business women of pocatello board of directors

lisa adams, co-founder and former board president

"Orchid strong, hand to heart would describe Lisa Adams on her mission, as a Financial Advisor and business advocate, to uplift and assist women in becoming financially and professionally successful."​  
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Lisa Adams is a Co-Owner and Financial Advisor at Rockwood Stone Wealth Management where she utilizes her passion of finance to empower others to take control of their money, invest and create realistic financial plans to grow a comfortable nest egg for their future goals. She specializes in encouraging and teaching women to be involved in their portfolios and finances so they can feel confident making financial decisions on their own. 

Lisa is also the Co-founder of Business Women of Pocatello where she advocates for local business women to be involved with each other's professions, cheer for one another and encourage women to commit to leadership roles within their companies as well as our community. 

Because she thrives on the feeling of being involved with our community, Lisa is also heavily involved with Zonta, serves on the Chamber Champs committee, and on the Chamber Leadership Board.
In May of 2021, Lisa also graduated from the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber Leadership Program.

Outside of her commitment to helping others, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband, their two golden retrievers, close friends and family, especially her nieces and nephews. Game night, travel, skiing, adventure, nature and long hikes with her husband excite her soul, when it comes to her hobbies.   

nikki waliser
​board president 2024

Nikki Waliser: A Woman of Passion and Purpose
Meet Nikki Waliser, a devoted mom to an energetic 8-year-old daughter and a lovable 4-year-old fur baby. Nikki has been happily married to her husband for a remarkable 15 years, creating a foundation of love and support for her growing family.

Nikki is not only a family-oriented woman but also an avid enthusiast of the great outdoors. Whether it's tending to her vibrant garden, perfecting her golf swing on the green, or exploring nature through invigorating hikes, Nikki finds joy in the beauty of the world around her.

One of Nikki's cherished traditions is hosting Friday "Framily Dinners" where friends come together to share laughter, stories, and good food. This reflects her deep appreciation for meaningful connections and the importance of fostering strong relationships with those around her.

Hailing from North Dakota, Nikki and her family make an annual pilgrimage back home to reconnect with their roots. Days spent by the lake and quality time with family create cherished memories that fuel Nikki's sense of identity and belonging.

​As a proud North Dakotan, she's not just an enthusiastic supporter of the NDSU Bison but also a die-hard fan, cheering them on with unwavering passion during every game. Her alma mater remains close to her heart, and she takes pride in having been a part of the vibrant NDSU community.

Professionally, Nikki is the proud owner of The W Group, a thriving business specializing in Social Media Marketing Management and Event Planning. Through her venture, she not only excels in the dynamic world of digital marketing but also nurtures her passion for bringing people together through meticulously planned events.

An advocate for empowering women, Nikki dedicates herself to supporting local women in discovering their passions and turning them into successful pursuits. Her commitment to the community goes beyond her business, as she actively engages in local initiatives and projects to make a positive impact.

​In every aspect of her life, Nikki Waliser exemplifies a woman who finds fulfillment in family, friendships, nature, and professional endeavors. Her genuine love for her community and the people in it sets her apart as a beacon of inspiration for those around her.

Kathryn Dye, Vice President 2024, Former Marketing Director 2020-2023

Kathryn Dye is the Meals on Wheels Director at SEICAA, where they provide nutritious meals and emotional support to homebound seniors and disabled persons. Her passion for human kindness and volunteerism keeps her busy.

​Kathryn is a 2020 Leadership Pocatello Graduate, serves on the Leadership Board of Directors as the Communications Chair, LEAP, KIND Community Board as the Marketing Co-Chair, Board Director for Business Women of Pocatello as the Vice President, and she is a  Chamber Chief. 
 
When she isn’t volunteering, she likes to spend her time with family and friends, camping, hiking, concerts, and various other hobbies. ​

Kristine McCarty
​Board Administrator 2021-2024

​​Kristine McCarty is the Director of Graduate Studies for the College of Business at Idaho State University, where she oversees the Master of Business Administration, Master of Accountancy, and Master of Healthcare Administration programs. She also teaches an introductory business course. She is passionate about helping women pursue education in business to help them on their road to success. 

Kristine earned her Master of Business Administration with a marketing emphasis from ISU in 2017 and previously earned an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a minor in marketing. Kristine is a graduate of the Leadership Pocatello-Chubbuck program, and she is a co-founder of the Elevate Leadership Summit, the premier leadership conference in southeast Idaho.

​Kristine serves on the board for the Elevate Leadership Summit, Business Women of Pocatello, and Leadership Pocatello-Chubbuck. She is also on the curriculum committee for LEAP. 

