GCCC Economic Development Foundation

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ember has built a career in media and event management, with over two decades of experience in the Treasure Valley and Northern Colorado. Formerly the marketing director at Cumulus Media and the Ford Idaho Center, she excelled in managing media buys, talent acquisition, and large-scale event planning. She later launched her own multimedia marketing agency, specializing in branding, sponsorships, and comprehensive marketing strategies across digital and traditional platforms.

A dedicated community leader, Ember is the founder of the Gem County Women’s Network and serves on the Gem County Economic Development Foundation and the FUNDSY Board. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University Global Campus and has pursued graduate studies at Colorado State University. With expertise in corporate sponsorship procurement, social media campaigns, and major event management, Ember continues to make a significant impact through her innovative and strategic approach to business and community development.

PRESIDENT

Kirk Wille is the managing member of High Rock Law, a general practice law firm he founded in Emmett, Idaho, in 2017. With a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from North Carolina State University and a Master of Science in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School, Kirk combines extensive military and legal expertise to serve his community. Following a distinguished 20-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served in leadership roles and completed multiple combat tours, Kirk earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law.

Deeply involved in Gem County, Kirk serves as President of the Gem County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Foundation and sits on the boards of Valor Health and the Gem County Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his law practice, Kirk and his family operate Cowboys Chophouse and were the founding owners of Gem County Motorsports. An active community leader, rancher, and veteran, Kirk is dedicated to fostering growth and opportunity in Gem County.

VICE PRESIDENT

A longtime Gem County resident, he brings over 20 years of experience as a business owner and community leader. Alongside his wife, he co-founded the Emmett Creamery and has supported numerous local initiatives through both business and volunteer efforts, including partnerships with Sweet School and other community organizations.

He currently serves as Vice President of the Gem County Economic Development Foundation and is an active member of the Downtown Emmett Revitalization Team (DERT), where he focuses on strengthening the local economy and supporting thoughtful, responsible growth. Grounded in values of service, accountability, and hard work, he is committed to helping ensure a strong future for Gem County.

MEMBER AT LARGE

A highly accomplished and energetic educator and administrator, Susan brings over 40 years of expertise in curriculum development, educational leadership, and community engagement. With a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Boise State University and advanced certifications in professional-technical education, Susan has a proven track record of driving innovative educational initiatives, fostering leadership skills, and promoting local development.

In addition to teaching and administration, Susan is a seasoned entrepreneurial consultant and community leader, serving on various boards and co-founding organizations like the Gem County Economic Development Foundation Women’s Business Network. Recognized for their dedication to technology integration, instructional design, and economic enrichment, Susan continues to be a driving force in creating impactful educational and community programs.

MEMBER AT LARGE

I currently proudly teach the JROTC for the Payette River Technical Training Academy, helping to develop future leaders with discipline, integrity, and a commitment to service. My experience in leadership instruction extends beyond JROTC—I have also taught new soldiers enlisting into the military, providing them with essential training and guidance. My background includes 10 years in the Marine Corps, 18 years in the Army, and 10 years in civilian law enforcement, giving me extensive firsthand experience in discipline, leadership, and service. I have owned 3 businesses in the restaurant, bar and services industry, and currently own and operate a small business in the cleaning industry.

I am heavily involved in my community and dedicate a good part of my time serving as a City Councilman, President of the Gem County Chamber Board, Economic Development Foundation Board, Gem County Fair and Rodeo Board Member, Commander of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War Trustee, Military Order of Purple Heart, and the Marine Corp League Family is a big part of my life—I have six wonderful children: four sons and two daughters, ranging in age from their late 20’s to late 30s.

MEMBER AT LARGE

Jared Welsh is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, bringing nearly a decade of experience in the finance industry. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Finance from Boise State University.

His work focuses on retirement planning, estate considerations, and generational investing, helping individuals and families build long-term financial strategies. A lifelong resident of the Emmett area, he takes a collaborative approach—working closely with clients’ CPAs, attorneys, and other advisors to develop personalized, comprehensive plans

MEMBER AT LARGE

He serves as Superintendent of the Emmett School District, bringing more than 30 years of experience in public education, including 14 years as a district superintendent and 13 years in Oregon as a teacher and head basketball coach. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Boise State University and a Master’s in Curriculum and Administration from Eastern Oregon University and Lewis & Clark College.

As superintendent, he leads initiatives focused on improving student achievement, enhancing school safety, and strengthening community engagement. He has strategically leveraged funding to improve district facilities, expand academic support, and increase educational opportunities for students across Gem County.

MEMBER AT LARGE

With a diverse background spanning agriculture, public service, and technical expertise, he brings decades of hands-on and leadership experience to his work. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and has spent 39 years as an orchardist, with additional expertise as a certified chemical applicator, heavy equipment operator, and specialist in regenerative agriculture and conservation practices.

His professional experience includes 12 years with the USDA as a program director, administrator, personnel manager, GIS specialist, and public presenter, along with six years as a professional grant writer and fiscal administrator. Earlier in his career, he also worked as a professional landscaper, further grounding his practical knowledge of land and resource management..

