognized as Wyoming Business Report’s 30 under 40, 2022 Mrs. Wyoming American Titleholder, 2022 Finalist for Laramie County School District #1 Teacher of the Year, and Marquis Who’s Who: Top Professional Series.
Professionally, Staci is a full-time Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager for Microsoft. She oversees EHS and training programs, conducts safety audits, investigates incidents, and collaborates with vendors to ensure safety goals align with company policies. She also is an adjunct instructor for Park University where she teaches communications courses to active-duty Air Force service members. Prior to becoming an EHS manager, Staci taught for over a decade as a Secondary English and Special Education Teacher. Throughout her experience, she worked diligently to provide a safe and secure classroom environment which allowed students to perform at their highest academic levels and become the best version of themselves.
Staci is happily married to her husband, Tanner Balcaen. Together, they are raising a blended family of three beautiful children: Tatum, (18) who goes to the University of Texas at Austin, Nicole (17) who is a senior at East High school, and Jax (12) who is a seventh grader at Carey Jr. High. Staci and her family enjoy camping, traveling, carnivals, rodeos, shopping, dancing, barbecues, horseback riding, hiking, watching movies, and supporting one another in sporting and academic events.
Community involvement is at the heart of her life. Staci volunteers for Cheyenne Frontier Days Parades Committee and is an Advisory board member for Salvation Army Cheyenne. Her family donates their time and money to organizations such as Saint Mary’s Cathedral, The Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club, Girl Scouts, Cheyenne Youth Alternatives, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Post Six Baseball, Cheyenne Frontier Days Volunteer Crisis Fund, and East Cares.
Staci has a passion for empowering others not only in Cheyenne, but across the state of Wyoming. She is excited to be on the Wyoming Workforce Development Council and is ready to help drive the state’s initiatives to develop a strong workforce, build partnerships, and obtain federal workforce grants.
Dr. Laurel Ballard
E-Mail laurel.ballard2@wyo.gov
Bio: Experienced education leader with a demonstrated history of working across the education spectrum and working closely with education partners. Skilled in Leadership, Micro-credentials, Digital Learning, Online Courses, Education Technology, Leader and Teacher Evaluation Systems, Accountability, Educational Assessment, Statistical Data Analysis, IT Strategy, and Management. Strong professional with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focused in Economics from University of Wyoming.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-ballard-5162a474/
Tina Conley
E-Mail tina@ireach2.com
Bio: Tina is the Executive Director of Ireach 2, Inc. The company provides high quality, innovative, individualized therapeutic services to adults with developmental disabilities and brain injury.
Phillip Cornella
E-Mail iuoe800bm@gmail.com
Bio: Apprenticeship/Training Director, Operating Engineers Local 800
Megan Degenfelder
E-Mail michelle.aldrich@wyo.gov
Bio: Elected Wyoming’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2022, making her one of the youngest elected statewide officials in Wyoming history. Growing up in a six-generation Wyoming ranching family and coming from years of private sector experience in coal and oil and gas, Megan advocates for conservative values, parental rights, workforce preparation and patriotism in education.
Megan graduated from the University of Wyoming with bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Political Science, and served as student body president, captain of the rugby team, and top graduating female. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Economics from the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, China, with her thesis focusing on the elasticity of demand between coal and natural gas.
Megan volunteers on several non-profit boards, coaches the University of Wyoming women’s rugby team, fosters rescue dogs, and is an active volunteer in her church. She is a cancer survivor, enjoys hunting, competitive trap shooting and hiking, and has traveled to over 40 countries. Megan’s husband, Bryan Dugas, is an anesthesiologist, and they have two beloved rescue dogs, Loretta Lynn and Patsy.
Dan Dockstader
E-Mail Dan.Dockstader@wyoleg.gov
Bio: Wyoming State Legislature, Senator, Senate: District 16.
BYU-BA Occupation: Publisher/Radio Host
Josh Dorrell
E-Mail josh.dorrell@wyo.gov
Bio: CEO of the Wyoming Business Council – It’s my pleasure to introduce the team that is realizing diverse, broad and lasting growth for Wyoming’s present and its future. Together with our partners, we add value to our core industries of natural resources, tourism and outdoor recreation, and agriculture. We leverage those strengths to activate new sectors like professional services, technology and advanced manufacturing.
