Boise February 2025 Speakers

Carolyn Holly has been our conference Emcee from the very first day in 1999!

Carolyn Holly enjoyed a 33-year career at Idaho’s #1 TV station, KTVB. She became one of Idaho’s most experienced and best-known television personalities through her sincere approach to news and her community. Carolyn is thrilled to be the current Vice President of Development for Idaho Business for Education. Carolyn is also highly involved in community work through FACES of Hope, FUNDSY, the Boise Police Chief’s Citizen Advisory Group and Idaho Youth Sports Commission.

Patricia (Patti) Perkins joined the Idaho Department of Finance as Director in January 2020.

Over thirty years of her career was spent in commercial banking in both California and Idaho where she held HR roles in addition to working as a private banking relationship officer, and SVP, head of retail banking. Since 1993, Patti worked for both Bank of America and KeyBank in Idaho.

Just prior to joining the department, she worked in her own HR workplace consulting practice, Calyx-Weaver & Associates, purchased in 2016. Patti served as the City of Meridian’s HR Director and as a Human Resources Director for T-Mobile between 2004 and 2016.

The Idaho Department of Finance has 75 employees in three bureaus that oversee and supervise a broad range of financial services in Idaho in addition to banks and credit unions. Patti serves on committees and the board for the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS) and the Conference for State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) to support and strengthen the dual financial institutions chartering system (state and federal charters). She is active in various community events and will be the honorary Chairwoman of the 2025 Savvy Women & Money Conference in Boise.

Patti lives on a golf course in Boise with her husband Jerry and two dogs (Kona & Lottie). In her limited free time, she continues to work in HR consulting but also finds time for hobbies that include golf, bocce, cooking, and she has recently taken up oil painting.

When Patti can get away, her favorite place to go is someplace warm with an ocean that for the past 4 years has been Mazatlan, Mexico.

Nicole is well-known as a catalyst for financial innovation and regarded as a brilliant change agent and unwavering positive force in the industry. She is a “leader builder” throughout organizations with a distinctive power to move mountains and change lives. As a visionary and an architect of momentum, Nicole leverages past accomplishments to fuel future innovation. Her “live on purpose, lead with intention” philosophy and dedication inspire others to see their greatness and bring that level of engagement every single day. 

Known for her paramount presentation style, Nicole has a unique ability to connect with audiences of all sizes on a deep and personal level. She has become renowned for her ability to inspire, motivate, and transform individuals and organizations alike.

Her captivating storytelling, wit, and powerful insights have earned her a reputation as one of the most sought-after speakers, leaving audiences spellbound, inspired, and feeling empowered and ready to take on the world.

Nicole brings over 20 years of experience at the Chief, Executive, and Senior Vice President levels with financial organizations such as Columbia Bank (now Umpqua Bank), Zions Bank, Numerica Credit Union, and AmericanWest Bank. Her expertise ranges from Retail and Digital Banking, Commercial and Business Banking, to Wealth Management and Financial Services, Corporate

Marketing and Communications, DEIBA and Community Impact & Philanthropy.  Additionally, Nicole has led through 10 successful mergers and acquisitions throughout her career. Nicole holds a bachelor’s degree, MBA and since 2003 has been a top-rated faculty member at Pacific Coast Banking School (PCBS) at University of Washington, Foster School of Business. This

year Nicole was named “2023 Instructor of the Year”.

Laugh Through the Fire: Reframing Failure to Fuel Your Financial Success

In this high-energy and interactive keynote, you'll discover how to transform failure into opportunity with humor, resilience, and purpose. Through dynamic gameplay, real-time activities, and audience participation, we’ll explore the power of reframing challenges as stepping stones to success. Drawing from the principles of applied improvisation and the "YES AND" mindset, this session offers practical tools for staying adaptable, approachable, and confident, no matter what life throws your way. You’ll walk away not just with laughs, but with a fresh perspective and essential skills to pivot with purpose, overcome obstacles, and navigate your financial journey with newfound clarity.