MEMBER AT LARGE

Gordon Petrie was born and raised in Lewiston, Idaho. Since 2015, he has served as Mayor of Emmett, Idaho. He is a retired trial judge and full Colonel of the Idaho Army National Guard, deploying to Iraq in 2004-05 with the 116th Brigade Combat Team. He married Patrice Turner, formerly of Boise, Idaho, fifty-six years ago, and they have three adult children and eight grandchildren, four of whom are adulthoods. Mayor Petrie graduated from Idaho State University in 1971 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army Reserve, serving two years of active duty then. He graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1976, serving as the Nez Perce County Prosecuting Attorney from January 1977 through December 1982. He practiced privately in Lewiston until January 1989 when he became Gem County’s first lawyer magistrate. After
joining the Idaho Army National Guard, and returning from Iraq, he was appointed a District Judge, chambered in Caldwell, in 2006. He retired from the bench in 2009. Petrie also graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College and earned a Master’s Degree in Strategic Planning from the United States Army War College

MEMBER AT LARGE

Angela Gabiola was born and raised in Idaho. She spent her childhood and formative years in Emmett and attended the University of Idaho, graduating with a degree in Business Marketing. Angela has led an extensive career specifically in the alcohol/spirits industry. She was privileged to lead the team that took Grey Goose Vodka from inception to a $2.8 billion dollar acquisition in just 7 years.  Angela has held positions such as Sales Representative, Area/State/Regional Manager, Research Analyst and VP for Beverage Import and Spirits Organizations. Over the years she has become an expert at cultivating business relationships, leveraging her sales techniques and curating customer relationships to create profitable organizations through fiscally responsible business practices. All of this success happens through effective communication, collaboration and skilled negotiations. Angela is driven by being a hands-on leader with a boots on the ground approach.

MEMBER AT LARGE

He serves as Superintendent, Principal, and Technology Director at Payette River Regional Technical Academy, bringing a diverse background in education, leadership, and business. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education (Business), a Master’s in Networking & Computers, and Education Specialist degrees in both Educational Leadership and Executive Educational Leadership.

With experience spanning education, business ownership, and serving as mayor of a small town, he offers a well-rounded, innovative perspective. His approach emphasizes creative problem-solving and forward-thinking strategies to support successful outcomes in community and economic development initiatives.

MEMBER AT LARGE

Wade Brown is a Gem County resident and retired federal employee with 35 years of experience in wildland and river recreation management, off-highway vehicle management, community and conservation improvement programs via a non-profit organization (based in Emmett, ID), and acquisition of conservation easements on private ranches throughout Idaho (realty specialist). Wade has worked for the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Wade grew up on a farm in rural Delaware but migrated West in 1981. That is a very long story wrapped into one sentence! He worked in Yellowstone National Park and then acquired a degree in welding from Helena Vocational Technical College in Helena, MT. This brought him to Emmett, ID in 1983 where he lived while working as a welder for Circle J Horse Trailers in Nampa. Wade then went on to acquire a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Forestry at the University of Idaho before beginning his professional career with the federal government. Wade is currently married and has three children. As a retiree he devotes significant time to family and to community involvement. Wade’s passions are broad and include hunting, retriever training, fly fishing, and a hobby duck call business. But most prominently, Wade is an active cyclist (mountain bike, gravel bike, and road bike) and co-started the Emmett Mountain Bike Team. Wade is currently working with the Bureau of Land Management and Idaho Parks and Recreation to bring new mountain bike trails to Gem County, and specifically the Emmett area. Wade has a long history of working closely with small communities on conservation, tourism, and recreation initiatives. He is now taking that history and experience and melding it with his post career goals of staying active, giving back to his community, and improving recreation and cycling access for kids of all ages.

MEMBER AT LARGE

Taylor Dunn is a dedicated Economic Development Advisor at Idaho Power, where she plays a vital role in fostering business growth and community development across the region. With a deep understanding of the local economy, Taylor works with businesses, municipalities, and organizations to create sustainable opportunities for growth, improve regional infrastructure, and enhance the overall economic vitality of the service area. Her expertise in strategic planning, economic analysis, and project management makes her an invaluable asset to the Idaho Power team and the communities it serves. Taylor is an Idaho native who enjoys fishing, hunting, and coaching high school basketball.

MEMBER AT LARGE

Bill Butticci is an Emmett native with family ties going back to the pioneer days. He is currently serving as County Commissioner of Gem County part time and is employed full-time at Micron Technology working in Quality Control. He is a graduate of Emmett high, holds a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology and served 3 years in the United States Air Force.

While serving as Emmett’s Mayor for ten years, Bill took steps to restore and preserve the historic sites in the community. A design Review Ordinance was developed and passed to maintain the look of the historic downtown district. The city park band shell has been restored and put back to its original use of having performances for community events. The Lolo Creek Bridge was presented with an Orchid Award. He believes that we must preserve our past and educate our youth to maintain our identity as not to get lost in the present.