Motivational speaker and life coach Lisa Haisha mentioned that, “great leaders don’t set out to be a leader…they set out to make a difference.” This is the feeling we, at Wander Project, have as we share with you three new additions to our Board of Directors (BOD).
About a month ago we voted on Rusten Gomez, Jocelyn Boss, and Steve Aderholt to help the organization continue to move forward and create a bigger impact within the communities and with the athletes we have the opportunity to serve. These amazing new additions to our Board truly have the potential to make a difference.
Below are full bios for each new member that highlight the skills they will bring to the Wander Project BOD, along with a little more information about what inspires them to do more as they step into this important leadership role within the organization.
Rusten Vance Gomez – JD/MBA
Rusten is a visionary Strategy Leader at FamilySearch responsible for creating and executing the future vision of the world-famous Family History Library and the 5,000 FamilySearch Centers across the globe.
Prior to joining FamilySearch, Rusten helped form and grow numerous life science, medical device, and technology companies. He identified market opportunities, created innovative solutions, and led change.
In addition to his work with for-profit businesses Rusten has served in various capacities for non- profit organizations for over twenty years; including as Treasurer and Board Member for The Duck Store, the University of Oregon bookstore with over $40 million annual revenue.
Rusten earned his JD and MBA from the University of Oregon with an emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Rusten is the proud father of three children with his best friend and wife Karen. He enjoys being outdoors, running, traveling, playing soccer, swimming, and discovering new ways to add value to his family, community, and the world around him.
Jocelyn Boss
Jocelyn has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 16 years, primarily in the public lands realm. An Iowa/Minnesota native, she grew up camping, fishing and spending time on the great lakes of MN. After obtaining a master of science degree in journalism & communications at Iowa State University in 2004, Jocelyn and her husband moved to Jackson Hole, WY to spend a year or two living mountain life…but it has now become their home of 16+ years.
Jocelyn began her nonprofit career working in the public lands realm working in development for Grand Teton National Park Foundation (GTNPF). When she joined the GTNPF staff, she was one of two staff members of a small, unknown foundation. During her 9 year tenure with GTNPF, the organization progressed into one that successfully competes for national philanthropic dollars, completed two capital campaigns, and established itself as a model for public-private partnerships nationally. After her time at GTNPF, she worked as Director of Philanthropy for the National Museum of Wildlife Art and also as an independent consultant before landing in her current position as Director of Development for Public Lands Alliance.
When not at work, you can find Jocelyn enjoying the outdoors with her husband and 2 sons rafting, camping, skiing, fishing and hiking. Jocelyn is passionate about public lands and is inspired by the mission of Wander Project and the power of philanthropy to help support important projects and programs that make a meaningful impact.
Steve Aderholt
Steve has been organizing events for over a decade. After helping build the Ragnar Relay road series to a national scale, he started the Ragnar Trail series which has introduced more people to the beauty of trail running than any other group in the Western Hemisphere. He is proud of what he helped build at Ragnar, especially a strong focus on environmental sustainability. Since leaving Ragnar, Steve freelances for numerous events and feels lucky that “work” revolves around adventuring with friends and exploring beautiful places…and from time to time, dressing up in costumes. He is honored to help the Wander Project achieve its goals.
If you have an interest in making a difference and joining the Wander Project Board of Directors, please reach out to Amy for more information.