Distinguished Under 40

The Greater Idaho Falls Chambers of Commerce (GIFCC) has announced the 2020 Distinguished Under 40 honorees. Distinguished Under 40 is an annual awards program exclusive to the Eastern Idaho area that honors 10 young professionals who have gone above and beyond to accomplish great things in their careers, community and education. To be considered for this award, young professionals are nominated by co-workers, managers and business associates. Winners are selected by a panel of GIFCC past and present members. 

The 2020 honorees are: Josh Bristol, Jordan Cammack, Jeff Carr, Katie Gasser, Anthony Hernandez, Derek Moss, Kiersten Sedlmayr, Brennan Summers, Beth Swenson and Mike Walker.

Josh Bristol

Josh Bristol was born and raised in Idaho Falls. Josh’s on-air persona ‘Josh Tielor’ was created in September 2001 when he opened the microphone for his first on-air broadcast at KBEAR 101. Ultimately, he would find his home at the Rich Broadcasting group of stations in Pocatello where he lived for 5 years and started his family. Josh is now the Operations Manager at Rich Broadcasting.

As an on-air personality and a member of the Eastern Idaho community, Josh has participated in many community events and fundraisers, including #LovePup Family Fest, ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ with the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center and, most notably, the Primary Children’s Radiothon. This past September, Rich Broadcasting hosted their 9th Annual Radiothon for Primary Children’s Hospital and as the only major fundraising for the hospital in 2020, they were able to raise $90,000 to support the amazing care that Primary provides every day.

Josh says he would not be where he is without the encouragement of his wonderful wife Chantel, who has supported his radio career every step of the way. He is a father of two amazing children, Beck and Emery. His hobbies include fly fishing and fly tying, camping, hiking and backpacking.

Jorden Cammack

A native of Idaho Falls, Jorden is happy to be able to call it home once again. After graduating from Bonneville High School, she received her Bachelor’s Degree from Brigham Young University Idaho, where she majored in Theatre Education and minored in Earth Science Education. Following graduation, Jorden accepted a teaching position in Tooele County, Utah, where she spent the first 9 years of her career. 

In the summer of 2018, Jorden and her family moved home to Idaho Falls, where she joined the first faculty of Thunder Ridge High School, working as the Theatre Teacher, Drama Coach and Auditorium Manager. Later that school year, she was recognized as Thunder Ridge High School’s first ever Elective Classes Teacher of the Year. She then coached the TRHS Drama students to a 2nd place finish in the 2019 Region IHSAA Drama Competition. This year the team went even further, placing 1st at Region and 2nd overall at State. 

Jorden began working with Ammon Arts Inc. to create the Ammon Arts Community Theatre (AACT) in the fall of 2019. With the support of individuals and businesses in the area, AACT was able to raise enough funds to produce its first summer musical, even amid 2020's unique challenges. Her hard work and dedication were recognized when she received the Ammon Mayor’s Community Service Award. 

Jeff Carr 

Being from Idaho Falls is a massive part of Jeff’s identity. He loves watching it grow and flourish, which is why he would read the Post Register each day while living thousands of miles away. It’s also why his only real career plan, from childhood onward, has been to leave, see the world and come back—and to find ways to match his interests in language, stories, and culture with his desire to live in Idaho Falls.

After graduating from Idaho Falls High School, Jeff served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Siberia and received a Bachelor’s in English from Utah State and a master’s in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies from Stanford. He also worked at both of those universities, wrote for a newspaper and then landed a job as a Russia/East Europe analyst at the CIA. After four incredible years writing for the president and seeing more of the world, he decided in 2017 it was time to come home.

Since then, Jeff has been at the Museum of Idaho, first as Director of Public Relations, and now as the Sr. Director for External Affairs helping out with marketing and development. Jeff is also involved at other great institutions, such as the College of Eastern Idaho, Alturas International Academy and the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce. At the end of the day, what Jeff loves most is exploring back roads with his wife Sarah, and forcing ’90s movies and video games on his kids Adam, Avery and Ben. 

Katie Gasser

Katie has served the Eastern Idaho senior community for her entire career. Her passion for care began as a family caregiver and has included various roles in assisted living, memory care, home care and more. Today, she works within the community as a senior advisor to families facing challenges with aging parents and spouses, provides caregiver enrichment, presents about the growing senior population to the community and partners with many of the healthcare organizations in Eastern Idaho.

Katie is also extremely passionate about community service. After losing a grandparent to Alzheimer’s Disease, she was driven to play a key role in establishing the presence of the Alzheimer’s Association in Eastern Idaho. Today, Katie serves both as a member of the Leadership Council and as Co-Chair of the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Katie is also a member of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, Civitans and the Geriatric Forum.

Katie lives in Hamer with her husband Chip, their four wonderful children and several critters, including fainting pygmy goats. She enjoys anything that involves being outdoors, spending time with her family and advocating for care and kindness everywhere.

Anthony Hernandez

Anthony grew up in Pocatello. In 2005, he moved to Idaho Falls where he began his career at Teton Toyota, washing and detailing cars. After high school, he continued to work during summer and Christmas breaks. He went on to graduate with a Business Communications degree from the University of Idaho in 2013. 

After college he continued to work at Parker Toyota as a full-time Sales Associate. While at Parker Volkswagen he worked as a Sales Manager for a year and a half before he was given the opportunity to come back to Idaho Falls to be the Training Director for Teton Auto Group. In this role, Anthony helped develop training courses for employees and management. 

