Board ApplicationBoard Responsibilities

Wyoming Humanities Governance

The Wyoming Humanities Board of Directors has fiduciary responsibility for our nonprofit, including governance and financial oversight of the organization. Directors take an active role insetting policy, advocating for our funding at the federal and state level, raising private funding, and advising on program directions. They are a group of professionally, geographically, and culturally diverse Wyomingites who come together through their passion for improving the quality of life in our state. 

Wyoming Humanities can have up to 20 directors, five of which are appointed by the governor. Directors serve three-year terms, renewable one time, and attend three or four meetings annually held both online and at various locations around the state. They attend events in their communities and serve as ambassadors for the organization in many ways. They are committed to advancing the mission of Wyoming Humanities through their gifts of time, wisdom, and funding.

Wyoming Humanities board members

Board Members

Stacy Stebner

Secretary
Lander, WY

Stacy believes that an understanding of history and culture cultivates healthier, more inclusive communities. She lives in Lander, Wyoming and hails from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Stacy holds a B.A. (Drew University), an M.A. (University of Wyoming), and has completed all but her dissertation for an ill-fated Ph.D., all in anthropology.  Her research explored athletics as a tool of cultural resilience in response to the boarding school era on the Wind River Reservation.  She has taught at UW, Laramie County Community College, and Central Wyoming College. From 2015-2020 Stacy was the Executive Director of Lander Art Center.  She then co-founded The Bossert Collective, a non-profit dedicated to inspiring community connectedness and promoting cultural appreciation through public art.  Stacy is the Executive Director of Lander Care & Share Food Bank, Project Coordinator for The Bossert Collective, and sits on several boards.  As a member of the Wyoming Humanities board, Stacy hopes to support humanities-centered solutions to community needs across Wyoming.

Liisa Anselmi Dalton

Chair-Elect
Rock Springs, WY

Liisa is a 4th generation Wyoming native and owns and operates 3 hotels in Rock Springs.
She graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a business degree and then earned a Juris Doctorate from Duke Law School. Liisa also attended the Oxford Summer Law Program where students learn the history of English common law. After law school, Liisa worked as a corporate mergers and acquisitions attorney for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher from 1998 to 1997 in Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C. and Orange County. Liisa returned to her home state in 1997 to help with her family businesses. She has served on numerous boards, including the Wyoming State Tourism Board, the Sweetwater County Tourism Board and was the past president and board member of the United Way. Liisa served in the Wyoming Legislature as a State Senator for four years. Liisa also serves with the Presidential Scholars Alumni Group. The Governor appointed Liisa to the at-large position on the Water Commission and also to the Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Task Force. She has been awarded the Rock Springs Business Woman of the Year and the PEACE award for her work in the legislature to protect victims of domestic violence. Liisa’s husband Dan is a retired petroleum engineer turned bison rancher. She has two children, Kirsi and Steven; Kirsi is in medical school at the University of Utah and Steven is in law school at the University of Wyoming. She was elected to the Humanities Board in 2021.

Diana Enzi

Gillette, WY

Born in Wyoming, Diana is the wife of the late Senator Michael Enzi. Together, they had three children and four grandchildren. A long-time advocate for humanities and culture, Diana has extensive service experience both in Wyoming and across the nation, including serving as the president of the  Gillette Area Chamber of Commerce, the Wyoming State Council on Vocational Education, and The Congressional Club. She co-founded the Children Against the Land Mine Problem, and served on several boards including Wyoming PBS Foundation, N Street Village, and International Neighbors Club. “I’ve been fortunate to live in and travel our wonderful state, raise my children here and work beside my wonderful husband.

Frederick Schmechel

Laramie, WY

Fred was born and raised in Cheyenne, WY. He received his bachelor’s degree in art and earned his master’s in public administration from the University of Wyoming. As an art student, he displayed work in the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Fred frequently interned with the Wyoming Arts Council as he pursued his vision of becoming an arts administrator. Fred is currently assistant director of IMPACT 307, the University of Wyoming’s innovation driven business incubator network, where he is working to develop economic diversity in Wyoming. Recognizing that there is a symbiotic link between sustainable arts and technology sectors, in the fall of 2014 Fred launched the Wyoming Arts Incubation program. Here he works with Wyoming artists to help them develop sustainable incomes from their art. He also coordinates the Fisher Innovation Launchpad (FIL), and Southeast Wyoming Innovation Launchpad (SEWYIL), two startup capital competitions that have created more than 45 companies since their inception. He was elected to the board in 2019.

