Utah Tech Foundation Board Members

Biography

ii. Personal: I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. I come from a very politically active family in Nevada politics, perhaps that’s why I have loved politics so much over the years.

I’m married to Judi Bennett from Cedar City, Utah and we have three children and nine grandchildren. We have lived in St. George and Washington City now for over 30 years. I love golf, pickleball, snow skiing, and traveling the world.

Interesting fact; In my earlier years, I used to be a member of the Screen Actors Guild and have appeared in several TV shows and movies as an extra, including The Electric Horseman, most of which was filmed right here in Southern Utah

I continue to enjoy volunteering my time in trying to help make a difference in the lives of others. The majority of my time and resources go to helping children and young adult organizations. I currently serve or have served on several boards and organizations in Washington County including;

Past President, Board Member and Member—St. George Rotary Club (28 years)
Director—Dixie Rotary Bowl (5 years)
Chairman, Member—Washington City Planning Commission (7 years)
Chairman, Board Member—Washington County School District Foundation (10 years),
Member—The Caddy Group (18 years)
Director—Dixie Power Kite Festival (7 years),

School Board Member—Utah Arts Academy (3 years).

Business: I have been a Financial Advisor for over 42 years. My firm, Schofield Wealth Management, builds high end generational relationships with high and ultra high net worth individuals and families. I’ve had the privilege to work with my son Dustin in our financial practice now for over 20 years.

Biography

Alma Jeppson is an entrepreneur, investor, and aviation enthusiast who has spent the past two decades building and supporting companies across a wide range of industries. He founded Landmark Home Warranty in 2005 and led it through rapid growth before selling the company to American Home Shield, a division of ServiceMaster, in 2016.

Today, Alma remains an active partner and board member in several businesses, and often finds himself working alongside other entrepreneurs through coaching and mentoring as they navigate growth, risk, and innovation.  He enjoys jumping into new opportunities—from backing emerging consumer brands to developing real-estate ventures and collaborating with Utah businesses and community leaders.

Over the past decade, Alma has also raced in Ironman events around the world, discovering an unexpected joy in pushing limits, embracing challenge, and collecting finish lines in places most people only vacation.

Aviation has become one of his great passions, and he’s convinced there’s no better use for flying than discovering new places to golf.

Most importantly, Alma is husband to an amazing wife and his best friend, dad to four great boys and one daughter who lights up his world.

Biography

Michael Wiley is corporate attorney and CPA, who has spent the majority of his career as an executive leader in medical device and diagnostic companies.  Most notably, he incorporated and co-founded Guardant Health and helped build it over the last 10+ years. He is still an advisor to Guardant’s executive team and sits on the Board of Directors of Alpfa Medical, LeGrande Health and Snow Canyon Therapeutics.

At Guardant, in addition to his post as Chief Legal Officer through almost all of his tenure, Michael led finance, accounting, HR, reimbursement, and international commercialization amongst other responsibilities for a number of years during Guardant’s rapid growth, including over $500M in pre-IPO financing and over $2B in IPO and post-IPO offerings, initial commercialization of multiple complex products and overall company revenue growth to almost $500M per annum and employee growth to more than 1,700 current employees.

Prior to Guardant and after working as a tax accountant at KPMG and an attorney at Venture Law Group, Michael played senior executive roles at IntegenX (sold to ThermoFisher), Avantome (sold to Illumina), Voyage Medical (sold to Intuitive Surgical) and more notably Farapulse (sold to Boston Scientific).

Michael is married with four children that keep him busy outside his work responsibilities; he also enjoys skiing (water and snow), various team sports (coaching and playing), and playing in the beautiful outdoors of California and now Utah.

Biography

Susan Ertel, Associate Professor of English Emeritus, has lived and worked in the St. George area since January 1999 when she was hired to teach at Dixie College. Susan taught at Utah Tech for 25 years until her retirement in May 2024. She was Faculty Senate President (twice), Faculty Athletic Representative (DII), and department chair (six years). She was a founding member of UWHEN (Utah Women in Higher Education Network) and was involved in hosting a statewide UWHEN conference at UT. Susan is currently the President of the Board of Directors for the DOVE Center, which serves Washington and Kane Counties. Susan is a first-generation college graduate and started her college career at the community college level. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English from the University of Central Arkansas, and is ABD at Grambling State University in higher education leadership and curriculum development. 