While he was the Training Manager, he went to the NADA Academy in Washington D.C. to further his education in the car industry, graduating at the top of his class. In 2017 he became an Owning Partner of Teton Volkswagen. He currently works as the General Sales Manager and part owner of Teton Volkswagen in Idaho Falls. Anthony is also a part of the National Minority Dealer Association. In his time off the clock, Anthony loves to duck hunt and spend time with family and friends. Anthony and his wife Vanessa Hernandez welcomed their first child, Andre, in 2019. 

Derek Moss

Derek Moss started as an intern with Premier Technology during his senior year at the Idaho State University’s College of Business in 2009. The magic of witnessing ideas transformed into reality through advanced manufacturing cemented his interest in the company. After graduation, he quickly assumed significant responsibilities within the business development group. Since 2014, he has managed the Federal Services Business Unit. During that time, he has led the team responsible for the sales, negotiation, and execution of more than $200 million in contracts with the U.S. Government and its prime contractors.

Derek has been a critical part of Premier’s growth during the past 10 years. Under his leadership, annual average sales within the Federal Services Business Unit has grown more than 300%. He has hired, trained and mentored a talented team of professionals that share a passion for their work.

Derek grew up near Declo. He holds a BBA from Idaho University and a MS in Government Contracts from George Washington University. He is married to Shelby Moss and has three boys: Adam, Taylor and Carson. Together, the family loves to explore the wonders of Idaho and can often be found paddle boarding, hiking and camping. 

Kiersten Sedlmayr

Kiersten Sedlmayr Landers was born in Colorado to Steven and Remy Sedlmayr, business owners and entrepreneurs. Her father is an inventor by profession and has over 20 patents to his name, including technology that became the predecessor to flat screen television. 

In 2004, Kiersten moved to Los Angeles to attend Loyola Marymount University. While there she worked for the Conrad Hilton School of Business, was named on the Dean’s List, received a Ricci Family Entrepreneurship scholarship and participated in debate and service organizations. Kiersten is the first in her family to graduate from college and obtained her BBA in Entrepreneurship with an emphasis on Communication.

In 2009, Kiersten moved to Phoenix and then, subsequently, moved to Idaho Falls following the economic downturn. Each member of her family worked “regular” daytime jobs while spending free time building what would eventually be their company: DIVINIA Water.

Following growth and investment, DIVINIA Water became incorporated. In 2017, DIVINIA moved into a larger building in downtown Idaho Falls. Kiersten works tirelessly with her family to forge a legacy for her family, educate consumers and build a company that serves its customers and shareholders. Kiersten lives and works in Idaho Falls with her husband and daughter. 

Brennan Summers

Brennan’s life has been paved with experiences and mentors who have shaped his passion and appreciation for public service. Brennan connects this passion to early experiences with his father, Shayne, who spent the first decade of Brennan’s life serving on the Ucon City Council. 

After graduating from Bonneville High School in 2012 he attended Utah State University on a full tuition scholarship. While studying, he spent a summer interning in Senator Risch’s DC office, where he made many meaningful connections and learned a great deal about lawmaking. The following year he completed an internship with Melaleuca. 

After three and a half years at Utah State, Brennan graduated Cum Laude with degrees in Political Science and Communication Studies. Immediately following graduation Brennan took a job as Congressman Simpson’s Regional Director in Idaho Falls. Brennan has spent the last three years as Simpson’s point man in nine counties, handling everything from INL issues to public lands. Brennan has also assisted several local legislative candidates in their elections and served as a Vice Chair for the Region Republican Party.

Brennan recently took on a new role in Congressman Simpson’s D.C. office. In D.C., he will be working on public land, agriculture, and natural resource issues for Congressman Simpson. Brennan looks forward to continuing his service to Idahoans with the congressman, from our nation’s capital. 

Beth Swenson

Beth Swenson was born and raised in Idaho Falls. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in History from Brigham Young University-Idaho, she started her professional library career as a Reference Librarian at the Twin Falls Public Library. While working in Twin Falls, Beth earned a Master of Library Information and Science degree from the University of North Texas.

In 2015, she came to the Idaho Falls Public Library, a place she has long considered a favorite place as her mom worked there while Beth was growing up. Beth began as an Outreach Librarian at IFPL, before becoming the Children’s Library Supervisor and her current position as Assistant Director - Public Services. 

Beth is a proud member of the Idaho Falls Kiwanis Club and is grateful that the service organization gives her a way to serve her community. Although only being a member for just under 2 years, she is currently the club’s Vice-President. Beth headed the Hope of America Awards for 2020, an award given to 6th graders for demonstrating scholastic ability, leadership skills, and citizenship. 

Beth is married and the mother of three children. In her spare time (when there is any), she enjoys playing games with friends and family, trying in vain to keep a garden alive, participating in 5K walks and reading (of course).

Mike Walker

As the first Dean of Students for College of Eastern Idaho (CEI), Michael Walker helped lead the charge on a variety of new departments and services, including student mental health counseling services, disability resources, enrollment management, a Title IX office and student conduct. 

Walker researched and co-authored several grants for CEI, including the successful “Childcare Means Parents in Schools” (CCAMPIS) grant, in which the Department of Education awarded the college $120,000 over four years to pay for student childcare costs, thereby easing the burden for low-income student parents. 

As well as an administrator, Walker is an education psychology researcher; he will complete his PhD in Education from Utah State University in 2021. His research explores the psychology of hope in new freshmen. Walker also holds two master’s degrees, one in History from BYU (2011) and another in Higher Education and Student Affairs from USU (2017). 

Walker is a single father of two amazing boys, and enjoys hiking, fishing, biking, snowboarding, running, and loves everything the Tetons, Yellowstone and the region has to offer in outdoor recreation.