Dr. Sandra Caldwell, Ex Officio

Boulder, WY

Ex Officio board member as the Executive Director of the Wyoming Community College Commission, a position she assumed in 2018. Dr. Caldwell was most recently the president of Reedley College in Fresno County, California. Previously she was a faculty member and leader at Western Wyoming Community College and was an early graduate of Leadership Wyoming.

Scotty Ratliff

Riverton, WY

Bio coming soon

Crystal C'Bearing

Riverton, WY

Bio coming soon

Lisa Steele

Jackson, WY

Lisa and her husband Glenn live in Jackson and have owned a home there for 40 years.  After starting a family in 1980, Lisa left her research position in Boston and began focusing on education and women’s health issues.  As the family moved to take advantage of professional opportunities Lisa’s commitment to board service increased.  Ultimately, she served on the boards of the Chicago Lying-in Hospital Board of Directors, the WVIA Public Media Board of Directors (PA), as the Chair of Transitions of PA Board of Directors (a domestic violence/sexual assault service agency), Vertical Harvest of Jackson Hole Board of Managers, and as the Chair of Cultivate Ability Board of Directors (a disability awareness and inclusion organization).  She still serves on the Resource Council for the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.  Lisa and her husband have been past supporters of several major symphony orchestras.  They continue to be avid patrons of the Grand Teton Music Festival and The Metropolitan Opera.

Robert Mason

Treasurer
Cody, WY

Robert Mason is the Co-Director of Thomas the Apostle Retreat Center in Cody, Wyoming. In his work with the Episcopal Church in Wyoming, he facilitates community conversations and programming on religion, conservation, education, and the arts. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Appalachian State University. Mason earned a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology degrees at Duke University. Prior to arriving in Wyoming, his work focused on policy and government affairs in Washington D.C. Mason is a member of the Boy Scouts of America National Board.

Dr. Maggi Maier Murdock

Chair / Chair of Grants Committee
Casper, WY

Dr. Maggi Maier Murdock is a native of Wyoming. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Creighton University and her Master's and Ph.D. degrees in Political Science from Tufts University. Maggi began her academic career at the University of Wyoming in 1975 and was a faculty member in the Department of Political Science and adjunct faculty in the Department of Criminal Justice. She served as Dean of the University of Wyoming branch campus (UW-Casper), Dean of the UW Outreach School, UW Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, and UW Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs.  She retired from the University of Wyoming in August 2017 as Professor Emerita. Maggi has been active in local and state organizations, as well as political science and distance education professional organizations.  She served on the Higher Learning Commission Board of Trustees for 8 years. Currently, Maggi is a partner in the teaching and learning consulting business. Maggi served on the Wyoming Humanities Council from 1988 – 1993, serving as president from 1991-1992.   Maggi was again elected to the Wyoming Humanities Board in 2019.

Chad Banks

Rock Springs, WY

Chad claims Dad and grandpa are at the top of the list for jobs he's held but professionally he's a community and economic developer.  Chad has also been a marketing manager, retail manager, customer service representative, tour guide, and food service worker. His current occupation is the manager of the Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency where he's charged with developing  Downtown Rock Springs. Chad was awarded Leadership Award from the Wyoming Main Street/Wyoming Business Council, Innovation Award from the Wyoming Main Street/Wyoming Business Council, Great American Main Street Award winner, Certified Tourism Ambassador. He has served on a number of boards including Cowboys Against Cancer, Wyoming Special Olympics, Nowcap, the University of Wyoming Alumni Association Board of Directors, Wyoming Rural Development Council, Wyoming Travel Industry Coalition and many others.  Chad has served 3 terms on the Rock Springs City Council and one term in the Wyoming State House of Representatives.