Biography

Suzanne is a dynamic leader, community champion, and seasoned nonprofit executive whose career has been defined by a deep and sustained commitment to early childhood education, mental health, and community service. Born in Salina, Kansas, and raised in the tight-knit farming community of Tescott as the youngest of five, Suzanne’s Midwestern roots instilled in her a tireless work ethic, practical problem-solving skills, and an unshakable resilience shaped by growing up alongside four older brothers.

An accomplished scholar and practitioner, Suzanne earned a B.A. in Pre Law and an M.A. in Administration, Counseling, and Educational Studies from Fort Hays State University. She holds professional licenses as a Mental Health Counselor and an Alcohol and Drug Addictions Counselor, combining clinical expertise with strategic leadership. Across a career spanning more than three decades, Suzanne has built a reputation for transformational nonprofit management, program development, and advocacy for high-quality early care and education.

In 2015 Suzanne relocated to St. George, Utah, bringing to the region a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to community-centered leadership. As CEO of Root for Kids, she has led organizational growth, strengthened operational capacity, and expanded programmatic reach to better serve families and young children. Her leadership approach balances rigorous outcomes-driven strategy with empathy and a clear focus on equity — ensuring services are both effective and accessible to the families who need them most.

Suzanne’s influence extends well beyond executive management. After delivering a guest presentation in 2016, she became a driving force in the Dixie Sunrise Rotary Club, quickly assuming successive leadership roles including Public Image Chair, Foundation President, Assistant Governor, and Club President. Under her presidency (2020–2021), Dixie Sunrise earned the Large Club of the Year award, a testament to her ability to galvanize volunteers, elevate public engagement, and deliver measurable community impact. Currently serving as District Governor for Rotary District 5420 (Utah), Suzanne continues to mentor emerging leaders, champion service initiatives, and foster collaborative partnerships across the district.

A committed civic leader, Suzanne has served on numerous boards in both Utah and Arizona, lending governance insight, fundraising acumen, and strategic vision to organizations across sectors — reflecting a broad commitment to strengthening community infrastructure, supporting vulnerable populations, and advancing education and health initiatives.

Suzanne is a proud mother to two daughters — Madison, who lives in Oregon, and Bella, a student at Utah Tech University. Married to Jon Wilhem, the couple are enjoying an active retirement filled with cross-country travel, cultural exploration, and time with family. An enthusiastic Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs fan, Suzanne recharges through hiking, golf, and pickleball, always paired with a taste for good food and warm hospitality.

Biography

Becky Staples is Vice President at Sun American Mortgage and leads the Staples Group, with nearly two decades of experience in the mortgage industry. She has personally funded over $1 billion in loans and helped more than 3,600 families achieve homeownership, reflecting a career built on discipline, consistency, and long-term stewardship.

Becky is a proud alumna of Utah Tech University, where she graduated in 2010, Summa Cum Laude, and was named Valedictorian of the Business School. Her academic foundation in business and finance continues to shape her strategic approach to leadership, problem-solving, and mentorship. She remains deeply connected to the university and is committed to supporting its mission of expanding opportunity, education, and economic impact in the region.

Becky has been married to her husband, Brandon Staples, since 2012. Together, they are raising 3 children and share a full, intentional life—supporting one another’s businesses, growth, and ideas, and serving as each other’s favorite sounding board.

Outside of work, Becky enjoys lifelong learning through audiobooks and podcasts, staying active through hot yoga and outdoor adventures, and spending time in nature. At her core, she believes in the power of education, intention, and creation—and in building meaningful lives and communities through both.

Biography

Biography

Cameron Gunter is the Founder, Partner, and Executive Chairman of the Board at PEG. Since founding the organization in 2003, Cameron has led the firm’s transformation from a development-focused company into a world-class, vertically integrated investment manager.