In her free time, Kristine enjoys travelling, reading, and running. She spends as much time as possible with her two dogs, Padfoot and Odin, and her husband Bobby. ​

Amanda James, co-Treasurer 2024
Former Vice President
2020-2023,
Former Board Executive
2021-2022
Former Treasurer
2018-2020

Amanda Garcia James has been in the Banking industry for 17 years and is currently a VP Commercial Loan Officer  at the Bank of Idaho. Here she pursues her passion for supporting and educating business owners on lending options to help them achieve their financial goals.

Amanda is an Idaho native, an alum of Highland High School and Idaho State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Workplace Training and Leadership.

Amanda is an active community member; currently serving as a Board Member of Business Women of Pocatello, since its founding in 2017, and is also serving her third year as Treasurer of the Bannock Youth Foundation. Amanda has been recognized as an ambassador for the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber community and was inducted as a Pocatello Chamber Chief in 2022. She is a 2020 graduate of the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber Leadership Program. Amanda also serves as a Board Member of Chubbuck Development Authority.

​When Amanda is not volunteering in her community, she enjoys golfing and exploring the mountains with her husband Jesse and her son Nico.

ashley guardipee
​marketing CO-chair 2024

Ashley: Embracing Family, Nature, and Community


I'm Ashley, a devoted wife and proud mother of four amazing children—two girls and two boys. Our home is a vibrant sanctuary on a few acres of land, bustling with cats, dogs, horses, cows, and the joyous laughter of my kiddos.

We thrive in the great outdoors, finding solace and adventure in hiking, fishing, and hunting. Processing our own meat is a source of pride for us, as we cherish the connection to our food and the land it comes from. Tending to our garden brings me immense joy, knowing that the fruits of our labor nourish my loved ones.

Our orchard is a testament to our commitment to self-sustainability, boasting peach, apple, pear, cherry, raspberry, blackberry, currant, Saskatoon berry trees, and more—all thriving under my care. With honeybees buzzing around, I ensure a thriving ecosystem, each fruit bearing testament to our dedication.

While family and nature are my core passions, I'm also deeply involved in my community.  I serve as the event coordinator for Gate City BNI Chapter and hold the role of Marketing Chair for BWP, where I'm dedicated to building relationships and uplifting those around me.  I am also a Business Developer at Express Employment Solutions in Pocatello.

In every aspect of my life, I strive to embody dedication, love, and stewardship, leaving a lasting impact on my family, my community, and the world around me.

crystal christofferson
​marketing co-chair 2024

Hi there! I'm Crystal Christofferson, a proud native of Pocatello, ID. By day, I'm an Insurance Agent with Farm Bureau, dedicated to helping folks like you protect what matters most. Fun fact: I'm a mom to three amazing girls and stepmom to three more – talk about a full house! My husband and I even tied the knot on a special day, July 21st, in honor of my late stepfather.
 
 What fuels my drive? It's simple: making a difference, problem-solving, and lifelong learning. I believe in going the extra mile to ensure my clients feel secure and empowered.
 
Armed with top-notch communication skills and a wealth of industry knowledge, I'm here to find the perfect insurance solutions for you. Plus, my knack for sales and marketing ensures you'll get the best coverage at the best value.
 
Outside the office, you'll often find me soaking up the great outdoors – whether I'm casting a line on the water, tracking game in the woods, or tending to my garden. And there's nothing I love more than sharing these adventures with my kiddos.
 
Oh, and did I mention? I'm also part of the Pocatello/Chubbuck Leadership 2023-2025 class, where I'm honing my skills and giving back to our community in even more ​ways!

crystal panek
events C0-chair 2024
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Crystal Panek is the Events Manager at the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce where she plans annual and monthly events for all the members.

She moved to Pocatello in 2019 and has found her passion with the community working at the chamber. Her background is in hospitality and restaurants, but she truly values the opportunities the chamber provides to serve our community.

​She has a Bachelor’s in Business Management and an Associates in Hospitality Management.

Before moving to Pocatello, Crystal held various positions in all different levels of hospitality. She is the staff liaison for Gate City Young Professionals, Event Chair for Business Women of Pocatello, Board Member for KIND Community, and Board Member for Gate City Rotary.

 When she isn’t working or hosting an event for work, you can find her cuddling on the couch with her two cats or hanging out with friends.

kristi whaley
​events co-chair 2024

Kristi Whaley
Impact Real Estate Group, Broker/Owner


Kristi Whaley is a dedicated and experienced Real Estate Broker with a passion for helping clients achieve their property goals. With nearly 10 of experience in the industry, Kristi has established herself as a trusted advisor known for her professionalism, integrity, and commitment to delivering exceptional service.
 