Dr. Scott Henkel, Ex Officio

Laramie, WY

"Dr. Scott Henkel is the director of the Wyoming Institute for Humanities Research, the Wyoming Excellence Chair in the Humanities, and associate professor in the departments of English and African American and Diaspora Studies at the University of Wyoming. He is the author of Direct Democracy: Collective Power, the Swarm, and the Literatures of the Americas, which won a C. L. R. James Award for Best Published Book for Academic or General Audiences from the Working-Class Studies Association in 2018. Dr. Henkel shared his story on the Wyoming Humanities "What's Your Why?" podcast, which is available at

Henkel Podcast

Kari Cooper

Jackson, WY

Kari Cooper is the Executive Director Jackson Hole Air Improvement Resources in Jackson, Wyoming. Her work on behalf of JH AIR provides stable air service to our year-round community. Kari grew up in New Zealand, completed her studies at Riches College before moving to the US and joining the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. In addition to her work on behalf of air service, Kari was a governor’s appointee to Wyoming Office of Tourism and Wyoming Community Development Authority and was recently appointed to the Jackson/Teton County Housing Department Board.

Wendy Martinez

Jackson, WY

Wendy Martinez was born in Tlaxcala, Mexico and was raised in Jackson, Wyoming. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Wyoming. After her college years she returned to Jackson with an interest in giving back and serving her community. Wendy now works for Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Teton Area as the Homeowner Services Manager where affordable housing programs and policies is at the center of her work. Additionally, she currently serves on the Teton Library Foundation Board, the Immigrant Hope Board, the Town of Jackson Planning Commission and is a member of Jackson Hole Diversity Equity and Inclusion Collective. Through her professional and volunteer work, Wendy hopes to engage with the Wyoming community through mindful conversation and education that will foster cultural awareness and empathy.

Sheila Bush

Cheyenne, WY

A classically trained pianist and a devotee of arts and humanities across Wyoming, Sheila Bush is the executive director for the Wyoming Medical Society and is responsible for the overall management of WMS and its staff. She provides support to the WMS Board of Trustees, serves as the chief lobbyist and advocate for Wyoming’s physician voice, and never hesitates to help physicians across WY whenever and wherever she is needed. She is the founder and publisher of Wyoming Medicine magazine and the founder of the Wyoming Leaders in Medicine physician leadership program. She is a graduate of the University of Wyoming, and is highly involved in her local community. Sheila serves on numerous boards in healthcare, policy and the arts, and has been recognized by several organizations for her outstanding leadership service. On weekends you will find Sheila camping, skiing or traveling with her husband and two boys. With nearly two decades in advocacy, Sheila Bush has demonstrated her commitment and dedication to physician interests, and is available for any member regardless of need.

Jeremy Johnston

Powell, WY

Jeremy is the Hal and Naoma Tate Endowed Chair of Western History, the Goppert Curator of the Buffalo Bill Museum, and the Managing Editor of the Papers of William F. Cody. Born and raised in Powell, Wyoming, Johnston graduated from Powell High School. Johnston attended the University of Wyoming, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in 1993 and his Master of Arts in 1995. He then taught at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, for over fifteen years. Johnston earned his Ph.D. in American Studies at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2017. His doctoral dissertation examined the personal and professional relationship between Theodore Roosevelt and William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. He released his first book, a photo history of Powell, Wyoming, in 2009, followed by a “then and now” photo history in 2012. Johnston is the recipient of the 2006 Coke Wood Award, sponsored by Westerners International, for his article “Progressivism Comes to Yellowstone: Theodore Roosevelt and Professional Land Management Agencies in the Yellowstone Ecosystem.” He is a past president of the Wyoming State Historical Society and currently serves on the Public History Committee of the Western History Association. Johnston appeared on various Wyoming PBS documentaries, including Roy Barnes: Rocky Mountain Cowboy and Wyoming Voices, Tony Robinson’s Wild West for the Discovery UK Channel, and Mysteries at the Museum for the Travel Channel. Collaborating with Dr. Charles Preston of the Center’s Draper Natural History Museum, he produced an annotated version of Ernest Thompson-Seton’s Wahb: The Biography of a Grizzly, published by the University of Oklahoma Press. Johnston and Lynn Houze co-edited the memoir of Buffalo Bill’s fellow town founder of Cody, Wyoming, George W. T. Beck, titled Beckoning Frontiers: The Memoir of a Wyoming Entrepreneur.