Karen Manthey has been a dynamic force in the world of improvisational comedy and coaching since 2003. As the media spokesperson for Brighton Development and Vice President of ComedySportz Boise, she combines her passion for empowerment with the art of collaboration, inspiration, and fun. Through her work with ComedySportz, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering growth through laughter and teamwork, Karen has empowered countless individuals to tap into their creative potential. Karen also leads a private consulting firm, specializing in integrating applied improvisation into corporate and nonprofit environments. Her sought-after expertise in communication, public speaking, team building, and ideation has transformed organizations by boosting flexibility, enhancing employee engagement, and sharpening networking skills. Known for her engaging corporate workshops, breakout sessions, and keynotes, Karen's approach emphasizes human connection, comedy, and resilience. Her work across the Treasure Valley has helped organizations thrive by embracing the transformative power of the "Yes And" mindset—proving that everyone can benefit from the skills and mindset of improvisation to navigate change and achieve success.

Tina Aaron, Vice President of Regional Business Relationship Manager, Bank of Idaho

Lisa Anderson has over two decades of experience identifying and shaping advocacy opportunities and strategies. She has worked for the Idaho State Legislature; served as the Director of Constituent Services for two U.S. Congressman-one Republican Member

of Congress and one Democratic Member of Congress; directed multiple political campaigns for democratic and republican hopefuls; Vice President of Government Relations for Idaho CuMo Mining/American CuMo Mining Corp; Director of Public Policy for the Alzheimer's Association, and currently serves as the Director of Advocacy for AARP.

Marie Baker is passionate about entrepreneurs and their journey. Marie's skill set is the ability to work collaboratively and assist clients with achieving their goals. 

Marie received her BS in Business from Fresno State and Master's Degree in Organizational Development from the University of San Francisco. Marie spent five years in banking before starting her own business. Combining her education and experience, Marie went on to consult, coach, and educate small business in the Central Valley of California before moving to Idaho. 

In her spare time, you will find her hiking, volunteering on a local Rotary project, visiting family, or enjoying the great outdoors with her husband and dog. 

Françoise Cleveland, MPA, is a Government Affairs Director for AARP where she directs public policy to strengthen financial security across the nation with a focus on state and local taxes, consumer protection, and fraud. During her tenure at AARP, she has directed legislative and public policy campaigns, managed state and federal government relations, organized grassroots advocacy, and facilitated community outreach. Throughout her career she has worked to advance change in public policy at the local, state, and federal level starting in high school where she initiated her career in public service volunteering in her hometown’s mayoral

office. She went on to work in policy and legislative affairs at the United States Senate, the Idaho Legislature, and the Idaho Department of Education.

Rachel M. Cossel is a Community Development Officer for Idaho Central Credit Union. During her nearly 10 years in this role, she has most enjoyed the ability to make a positive impact in the Treasure Valley. In addition to the volunteer hours and the countless events she has worked while representing ICCU, she also enjoys partnering with businesses, nonprofits, and other community groups to bring ICCU outside of the branch and directly to people. One way she does this is through financial education, presenting on a variety of topics to groups and people of all ages, and living ICCU’s mission by empowering everyone to achieve financial success.

Outside of her work at ICCU, Rachel’s passion for her community and heart for people has led her to serve on many nonprofit boards and volunteered with even more. She is also an adjunct professor for NNU, an ambassador for the Nampa Chamber of Commerce, and the current President of the Treasure Valley of Nampa Kiwanis Club. For her professional accomplishments and positive impact in the community, Rachel has recently been recognized as one of Idaho’s Women of the Year (2023) and Accomplished Under 40 (2024).

Rachel obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science from Northwest Nazarene University and in 2020 completed her Master of Science from Northeastern University in Corporate and Organizational Communication with an emphasis in Leading Communication Strategy and Talent Development.

Rachel was born in Massachusetts but moved to Idaho more than 20 years ago. She currently lives just outside of Marsing, Idaho with her husband Johnathon, a teacher at Marsing High School, and her three children – James (9), Christopher (7), and Scarlett (almost 4). Though still a city girl at heart, she has found joy in living in the country, just a couple miles from where her husband grew up, raising a variety of animals, enjoying the small-town life, and letting her children experience the beauty of Idaho in their own backyard. She also loves traveling, spending time with the family, reading, starting new projects or hobbies (and sometimes finishing them), and cheering on her Boston sports teams.

Ysabel Bilbao is an owner and partner at Bilbao & Co., an Idaho based public and government affairs firm. She is an award-winning television news journalist specializing in crime, courts and the legislature. Ysabel served on Idaho’s Public Information Emergency Response team. She is trained in the National Incident Management System by FEMA and the Bureau of Homeland Security.

