President's Ambassadors

My life revolves around my family. I have two kids and the most caring wife. Our family loves the outdoors and sports. We are huge Utah fans and love attending as many games as possible. We also love anything related to the outdoors. My son is in collage and my daughter is serving her Mission in Uruguay. We all love to serve and help with many charities in our community.  

Throughout the last decade at IMA, Miles has established himself as a dependable and reputable advisor to business owners, finance teams, and HR leaders. His area of expertise lies in providing guidance and insights pertaining to employee benefits, both locally and nationally. He possesses a fervent dedication to instructing employers and employees on the most efficient means of optimizing their benefit offerings while controlling costs. Currently he sits on the boards of the Northern Utah Human Resource Association, and the Northern Utah HR Executive Roundtable at Utah State University and is the current Chair of the President's Ambassadors with the Salt Lake Chamber.

Tara serves as the Programs and Events Manager for the Salt Lake Chamber. She plans and organizes 150 events with her team each year. She works with venues, sponsors, donors, and event attendees to make sure each event runs smoothly. In May of 2016, she graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication and a minor in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. Her emphasis was in hospitality management. When Tara isn't putting on an event for the Chamber, you can find her running her black lab, Monster, on the Wasatch trails or running with a volunteer group called The Launch Team, which is a program that helps kids ages 10-18 run a half marathon. Tara also loves traveling, camping, and scuba diving with her partner Bryan. 

I'm in love with all things food. When I'm not designing catered events for others, you’ll find me in my kitchen cooking. Outside of the office, I'm traveling, exploring the outdoors, and hot air ballooning - I'm a certified crew member and licensed student pilot! I put my whole heart into everything I do!

Cidne Christensen is the Director of Advancement for the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Utah. As a long term fundraiser with a 13 year career in philanthropy She is proud to be able to help patients, caregivers, and communities. Originally from New Mexico, Cidne grew up in Utah. She attended Southern Utah and  graduated with honors in marketing and economics. While attending SUU she did study abroad semesters in Salzburg, Austria and Galway, Ireland, and did an internship in Washington DC. Cidne is an enthusiastic Real Salt Lake supporter and has been known to follow the team on away trips. She is also an outdoor enthusiast, athlete, and avid traveler.  

Meet Mike Dandos, the PROFESSIONAL with an extraordinary journey in both sales and sports. With over 15 years of sales experience, Mike currently excels in his role at Interior Solutions, a company specializing in design, commercial furniture, and move management.
Beyond his sales career, Mike played collegiate and professional baseball having excelled with the University of Utah and the renowned San Francisco Giants organizations.
He received his Master’s degree and also served as an adjunct professor & director of coaching at the University of Utah. Go Utes!
Mike shares his life with a beautiful blended family, happily married for over 15 years. Their family comprises three stepsons, his son, and daughter, who are all pursuing their college and professional dreams.
While Mike has wandered between California, Nevada, and Washington, Utah holds the most special place in his heart.
 

Sue Devereaux is a native Utahn residing in Park City and Sandy. Sue graduated from Jordan High, then Westminster College with a BA in Business through the Gore School of Business. She has two children whom she is active and engaged with. She has enjoyed a 30+ year career in corporate employee benefit design, human resources solutions, human capital management technology, business strategy and employee engagement. She has worked for major insurance carriers, national and global insurance/risk management brokerages, had her own employee benefits insurance agency and is currently a Business Performance Advisor for Insperity. Sue proudly serves as a President’s Ambassador (PA) to the Salt Lake Chamber. In addition, Sue is a SL Chamber PA Steering Committee member and is currently 1^st Vice Chair in line to be Chair of the President’s Ambassadors starting in August 2022.

Danene believes in a healthy lifestyle so at times a quick run under a bright sun and clear sky beats traveling to the most exotic destinations, but don’t be fooled, as she is a travel veteran. In her early years, Danene lived in Australia and later in life resided in Colombia, South America. An expedition into the depths of the Peruvian Amazon and gorilla trekking in Rwanda are some of her favorite travel experiences. Danene knows more than most what a successful incentive trip entails having extensive experience in conference coordinating & event planning. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Travel & Tourism as well as a Master of Arts degree in American Studies. She is  fluent in Spanish and has completed eight marathons, two of which were the Boston. Danene’s resolute personality gives her a competitive edge in the industry, but it’s really her love of people and culture that fuel her travel passion. Danene is a Steering Committee Member.