We look forward to working with you to build a prosperous Wyoming.
McKay Erickson
E-Mail McKay.Erickson@wyoleg.gov
Bio: Wyoming State Legislature, Representative, House District 21.
Utah State University, Social studies composite, 1992. Occupation: Retired 30 year Educator. Timber and Powerline Services
Larry Fodor
E-Mail larry@msiwyo.com
Bio: Vice President/COO at Mechanical Systems, Inc., Member of Wyoming Young Contractor’s Association
Elizabeth Gagen, J.D.
E-Mail elizabeth.gagen@wyo.gov
Bio: Department of Workforce Services Director
Ron Gullberg (Designee for Josh Dorrell)
E-Mail ron.gullberg@wyo.gov
Bio: Strategic Partnerships Director at Wyoming Business Council – Experienced communicator and project manager with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration and media industries. Strengths Finder skills: Maximizer, Relator, Adaptability, Arranger, Input. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) focused in Political Science from University of Oregon.
Bria Hammock
E-Mail bria.hammock@gmail.com
Bio: Hammock Fine Art & Madden Media – VP of Destination Strategy for our Mountain West team
Nicky Harper
E-Mail nicky.harper@wyo.gov
Bio: Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator – Department of Workforce Services. Nicky Harper, MSW, LCSW, CRC, is a seasoned administrator in Vocational Rehabilitation with expertise in integrating mental health into workplace services. As a licensed social worker and certified rehabilitation counselor, she understands the challenges individuals with disabilities face and advocates for mental health support to enhance their vocational success. Nicky ensures mental health is central to service delivery while fostering a supportive culture for staff, recognizing that prioritizing their well-being enhances care quality and sustains a healthy work environment, ultimately benefiting clients and organizations alike.
Jerry Henderson (Designee for Governor Gordon)
E-Mail jerry.henderson@wyo.gov
Bio: Policy Advisor
Katie Hogarty
E-Mail katie@climbwyoming.org
Bio: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Climb Wyoming – Her lifelong passion for community development and advocacy, paired with her expertise in public policy and organizational leadership, informs and inspires her work in poverty alleviation at the state, regional, and national levels. As she leads one of the most innovative, outcomes-based nonprofits in the nation serving low-income families, Katie takes a relationship-based approach to building meaningful partnerships and affecting lasting change as Climb breaks the generational cycle of poverty by investing in and supporting community, workforce, and social development in families and rural communities in Wyoming and beyond. She previously worked for the Wyoming Governor’s Office as a Health and Human Services Policy Analyst. Katie holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Wyoming College of Law and a B.A. in psychology from Lewis & Clark College.
Thomas Kinney
E-Mail
Bio: Thom Kinney serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at St. John’s Health, where he leads people strategy, organizational development, and workforce planning for one of Wyoming’s most recognized rural healthcare organizations. With more than three decades of experience in HR and talent leadership across many industries, including retail, manufacturing, and high tech, he focuses on building strong cultures, developing leadership capacity, and creating effective workforce systems. His commitment to lifelong learning is shaped by both his professional experience and his personal connection to education as a parent of four children navigating rural school systems. He also teaches an introduction to HR class for CWC and is a trainer and advisory board member for Becoming Jackson Whole, helping community leaders grow skills for focus, change, compassion, and resilience. Outside of work, he is active in the outdoor and arts communities of Teton County, spending his time hiking, skiing, rafting, playing bass, and participating in local theater.
Travis Lawrence
E-Mail tlawrence@firstnorthern.Bank
Bio: Senior VP/Senior Loan Officer, First Northern Bank of Wyoming
Shay Lundvall
E-Mail lundvalls@gillettewy.gov
Bio: Mayor City of Gillette
Daniel Meyer
E-Mail dan@plumbers192.org
Bio: Training Director U A Local 192 JATC
Brenda Morgan
E-Mail bmorganwejatc@gmail.com
Bio: Training Director of the Wyoming Electrical Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee – Demonstrated history of working in the electrical industry, higher education and state government.
