New Board Members & Appointed Officers
The Community Foundation of Teton Valley recently welcomed Muffy Mead and Marie Zolezzi as new board members. New governance and committee roles for existing members were also established.
“Community impact is made through the collective and selfless work of individuals committed to a common goal and purpose,” says Bonnie Self, Executive Director of the Community Foundation. “By gathering individuals with a passion for helping, we move our mission forward. We are lucky to have a strong team tasked with elevating lives through the power of generosity.”
Muffy Mead grew up on a cattle ranch in Jackson, Wyoming, but has spent her professional career in other cities. In addition to articles in several magazines and anthologies, she is the author of the western memoir Its Head Came Off by Accident and wrote the best-selling Confessions of a Slacker Mom, and Confessions of a Slacker Wife. Muffy is also the CEO and founder of Nush Foods and director of the M Lazy M Foundation. She is a member of the University of Utah’s National Advisory Council, a trustee at Westminster University, and has served on several community boards. Muffy and her husband Scott Kauf reside in Alta, Wyoming, and Salt Lake City, Utah.
According to Muffy, “A Community Foundation is the ideal way to raise and distribute funds within rural areas. I have long admired how well our Foundation functions and the critical support it provides for such a wide range of deserving nonprofits throughout Teton Valley — organizations devoted to food assistance, animal welfare, education, conservation, arts and culture, mental health, and so many other important endeavors. I’m truly honored to be involved.”
Marie Zolezzi grew up on a ranch in northern California but spent much of her career working with clients in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Pacific Northwest, and East Coast. She retired in 2023 after more than 20 years directing her human resources consulting practice. As an entrepreneur and an HR professional her goals centered on helping businesses succeed. Marie, her husband Richard, and their dog Rex relocated to Teton Valley from Park City, Utah, five years ago to live in Victor and are proud parents of five grown sons. Marie is currently on the HOA Master Board of Teton Springs, a CASA volunteer, and is committed to promoting the valley through philanthropy. In Marie’s words, “I believe board members serve at the pleasure of the constituents they represent and welcome the opportunity to contribute to the Community Foundation of Teton Valley and give back to the community that I and my family so enjoy!”
While we welcome new faces, we also thank Shawn Miesl for her board service. Shawn graciously served on the board as Secretary for three years. She brought a keen eye to detail and vast nonprofit expertise in grants and fundraising that she kindly shared to encourage best practices for the Community Foundation and our nonprofit constituents. Shawn helped grow the Foundation with her long-time nonprofit experience, keen attention to strategy, and endless fostering of relationships.
The Community Foundation Board of Directors and Officers continue to provide vital leadership for the organization. The Foundation is delighted that Scott Pierson will continue as Board Chair, while Tina Culman has kindly stepped in as Vice-Chair and Pam Walker as Secretary. Ben Reese will maintain his role as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee with Delwyn Jensen, Gene Marcowka, Scott, and Marie. Sue Mason is at the helm of our fundraising efforts as Donor Relations Chair alongside Gene, Stella Martin, Muffy, and Pam. Pam has taken over chairmanship of Grants, working with John Finley, Stella, Thad Nosal, Nan Pugh, Ulla Rasche, and Natalie Volcko as a committee.
Together, this team is committed to upholding and celebrating what has become the foundation of our nonprofit landscape for the past 17 years. The Community Foundation Board is passionate about supporting Teton Valley through their combined time, expertise, and skills.