Under his visionary leadership as CEO for 23-plus years, PEG expanded its capabilities across investment management, hospitality management, residential management, and construction management.
Throughout his tenure at PEG, Cameron has been instrumental in overseeing approximately $2.7 billion in investments, guiding the firm’s strategic direction and ensuring the successful execution of its projects.

He has previously contributed his expertise to advisory boards for Hyatt and Marriott. Prior to founding PEG, Cameron played a significant role in city management in the City of Lehi, Utah, where he was a key negotiator in one of the largest tax incentive deals in the western United States. This landmark transaction helped position the City of Lehi as Silicon Slopes, now recognized as a major regional tech hub.

Cameron holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Idaho State University and earned his CPA certification in 1994. Cameron has served on several boards including Utah Valley University, Utah Tech University, and more.

Biography

Dan Nielson is a long-time resident of St. George. He graduated from DSU and then went on to earn a master’s degree in nursing leadership and management. With 30 years of experience in healthcare administration. Dan has led operations for multiple healthcare facilities. He is currently serving as the Administrator of Coral Desert Surgical Center. He enjoys working with his staff and many local physicians, as well as being a part of a locally owned business. His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring operational excellence, patient-centered care, and community trust.

Dan, and his wife have been married for 36 years. They enjoy traveling, being active, watching sports, and spending time with their four children and nine grandchildren. Dan is very honored and grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community and serve his alma mater.

Biography

Biography

Although Jeff Slarks was born in Canada and remains a citizen of that country, he has made the US his home for over 40 years. After graduating from BYU, he began his career in radio media sales but moved over into the world of cellular carriers and has remained in that industry until his retirement in 2018.

After retiring, Jeff spent more time on passions like mountain biking and traveling. The need for new challenges, however, made him find new opportunities; manufacturing, owning retail stores and co-owning a local pool maintenance and cleaning company, amongst them.

Although Jeff’s Canadian roots fueled his love for ice hockey, he played the American sports of basketball and football. He has been a volunteer football coach at Pine View High School for 9 seasons. He spent a year in Budapest, Hungary and was able to help coach a local semi-pro American football team there to win the national championship.

One thing Jeff strives for is maintaining good relationships with people. He keeps in touch with those he has known throughout his life and is always reaching out to strengthen those ties.

After living throughout the US and Canada, Jeff and his wife, Lisa, decided 10 years ago to make St. George their home and consider it one of the favorite places they’ve lived.

Biography

John Bowler is the Director of Alumni Relations at Utah Tech University, where he provides strategic leadership for alumni engagement, volunteer development, and philanthropic growth. In this role, he works closely with university leadership, alumni boards, ambassadors, and community partners to design scalable structures that strengthen lifelong alumni connection and advance the university’s mission. John is known for revitalizing governance frameworks, aligning alumni strategy with institutional priorities, and building programs that emphasize accountability, impact, and long-term sustainability.

In addition to his work in higher education, John is an investor, owner, and Managing Member of MedPaid.com, a technology platform that helps e-commerce brands accept HSA and FSA payments and connect consumers with HSA/FSA-eligible wellness products and services through a compliant, integrated checkout experience. MedPaid enables businesses to unlock the underutilized pre-tax HSA/FSA market by simplifying eligibility workflows, supporting telemedicine and Letters of Medical Necessity, and helping customers clearly see their savings at checkout—driving both consumer access and merchant revenue growth.

John is widely recognized for his ability to connect people, ideas, and resources across sectors. His leadership philosophy centers on integrity, service, and long-term impact—values shaped by personal experience, professional challenges, and a deep commitment to family and community. Whether in higher education or business, John’s work reflects a dedication to building organizations that endure and serve others well.

Biography

Biography

Biography

Biography

I was born in LA County, California. Enjoying activities that sunny days offer was just a natural part of my life so when it was time to set roots down I searched for a place that could provide that again and I’ve now been in St. George for nearly 10 years.

While three children and 12 grandchildren have helped me stay busy, my time is my own to schedule and participating in community service is very satisfying to me. Whether volunteering as a CASA/Guardian ad litem, helping at my kids schools, or organizing a service project, I am enriched by all the opportunities I have had.

