NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 30, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Gov. Brad Little appointed four new commissioners to the Serve Idaho Commission, adding to the existing 15.

“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

Natalie Hui was appointed to represent education. As the management assistant for the Idaho State Department of Education, Hui brings extensive experience in administration, coordination and event management. She has a bachelor’s in environmental studies with a minor in nonprofit management and sustainability, and a certificate in technical communications from Boise State University.

Alex Manning was appointed as the youth representative. As a former intern for the U.S. Senate, Manning is adept at strategic communication and project management. He is passionate about fostering collaboration and implementing effective strategies to achieve measurable goals. Manning is expected to graduate in 2027 with a degree in political science and American government from Boise State University.

Annie Ponce was appointed to represent higher education. As the assistant director for employer relations in outreach and development at the University of Idaho, Ponce brings her skills of leading educational outreach initiatives, building strategic partnerships and coordinating student programming. She has a master’s degree in public administration from Boise State University, a master’s in political science from the University of Salamanca and a bachelor’s in international relations from the Catholic University of Honduras.

Caldwell

Jen Nance was appointed to represent workforce development. As a coordinator of the Work-Based Learning Center for the College of Western Idaho, Nance brings experience in partnership cultivation, collaboration and career development guidance. She will earn her bachelor’s degree in workplace training and leadership from Idaho State University with an anticipated graduation date of May 2028.

The commission’s mission is “to inspire and recognize volunteers and empower communities through service and AmeriCorps to solve Idaho’s unmet needs.”

More information about Serve Idaho and AmeriCorps service opportunities is available at serve.idaho.gov.

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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. 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.

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 through local support.