Milward Simpson

Cheyenne, WY

Milward served as executive director of a nonprofit performing and visual arts center in Central Minnesota before moving back to Wyoming in 2004 to become Executive Director of the Wyoming Arts Council. He served as director of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (2006-2016) and the Wyoming state director for The Nature Conservancy (2016-2019) before accepting his current position as executive director of the National Association for Interpretation, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing the field of heritage interpretation currently serving 6,000+ members in the United States, Canada, and more than thirty other countries.  Milward has served on a number of local, statewide and regional boards including the Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board, Wyoming Historic Mine Trails and Byways Commission, Wyoming Recreation Action Team, and Western States Arts Federation. He holds a BA in Music Performance from the University of Wyoming and a Master of Humanities from the University of Colorado at Denver. His wife, Amy, is a long-time music educator and public education advocate. In addition to enjoying time with his three children and two grandchildren, Milward enjoys gardening, cooking, reading social criticism and philosophy, biking, travel, music, and live theater.  

Dave Wills

Sheridan, WY

David Wills has been a driving force in Sheridan's local business and civic landscape. A Wyoming transplant at the age of 15, he quickly fell in love with the state's rugged beauty and vibrant community spirit. He serves as an essential member of the Sheridan Planning Commission, where he actively shapes the county’s growth and development, ensuring a bright future for Sheridan. Beyond his civic commitments, David is a pillar of the spiritual community, serving on the board of Ignite Wesleyan Church. His unwavering support and leadership within the church exemplify his commitment to the values that bind the Sheridan community together.
As a developer, David Wills has not only helps transform the city's physical landscape but has also played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and opportunity. His visionary approach to development has
contributed to Sheridan's thriving business environment. David's journey from a young newcomer to a respected businessman and community leader embodies the Wyoming spirit of hard work, dedication, and a deep appreciation for the humanities. His contributions to both business and community underscore his commitment to the betterment of Sheridan and Wyoming.

Willie Le Clair (1937-2023)

Riverton, WY

Willie is an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone tribe of the Wind River Reservation. He was born in Fort Washakie, Wyoming, the son of an Eastern Shoshone Indian rancher and of a white mother. He has both a college education and the traditional teachings from both the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribal elders.  He graduated from high school in Lander and served in the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1959 as an E5 air traffic controller. He has worked as a contract religious coordinator for Wyoming Department of Corrections for the past 20 years and conducts presentations on American Indian culture all over the country and has been on the Wyoming Arts Council roster for a number of years. In 1980 Willie started a career, which he continues today, as a presenter and rodeo announcer to share some of the Native American heritage and spirituality he has experienced. He makes his home on a small ranch near Riverton, Wyoming where he has raised Texas Longhorn cattle. He walks both worlds as an American Indian and as an American Cowboy. Willie is one of the few that is knowledgeable in the traditional art of American Indian sign language. He remains as one of the few American Indian Cowboys of our time living in the west with American Indian traditional knowledge passed onto him. It is his goal to dispel existing stereotypes that encourage people to view American Indians as figures in the historical past, or even worse, as the characters that Hollywood has created.By exposing audiences to diverse dances, regalia and songs, he hopes to instill the idea that American Indians are not all the same. He was elected to the board in 2019.

Board Committees

Executive Committee

  • Chair - Milward Simpson
  • Chair-Elect/Grants Committee Chair – Maggie Murdock
  • Finance Committee Chair – Vacant
  • Secretary – Fred Schmechel

Nominations Committee

  • Chair – Milward Simpson
  • Liisa Anselmi Dalton
    Kari Cooper
    Stacy Stebner
    Sheila Bush
    Diana Enzi

finance Committee

  • Chair – Vacant
  • Milward Simpson
    Maggie Murdock
    Robert Mason

Grants & Programs Committee

  • Chair – Maggie Murdock
  • Scott Henkel (ex officio)
    Fred Schmechel
    Jeremy Johnston
    Liisa Anselmi Dalton
    Stacy Stebner
    Chad Banks
    Wendy Martinez
    Robert Mason

Advocacy & Development Task Force

  • Chair – Milward Simpson
  • Maggie Murdock
    Fred Schmechel
    Sandy Caldwell (ex officio)
    Liisa Anselmi Dalton
    Jeremy Johnston
    Dave Wills
    Sheila Bush
    Kari Cooper
    Diana Enzi

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