There are so many things in life to learn so I never feel settled unless I have a project or two in the works or am learning a new skill. I love to travel with my husband and see the big world we live in. I love working with my hands and buying cute shoes but a perfect day would also have to include laying in my pool and reading. My home “office” is my happy place because it’s filled with all the projects and activities that make me smile and make my kids cringe with the knowledge that someday they’ll have to sort it all out!

Biography

Born and raised in St. George, I’ve always been passionate about this community and the opportunities it offers. With an independent spirit and a background in sales, I knew early on that I wanted to build something of my own. That drive led me to co-found Eagle Gate Title St. George in 2015, where I’ve spent the last ten years helping people navigate real estate transactions with confidence.

Beyond real estate, I’m deeply involved in Southern Utah’s business and economic development. That’s why I created “What’s Happening in Southern Utah”—a video series where I share insights on local businesses, market trends, and community highlights. My goal? To keep you informed, connected, and excited about everything this area has to offer.

When I’m not working or filming, you’ll find me spending time with my wife Chan, my daughters Coco and Lola, and our two dogs, Scottie and Rosie. I’m always up for a round of golf, a game of pickleball, or a mountain bike ride—because one of the best things about living in Southern Utah is enjoying the outdoors year-round

Biography

Melissa & her husband Alma are the NEW 2026 Honorary Co-Chairs for Fire & Ice.

Melissa and her family relocated to St. George in August 2024, a community they had loved for years and now call home. She is happily married to Alma, and together they are raising four sons and one daughter. Two of their children attend Utah State University, one is a freshman at Utah Tech University, and their two youngest are in 11th and 7th grade.

Before staying home to raise her family, Melissa worked in sales and customer service. She has enjoyed serving on committees for Utah Tech’s Fire & Ice Scholarship event and looks forward to continuing to support efforts that strengthen the local community.

In her spare time, Melissa enjoys dancing, boating, snow skiing, traveling, photography, and the arts.

Biography

Morris J. Peacock, CPA is a partner at Squire.  He has over 30 years’ experience assisting for profit and nonprofit businesses with accounting, tax, payroll and management advisory services.  Morris has specialized in the nonprofit, construction and medical practice areas.  He is a frequent speaker at national conferences on nonprofit accounting, management and governance issues.  He also is a frequent presenter in our community on tax and accounting issues and on construction related accounting and tax topics.  He has been actively involved with service organizations in our community for many years and currently serves as the Treasurer of the Southern Utah Home Builders Association as wells as the Caddy Group of Southern Utah.

Morris and his wife Mary Jo are the parents of two daughters and have ten grandchildren that they love to spend time with.  Morris enjoys sports and the outdoors including camping, hiking, hunting, fishing and gardening.

Biography

Ronda Neilson is a respected business owner, philanthropic advocate, and community leader dedicated to education, healthcare, and economic growth in Southern Utah. Alongside her husband, Dr. Chris Neilson, she co-owns and operates a successful dental practice in St. George and also owns and operates Southern Utah’s longest-running dental assisting school, supporting workforce development and access to healthcare education across the region.

Ronda previously served as Executive Director of the Utah Tech Foundation, where she strengthened donor engagement and advanced philanthropic initiatives. During her tenure, she chaired the Fire & Ice Gala for many years, helping raise millions of dollars for need-based student scholarships, and also served as past chair of the UT Classic Golf Tournament in support of student-athletes.

Professionally, Ronda works in business development and brand partnerships with Black Desert Resort and Reef Capital. In this role, she builds meaningful relationships that lead to strategic partnerships, signature events, and long-term investment opportunities supporting tourism, regional economic growth, and long-term development throughout Southern Utah and the state.

Ronda also serves on the Chartway Promise Foundation Board and Grant Advisory Board, supporting programs that benefit medically fragile children and their families nationwide. She is a Board Member of the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce and Co-Chair of the Women’s Initiatives Committee, where she champions leadership development and community engagement.