Ysabel started Bilbao & Co. in 2015 and has more than 20 years of experience in developing messages and disseminating information to inform and educate the public.

Through her extensive experience both on and off the airwaves, Ysabel is an expert in crisis management and message development as well as has an in-depth understanding of how to get ahead of a story.
 

Ysabel’s communications and grassroots campaigns have helped bring public awareness, outreach, education and engagement to several critical issues in both Idaho and Oregon. She played a key role in successfully stopping a national monument from threatening 2.5 million acres of public land in Oregon, she led the communications efforts in Governor Brad Little’s first gubernatorial campaign, and most recently she guided her comms team in the successful passage of mandatory minimum sentencing for fentanyl traffickers in Idaho.

In 2012 Ysabel was named one the Idaho Business Review’s Accomplished Under 40 and in 2018 she was nominated for Woman of the Year. Ysabel attended Arizona State University where she majored in broadcast journalism as part of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Telecommunications. She also minored in Spanish after attending Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (University of the Basque Country) in Bilbao, Spain.
 

Ysabel is a native of Nampa, Idaho. She is active in the Boise community, the Basque community and has served on the board of directors for several area organizations and non-profits.

​As the Chief Innovation Officer of the BBB Great West + Pacific, Dale Dixon drives innovativethinking throughout the organization, leading a team that develops disruptive ways to improveinternal processes and deliver new products. Dalefinds great satisfaction in helping others bymaking information, processes, and experiences more accessible and user-friendly.Dale also leads the Public Relations and Communications team at BBBGW+P. A seasonedjournalist, an award-winning author, and thevoice behind two popular podcasts,communication is his superpower, informing, inspiring, and inciting action to create a vibrantecosystem where trust thrives. Dale is energized every day by the opportunity to engage,educate, and celebrate trustworthy businesses and consumers.

Kristy Figg has accepted a new role as the Mountain West Region Executive, effective May6.In her new role, Kristy oversee 65 branches and approximately 500 employees in over four states. Kristy is an accomplished financial services professional with 22 years of experience in the industry. Most recently, she has been serving as the District Manager for the Boulder Colorado District. Kristy has held leadership roles in Consumer Banking and Home Lending for the past 20 years and is committed to an outstanding employee and customer experience. She prides herself on building high-performing teams and is thrilled to work with the Mountain West region in this new role. Kristy holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Business Administration degree from Regis University. She is also a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School. Kristy is an active volunteer and supporter of the community. She has previously served as aboard committee member for NAHREP and as the president for the Denver Volunteer Chapter. She has been married for over 20 years to her husband, Rob. They have two boys, Carter (18),and Colton (14), and a Frenchie and an English Bulldog. Kristy spends her free time cheering on her boys on the football and lacrosse fields, and she loves to travel

Jessica is the President and General Manager for KTVB and KTFT, the NBC affiliate stations in Boise and Twin Falls, Idaho. Before making the move to Idaho, Jessica was Director of Sales for the KING 5 Media Group in Seattle. Jessica started her career in local news at Northwest Cable News before going on to various positions in local, national, and digital sales, business development and management.

Jessica earned a BA in Broadcast Journalism from the Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University, and her MBA from the Albers School at Seattle University.

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys attending concerts, traveling, and spending time with her husband, sons, and bulldog Murphy. Jessica is proud to serve as a board member for the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights.

Born and raised in Boise, ID., Phil has deep roots in his community. After high school, Phil traveled to the east coast to attend college. Phil received his degree at Yale University, then returned home to Boise, ID. to start his career as a Financial Advisor. Phil specializes in researching, developing, and actively managing investment portfolios designed to address ever-changing market conditions. Phil has provided advice to high-net-worth clients, business owners, and executives for over 20 years.

Phil works side by side with his wife and business partner, Dini. Together they have built an Investment Firm that strives to educate and bring more financial prosperity to youth.

They love to travel, camp, fish, and explore in their spare moments. Together they have raised two kind, successful young men, and are fortunate to have an exceptional daughter-in-law. 

