NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Nov. 19, 2020
Media Contact: Renee Bade, renee.bade@labor.idaho.gov
Gov. Brad Little appointed three commissioners to Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism in October. The new commissioners are Hillary Blackstone, Mat Erpelding and Katie Mathias all of Boise.
The three join the existing organization of 15 governor-appointed commissioners whose 
mission is: “To inspire and recognize volunteers and empower communities through service and AmeriCorps to solve Idaho’s unmet needs.”
“Our commissioners bring a wealth of knowledge and energy to the commission as well as first-hand knowledge of the benefits and rewards of service in our communities,” said Renee Bade, program manager for Serve Idaho.
Blackstone works for the Idaho State Department of Education as a program specialist for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. She previously worked for the Boys and Girls Club of Ada County and for the city of Meridian. She has served as a volunteer with the Idaho State Historical Society, the Boys and Girls Club of Ada County, the Children’s Museum of Idaho and the Depot Bench Neighborhood Association. 
Erpelding is an educator, small business owner, high-altitude guide and political leader. He is the vice president of government and community relations at the Boise Metro Chamber, owner of Idaho Mountain Guides and is an adjunct faculty member at Boise State University. He served in the Idaho House of Representatives from 2012-2019, representing District 19, and served as House minority leader from 2016-2019.
Mathias is the director of board and partner relations for K12 Inc., a provider of online curriculum and education services. Mathias previously served as the coordinator of the Professional Standards Commission with the Idaho State Department of Education, where her work included the evaluation of university, college and nontraditional route educator preparation programs that lead to teacher certification in Idaho. She is an AmeriCorps National Civilian Conservation Corps alum.
To learn more about Serve Idaho and volunteering, visit the Serve Idaho Facebook page or ServeIdaho.gov.
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Serve Idaho, a division of the Idaho Department of Labor, encourages voluntary public service and volunteerism throughout the state. The Serve Idaho Commission is funded in part by AmeriCorps and the Idaho Department of Labor.
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