Ronda is honored to serve on the Utah Tech Foundation Board and remains deeply committed to creating opportunity, investing in people, fostering belonging, and building a strong future for students and the community for generations to come.

Biography

President Shane B. Smeed is a thought leader, community partner and university president with 27 years of experience in higher education. A native of Utah, he has championed transformative initiatives that significantly enhance student success and institutional excellence.

Throughout his career, Smeed has emphasized core values such as integrity, citizenship, civility, and respect, which guide his leadership approach and decision-making.
Smeed began his tenure as president of Utah Tech University on May 1, 2025. Since joining the institution, he has committed to engaging deeply with students, faculty, staff, and community leaders. He is preparing to launch a comprehensive institutional strategic planning process that will shape the university’s future, while also emphasizing the importance of celebrating the rich history and heritage of Southern Utah. He is focused on strengthening connections between the university and the region’s growing economy and workforce needs.

Recognizing the importance of transparent communication and collaboration, Smeed emphasizes clear, consistent engagement with students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to build trust and foster a strong campus community. He has also developed and led institution-wide strategic planning efforts that align academic and operational goals with long-term institutional priorities.

Smeed’s leadership has also been marked by the launch of a major comprehensive campaign to secure resources supporting academic programs, student services, athletics, and campus development. Additionally, he has championed initiatives focused on student success and retention, leading efforts to create a more connected and responsive student experience.

Smeed holds a Master of Arts in Student Personnel Administration from Saint Louis University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He and his wife, Angela, are the proud parents of three children: Samantha, Andrew, and Landon. Together, they are deeply committed to their community, embracing a spirit of leadership and service.

Biography

Shelly Harris is a dedicated community leader and seasoned financial professional with over two decades of experience in the St. George area. She currently serves as Vice President and Relationship Manager at Cache Valley Bank, where she specializes in commercial lending, fosters confidential client relationships, and oversees a loan commitment portfolio exceeding $100 million. Known for her collaborative approach and expertise in organizational development, Shelly has been instrumental in implementing company-wide initiatives and streamlining operational procedures. Her professional background also includes contributions to the Washington County School District as a registrar and transition specialist.

In a career marked by a deep commitment to southern Utah, Shelly has held various leadership roles in the local community, including her current position as Vice Chair of the Santa Clara City Planning Commission, where she has served for over six years. She has also held the position of Treasurer for the Kayenta Arts Foundation and Chair for Leadership Dixie. In addition, she serves on the Board of Governors of the St. George Chamber of Commerce and has been actively involved in local organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Utah and the Huntsman World Senior Games.

Shelly earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Purdue University and a Master of Public Administration from Southern Utah University. Outside of her professional and community work, she and her husband are the proud parents of two adult children. Shelly enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, traveling internationally, playing golf, and cuddling with her corgi, Watson.

Biography

A dedicated entrepreneur and family man, Spence has called the vibrant landscape of Southern Utah home for decades. As the founder and owner of Grass Creek Construction, he has spent years building more than just structures; he has focused on building a business and culture where employees and their families can thrive. Spence is a staunch advocate for the local economy and a firm believer in the power of supporting our local businesses and schools to ensure a bright future for the next generation.

At the heart of his life is his family. Married to Heather, the love of his life, the duo has raised eight children and is now the proud grandparents of five. Their commitment to youth and mentorship extends beyond their own home; for years, Spence and Heather have served as mentors to the football players at Utah Tech University. This involvement has been one of their greatest joys, allowing them to pour into the lives of student-athletes as they navigate the transition into adulthood.

Grateful for the opportunity to raise his family in such a supportive environment, Spence remains deeply invested in the growth and well-being of the Southern Utah community he loves so dearly.

Biography

Originally from El Paso Texas, I have proudly called St. George home for the past eight years, where I have become deeply connected to the local community and its continued growth. I currently serve as the Director of Operations at Carefree Homes, where I oversee daily operations, all overhead and contribute to delivering quality homes with a strong focus on efficiency, service, and long-term value. My passions include knowing, loving and serving Jesus, supporting my husband in all our business endeavors, surfing, party planning and hosting all of my loved ones for just about any occasion.