Maddie Newman
E-Mail
Bio: Maddie Newman serves as the Executive Director of the Wyoming Construction Coalition (WCC) and Wyoming Young Contractors Coalition (WYCC), where she supports and strengthens Wyoming’s construction industry through advocacy, workforce development, safety leadership, and industry collaboration across the state.
She holds undergraduate degrees in Marketing and Management from the University of Wyoming and a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. In addition to her work with WCC, Maddie is the Founder of Newman Marketing, where she partners with small businesses and organizations to develop strategic, practical marketing solutions. She also teaches outreach marketing classes at Laramie County Community College, helping local business owners build accessible and effective marketing strategies.
Maddie is a longtime advocate for Career & Technical Education in Wyoming and understands the critical role it plays in shaping the state’s future workforce. She has been involved in Career & Technical Student Organizations since high school and has continued that involvement through her service on the Wyoming FBLA Board of Directors, representing business and industry.
Maddie is passionate about strengthening the state’s workforce pipeline, supporting local businesses, and investing in the future of Wyoming’s communities.
Peter Nicolaysen
E-Mail pnicolaysen@natronacounty-wy.gov
Bio: Natrona County Commissioner
Korin Schmidt
E-Mail korin.schmidt1@wyo.gov
Bio: Director of Wyoming Department of Family Services
Lauren Schoenfeld
E-Mail lschoenfeld@wyoba.com
Bio: Lauren Schoenfeld is the Executive Director of the Wyoming Innovation Partnership and Director of Workforce Development for the Wyoming Business Alliance. She was appointed by Governor Mark Gordon as the first Wyoming Innovation Partnership Executive Director and also served as Senior Policy Advisor in economic development, broadband and business support. Lauren served as a County Commissioner for four years and her previous experience includes nonprofit executive leadership as the Executive Director for the YWCA of Sweetwater County and Organizational Change Management Lead for J.R. Simplot Company.
She served as an appointee on the Wyoming Broadband Council and to the Wyoming Broadband Legislative Task Force. In 2018 she was honored to be a delegate and speaker at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-schoenfeld-3896b31a5/
Tom Van Kleef
E-Mail
Bio: Tom is the owner of several Wyoming based businesses in the Oil & Gas, Aviation, Asset Management, and Consulting industries. He is a member of several boards, including the Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW) and the Center for Applied Technology for School Security (CATS2). A decorated former USAF Fighter Pilot, he’s lived and worked globally in a variety of roles, and brings a win-win, problem-solving approach to any challenge or opportunity.
Joanna Vilos
E-Mail Joanna.Vilos@crmcwy.org
Bio: Joanna Vilos is the Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer for Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, where she leads the organization’s human resources strategy and advises senior leadership and the board of trustees on legal, regulatory and workforce matters. In her role, Joanna focuses on workforce development, talent retention and organizational culture to support the evolving needs of healthcare in Wyoming.
Prior to joining Cheyenne Regional in 2017, Joanna was a partner with Holland & Hart LLP, where she specialized in employment law and represented clients across industries including healthcare and energy. She has been recognized by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business as a top-tier labor and employment attorney.
Joanna earned her B.A. in Sociology and Government from the University of Maryland and her J.D. from Harvard Law School. Originally from Worland, Wyoming, she returned to the Rocky Mountain region following law school.
Outside of work, Joanna enjoys cooking, watching sports and traveling with her two children.
Charles Wilson
E-Mail cwilson@wyoming.com
Bio: MA, LMFT is a master’s level psychotherapist in private practice in Lander Wyoming. He and his wife Jennifer are co-founders of The Soldier’s House of Fremont County, a nonprofit 501c-3 dedicated to bringing volunteer services from the communities to the needs of veterans. Charlie has been providing free counseling services to veterans of all discharge statuses for over thirteen years.
Debra Zolnoski
E-Mail debrazolnoski@safarihospitality.com
Bio: Debra is the General Manager of the Holiday Inn Express in Gillette.