She also has a passion for community and created a local give back campaign called Kids, Pets, or Vets and donates a portion of her commissions to local non profits according to her clients desires.
 
Outside of her professional endeavors, Kristi enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, their 4 kids, and their dog. They like to snowboard, kayak, camp and garden together. They moved from Utah to Pocatello in 2018 and quickly fell in love with our awesome community!

beixy shepard
membership Co-chair 2024

Embarking on a journey from the colorful streets of Venezuela to the picturesque landscapes of Idaho in 2000 was more than just a change of scenery—it was the beginning of a life rich with experiences and opportunities. Accompanied by my parents, I took my first steps into adulthood at 20, eager to explore the world that awaited. Fast forward to 2008, and Idaho welcomed not just me, but also my two precious daughters, Victoria and Sofia, infusing our lives with boundless joy and endless possibilities.

While my career initially led me down the path of sales, my heart always yearned for the warmth of the kitchen and the joy of culinary creativity. Nestled within me was a dream—a dream of cultivating a cozy café or food truck where every dish would be a labor of love, a testament to my passion for cooking and community.

Today, I proudly serve as a Financial Services Officer at Idaho Central Credit Union, where since 2017, I've had the privilege of guiding our members on their financial journeys with care and expertise. But when the summer sun cast, my husband, Nick Shepard, and I embark on a delectable adventure as the proud owners of Nada Taco Truck (Beixy’s Kitchen LLC), where we tantalize taste buds with the vibrant flavors of Venezuela, spreading joy and culinary delight throughout our community.

Beyond the confines of the office and the hustle of the food truck, my heart beats for community involvement and service. As a devoted member of the Kind Community board, I pour my energy into serving as the Chair of the Service Project, where we come together to make a difference and uplift those in need. Additionally, my participation in the 2023-2025 Leadership Pocatello/Chubbuck Class and the Gate City Young Professionals allows me to cultivate my passion for community engagement and leadership development, ensuring that I am always learning and growing to better serve my beloved community.

Deborah Beaumont
Board executive 2024

Debbie Beaumont is more than a fashionista she is a fashion designer! Beaumont is the owner of Deborah Beaumont, LLC, an on-line clothing brand.

Beaumont grew up in Pocatello and graduated from Pocatello High School. She pursued a degree in Fashion Design at Kinman University in Washington and modeled for several agencies after graduation. Additionally, she studied finance and management at Idaho State University.

She worked in banking in the dealer buy center as a loan officer before working at the City of Pocatello Finance department, where she retired after 20 years.

​Fashion has always been her passion using it for purpose in helping others learn about fashion by teaching ISU’s Dress for Success class, modeling classes, and hosting a fashion segment on KPVI Morning News.

For 12 years she helped raise scholarship funds for women attending Idaho State University while chairing the Zonta Spring Fashion show as member of Zonta International. She was awarded Zontian of the Year in 2017 for her exemplary service in Zonta.

Beaumont enjoys community involvement as a graduate of Leadership Pocatello and a facilitator of leadership, a 4-H leader, an Optimists girls’ basketball coach and a member of Civitans.

Beaumont represented the state of Idaho as Ms. Idaho Senior America 2015 and competed on the Miss America stage in Atlantic City. Debbie met and married her high school friend (Harley Bergendorf) after moving back to Pocatello. They were married on a white water rafting trip on the middle fork of the Salmon River. They have 4 children. They enjoy skiing, hiking, backpacking and biking, although they have slowed down a bit.

​Life's a party....dress up www.deborahbeaumont.com

amber cook
communications chair 2024
membership co-chair 2024

Amber Cook's entrepreneurial journey began as a response to health challenges, evolving into a thriving ecommerce venture and a brick-and-mortar presence in Historic Downtown Pocatello. Alongside her roles as a devoted wife and mother of three, Amber is the driving force behind REstylez, a purpose-driven shop dedicated to promoting sustainable living practices.

At REstylez, Amber curates a unique selection of upcycled, repurposed, and vintage items, reflecting her commitment to reducing carbon footprints and fostering environmental consciousness.

Actively involved in community initiatives, she lends her support to charitable causes through organizations like the Bannock Civitans and contributes to local economic development as a member of the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce.  Amber serves on the Board of Directors for Business Women of Pocatello, where she holds the positions of Communications Chair and Membership Co-Chair.

Amber's advocacy extends to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, through mentorship and support. Her belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship fuels her dedication to helping others pursue their passions and realize their dreams.

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