Throughout my time in Southern Utah, I have remained committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen our community, particularly in the area of education and student development. I am a proud supporter of Utah Tech University athletics, having sponsored the football, softball, and golf programs. This year, our sponsorship will extend to support the university’s band, further enriching the student experience and campus culture.

It would be an honor to serve on the Foundation Board and contribute to advancing the mission of Utah Tech University while helping foster meaningful connections between the university and the community it serves. Gracias por al oportunidad de servir a nuestra maravillosa comunidad. Juntos si se puede!

Biography

Todd Houghton serves as Vice President and Director of the Southwest Division for Westland Construction, Inc., where he provides executive leadership for complex commercial, institutional, and public projects throughout Southern Utah and the greater U.S. Southwest. 
With more than 25 years of experience in construction management, Todd is recognized for his strategic insight, technical expertise, and commitment to quality-driven outcomes that support long-term community growth.

Beyond his professional work, Todd devotes significant time to service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His faith in Jesus Christ is central to his life and leadership, guiding his commitment to service, mentorship, and the strengthening of individuals, families, and communities. Through his Church service, he works closely with youth and adults, emphasizing Christ-centered principles of integrity, compassion, accountability, and personal growth.

Todd also serves on the Foundation Board for Utah Tech University and participates on several regional boards focused on education, innovation, and community development. He holds a degree in Construction Management from Utah Valley University, with additional coursework completed at Brigham Young University, and is widely respected for building not only enduring structures, but also values-centered individuals, teams, and communities.

When not working, Todd prioritizes time with his wife and children and enjoys an active, outdoor lifestyle, including time at Lake Powell, hunting, fishing, hiking, and a variety of outdoor sports.

Biography

Mr. Allen graduated with a BA degree from Brigham Young University and has JD and MBA (Finance) from the University of California, Berkeley and is a member of the Utah and California Bar Associations.

First employed by the Corporate Audit Department of the Hughes Aircraft Company. Co-founder of 3 law firms in St George, Utah where he practiced law for over 30 years with an emphasis on real estate development law, contract, corporate law and business organization. President of Sunbrook Realty Company in St. George, which developed the Sunbrook Golf Course and surrounding communities.

Corporate Counsel and Executive Vice-President ProPay, Inc and held the same positions for dHybrid, Inc and dHybrid Systems, LLC. He served on the Board of SkyWest Airlines for 20 years he was on the Board of NGOs providing self-reliance assistance in Mexico, Centra America and Peru. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Spera, Inc., a technology company; as Chair of Utah Tech University Foundation; and as Chair of the Board and COO of St George Theatre Company. He is married to the former Sharon Allred. They are the parents of 5 children and 21 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Biography

Wendi Prince Bulkley is the Director of the Utah Tech University Foundation and Athletic Development Officer, where she transforms relationships into lasting impact. With over 22 years of expertise in fundraising, marketing, and athletic development, Wendi has been instrumental in Utah Tech’s explosive growth—securing record-breaking corporate partnerships totaling millions, including the largest naming rights deal in university history for Greater Zion Stadium.

As a proven relationship-building powerhouse, Wendi is pioneering innovative fundraising strategies that fuel Utah Tech’s growth, including the historic Division 1 transition and upcoming Big Sky Conference move in July 2026. Her leadership extends beyond campus as a community connector, serving on the St. George Area Chamber Board of Directors, Washington County School District Foundation Golf Tournament Committee, The Caddy Group, LLC, and various civic organizations.

Before joining the Foundation, Wendi served as Associate Athletic Director-External Relations, adjunct professor, and Washington City’s Community Center Director, Marketing/Events Director & Economic Development Liaison, managing multi-million dollar budgets and groundbreaking community initiatives. She holds degrees in business leadership/recreation management and public administration.

A proud Utah Tech alumna and former Student Body President, Wendi volunteered 12 years on the Alumni Board and created the Student Alumni Ambassador program. She lives in Serenity Hills with her husband Jake and their four children. Their oldest is currently attending UT & the remaining kids are excited to be future Trailblazers!

Biography

Biography