Advisory Committees

The WORTH Advisory Committees provide essential guidance and support to the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute through three distinct groups: the External Advisory Committee, the Faculty Advisory Committee, and the Governance Committee. 

External Advisory Committee

The WORTH External Advisory Committee provides advice, support, connection, and coordination between private industry, agencies, and WORTH. A majority of the members are leaders in private industry sectors. Each member serves a reoccurring two-year term and is invited and appointed by the Director; there are no term limits. The external advisory committee meets twice per year preceding two industry events: the Fall Hospitality and Tourism Summit (various locations throughout the state) and the Governor’s Convention for Hospitality and Tourism (Cheyenne). The current membership is below. If you are interested in serving on the Advisory Committee, please contact the Director.

 

First Name Last Name Title Institution/Organization
Budd Betts Owner Absaroka Ranch
Domenic Bravo President & CEO Visit Cheyenne
Chris Brown Executive Director Wyoming Hospitality and Travel Coalition
Dave Glenn Director Division of State Parks, Historic Sites, Trails, and the Outdoor Recreation Office
Tom Holland Executive Director Wilderness Adventures
Sarah Howe Director of Sales and Marketing Grand Teton Lodge Company
Mike Keller General Manager of Yellowstone National Park Lodges Xanterra Parks & Resorts
Karen Kemmerer Haub School Board Member CM Ranch
Alex Klein Vice President and General Manager Grand Teton Lodge Company and Flagg Ranch Company  
Amy Larsen Industry Relations Manager Wyoming Office of Tourism
Mike Lilygren Co-Owner Maven Outdoor Equipment Company
Debbie Pummel Director of Hotel Performance Safari Timberline Hospitality
Shannon Schiner Guest Experience Director Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Diane Shober Executive Director Wyoming Office of Tourism

UW Faculty Advisory Committee

Membership on the faculty advisory committee consists of an array of campus constituents. The Director invites members to the committee through college deans, faculty senate (for the at-large position), and the vice president for research and economic development, to serve two-year terms. The committee meets at least twice per year. 

The purpose of the UW faculty advisory committee is to:

  • Understand the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute background, history, relevance, and importance 
  • Advise the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute on current initiatives, future directions
  • Increase cross-campus collaboration.
First Name Last Name Title
Chase Thiel College of Business
Curt Davidson Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources
Mandy Marney College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources

Robert

Macy

 Office for Research and Economic Development
Caroline McCracken-Flesher College of Arts and Sciences
Jeff Hamerlinck At large

Governance Committee

The WORTH Governance Committee provides high-level guidance and strategic oversight to the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute. Comprised of senior university leadership, the committee ensures that the Institute’s mission, programs, and partnerships remain aligned with the University of Wyoming’s strategic priorities and land-grant mission. This committee serves as a vital conduit between the Institute and the broader university administration, offering input on major initiatives, funding opportunities, academic integration, and long-term sustainability.

The committee advises on:
  • Strategic direction and alignment with university and college/school goals
  • Opportunities for cross-college/school collaboration and interdisciplinary research
  • Integration of workforce development initiatives across academic units
  • Evaluation of institutional support and resource needs
  • Advancement of WORTH’s statewide and national profile

The WORTH Governance Committee meets bi-annually, as needed, to review progress, provide feedback, and help shape the future of the Institute in service to Wyoming’s visitor economy.

First Name Last Name Title
Scott Beaulier College of Business
John Koprowski Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources
Kelly Crane College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources
Parag Chitnis Office for Research and Economic Development