Alex Kincaid is a former prosecutor and elected District Attorney with over 20 years of experience as a successful trial attorney and strategic planner. She has drafted thousands of estate and business plans for her clients. Her law firm, Alex Kincaid Law, was voted the Best Law Firm in the Treasure Valley and the Best Law Firm in the State of Idaho. Alex is a nationally renowned public speaker and legal analyst for radio and television shows, has authored two books, and is a regular contributor to national magazines. She enjoys training horses, raising grass-fed cattle, hiking with her dogs and husband and is a founding member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Freezeout Hill Chapter.

​Jessica manages a team of financial advisors as a Market Director for Thrivent Financial in Boise. She served for 16 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard. She continues to serve as a Major in the IDANG as the Director of Equity and Inclusion. Working as a financial professional in Idaho and Washington, she personalizes financial guidance for people at all stages of life. She helps her clients view money not as a goal, but as a tool — so that they can embrace a life rich in meaning and gratitude. She is a wife to Mica, mother to Quinn and Claire, and has two dogs, Scooter and Bianca. She serves our community on the board of ConnectHER and on the membership committee for Idaho Business for Education.  

Since 2020, Alison has served Thomas Cuisine, a real foods company, as President and CEO. Before joining, Allison held significant roles at Continental, serving as the Vice President of Sales and Group President. her career journey and passion for food and service also included positions with luxury resort brands like Four Seasons, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, and L'Auberge Del Mar.

Alison earned a bachelor's degree in communications and public relations while studying in San Diego, CA. later, she pursued further education and acquired an MBA from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!).

Beyond her professional achievements, Alison has a strong passion for giving back to the community. She served as a Development Board Member for The Autism Alliance of Michigan and is currently a Foundation Board Member at the College of Western Idaho. Alison was named on of the Idaho Business Review's Women of the Year in 2023. 

Mellisa Paul is a Boise native and award-winning broadcast professional with over 20 years of experience, spanning roles as a TV host, news anchor, meteorologist, reporter, radio DJ and television manager. She is excited to return to her home town in a first-of-its-kind role at KTVB! 

Mellisa serves a dual role as KTVB’s market development specialist and on-air as KTVB's lifestyle TV host. She also hosts KTVB's Keepin it Local series. 

Mellisa began blazing trails as the first full-time female radio personality at KQXR in Boise at the age of 19 and eventually found herself on camera in Boise as a meteorologist and morning news anchor. In 2010, Mellisa joined KXTV in Sacramento as a member of the weather team, forecasting for both the morning and midday newscasts. In 2012, she became the host of KXTV’s lifestyle talk show, Sac & Co, and held the dual roles of both host and community liaison for the station, spearheading station initiatives and campaigns and helping raise nearly $33 million dollars for diverse philanthropic efforts, organizations and non-profits.

As a TV host, some of Mellisa’s highlights include taping while dangling from the side of the world’s tallest artificial climbing wall, snorkeling at Aulani Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii, chatting with filmmaker John Lasseter at the opening of Disney’s Carsland, covering the opening of Disneyland Resorts Star Wars Galaxies Edge with Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and George Lucas, practicing martial arts with blockbuster actor Michael Rooker, sharing a glass of wine with history-making director Greta Gerwig, singing some jazz and blues with comedian Tommy Davidson, discussing hamburgers with rising country duo Smith Field and giving cough drops to the Goo-Goo Dolls.

Mellisa has been recognized by both the broadcast and public relations industry, receiving two Emmy Awards, multiple Idaho Press Club awards, named one of Idaho’s Accomplished and Under Forty by the Idaho Business Review, honored by The National Association of Women Business Owners Sacramento with an Outstanding Women Lead ‘Spotlight’ award, as well as many other PR and broadcast news honors.

Mellisa graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and received her certification in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University. Mellisa also attended the Oxford School of Drama in Oxford, England where she specialized in Shakespearian Acting. She also represented the state of Idaho at the 2000 Miss America pageant.

She happily resides in Boise with her charming husband, two rambunctious daughters and a couple of ridiculously cute Boston Terriers.

Carey Phillips is currently the Supervising Examiner/Investigator of the Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing (MLO) program with the Idaho Department of Finance (IDOF). She is a Certified Application Specialist who has worked in an Examiner/Investigator role with the IDOF for over seven years. Prior to joining the IDOF, Carey worked in the retail banking industry for 13 years and is a Boise State

University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Maigan Snider, SBA Loan Officer at Bank of Idaho

Techia Tucakovic, Sales Chief at CBH Homes