NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Feb. 19, 2025
Media Contact: Emily.Straubhar@labor.idaho.gov
Gov. Brad Little appointed four new commissioners to the Serve Idaho Commission, adding to the existing 20.
“The new commissioners bring a passion for volunteerism and AmeriCorps in their communities,” Program Manager Emily Straubhar said. “We are excited to welcome them to the commission to share their expertise in advancing service across Idaho.”
Boise
Cieara Davis has been appointed to represent local government agencies.
As the events, programs and communications manager for the Association of Idaho Cities, Davis brings extensive experience in public service, such as managing a campaign for a candidate running for the Idaho House of Representatives. Davis also completed the Conservation Voters for Idaho’s Boards & Commissions Fellowship in 2023 where she served as a mentor in 2024.
Davis is working toward a Bachelor of Arts in strategic integrated communications from Boise State University, reflecting her expertise in strategic planning and community engagement.
Kelsey Nelson was appointed to represent higher education agencies.
As a senior integrated career education specialist in career services and internship coordinator for the School of Public and Population Health at Boise State University, Nelson brings expertise in volunteer coordination, training and development, project management and curriculum design.
Nelson holds a Bachelor of Science from the College of Idaho and a Master of Education from the University at Buffalo. Her appointment reflects her commitment to advancing higher education and workforce development in Idaho.
Meridian
Lindy Garland was appointed to represent local labor organizations.
Garland is a customer service associate, loyalty at AT&T/DirectTV and serves as vice chair of the Women’s Committee for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Garland holds a Bachelor of Science in communications from the University of Idaho. With her professional experience and leadership in labor advocacy, Garland is well-positioned to contribute to promoting AmeriCorps and advancing the interests of labor organizations.
Pocatello
Michael Strickland has been appointed to the commission to represent higher education.
As an instructor of communication at Boise State University, he brings a wealth of experience in education and mentorship.
Strickland is also the founder of the Human Rights, Collective Inc., a nonprofit that provides education and community-building to work against bullying and discrimination and serves on the Idaho Commission for Libraries.
Strickland holds a Bachelor of Science in communications from Cornell University, a Master of Arts in communications from Seton Hall University and is a Ph.D. candidate in English education at New York University. His expertise and dedication to individuals’ success will greatly benefit the work of Serve Idaho.
The commissioners’ mission is “to inspire and recognize volunteers and empower communities through service and AmeriCorps to solve Idaho’s unmet needs.”
In 2024, AmeriCorps committed more than $7.7 million to support Idaho communities through AmeriCorps initiatives. This federal investment leveraged more than $2.1 million in other resources to strengthen community impact, build local support and increase return on taxpayer dollars.
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Serve Idaho is a division of the Idaho Department of Labor. The commission administers Idaho’s AmeriCorps programs. Serve Idaho is funded in part by the federal agency AmeriCorps and the Idaho Department of Labor.
More information about Serve Idaho and AmeriCorps service opportunities is at serve.idaho.gov.
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Serve Idaho is supported by AmeriCorps. A total of $4,519,228, or 61%, of the program is financed with federal funds, and $2,893,430, or 39%, is funded by local support.