Jennifer graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. As Director of Marketing and Events for Northwestern Mutual Utah, Jennifer utilizes her creativity and genuine desire to serve others to help grow the firm. She thrives on creating unique marketing strategies and showing the rest of the nation what it is like to work with and work for Northwestern Mutual Utah. Jennifer is a fervent advocate of social responsibility and of women uplifting each other and strives daily to integrate these values into the workplace. She has a natural curiosity for life and a desire to do and know everything, which allows her to relish in many hobbies. Outside of work you can find Jennifer rocking out at a concert, in the audience of a Broadway Musical, fishing, reading, listening to true crime podcasts, coding, playing her guitar, bowling, gardening or singing. 

Susan Gartell, originally from Arizona, spent 15 years dancing professionally in ballet companies across the country. In addition to dancing, Susan served as the Union Representative, worked in the Tour de Force program in partnership with the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, and developed Arts in Education programs for local school districts. She earned her BA from the University of Wisconsin and her MFA from the University of Utah. She began her development career working for Wisconsin Conservation Voters and became the Development Director for Family Support Center in Salt Lake County before joining the American Cancer Society as the Director for the State of Utah.

Paul is all about relationship building and connecting like-minded individuals. He has 21 years in the education industry both in recruitment and account management with higher education institutions throughout the country. He has a passion for engaging with others both on a professional level as well as personally. Paul graduated from the University of Utah in the Social Sciences and is a proud Alumni, go Utes! 

Kat Kaddas is the Events & Programs Manager at the Salt Lake Chamber, where she has been an integral part of the team since 2018. A natural storyteller, Kat strives to bring a bit of magic to each endeavor in order to create memorable events and programs for the Chamber's extensive network. In fact, she has proudly run the Business Women's Forum for two years and consistently strives to improve this program. 

Kat first found the magic while specializing in guest experiences at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. There, she played a key role in crafting unforgettable moments at the Jedi Training Academy and Test Track.

A 2017 graduate of Westminster University with a degree in Documentary Film Production, Kat combines her creative storytelling skills with her event management expertise to drive success in all her endeavors.

With over 10 years of Administrative/Executive Assistant experience, Mariah currently works as an Executive Assistant at JourneyTEAM, an award winning, Gold-Certified Microsoft Partner. JourneyTEAM specializes in all three Microsoft Clouds: Modern Workplace, Microsoft Azure, and Microsoft Business Applications, including Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform and is dedicated to helping customers achieve a competitive advantage by identifying the best solutions and services that accommodate their business needs.

After growing up in the Pacific Northwest and owning a successful Mobile Notary business in Seattle, WA, Mariah decided to move to Salt Lake City in 2021. Assisting multiple executives and supporting epic teams of outstanding colleagues taught her a tremendous amount about people, their personalities, and how to help them succeed. 

Shane Lyon
Director of Sales | Smart Staffing
(801) 710.3700 | slyon@smartresources.com
 

Brad Manuel is an Organizational Performance Consultant and Coach. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Utah, is a Certified mPEAK Coach through UCSD's School of Medicine and Center for Mindfulness, and applies the latest in sport and positive psychology to his work with corporate and sport athletes.

Myka Moore is the Product and Donations Manager for Easterseals Goodwill. She works to ensure that each store in Montana, Idaho, and Utah have product and receiving steady donation by fostering relations between the stores and the local communities. She also helps to design and implement trainings and projects that allow for positive culture shifts and increased revenue for non-profit programs. Previous to this she worked with Amazon in Idaho as an in-house trainer for the Boise facility. She is originally from Maryland and has moved from Maryland, Texas, and Idaho before landing in Utah and setting down some roots.

Shawn Newell is responsible for the development of new business opportunities for Industrial Supply Company. He is also charged with new product selection and the process of driving new products through the sales team and sales processes. Shawn earned a bachelor's in Sociology from the University of Utah. He also acquired a degree in Marketing Management followed by a Masters in Management. Shawn has continued his education by gaining numerous manufacturer certifications. In Shawn's free time he is a sports official. He is the Vice President of the Salt Lake branch of the NAACP. Through an appointment, Shawn currently serves as a member of the Govenor's Human Rights Commission. Shawn serves on the board of trustees for EDCUtah and is active with the UMA, serves as a Trustee and Alumni Council President of Salt Lake Community college.  He continues to work to improve both the business and civil communities through activities on various boards and Councils..

Lisa "Leez" Osterstock began MarketShare in 1987, since then, she has artfully provided branded or promotional products to an array of clients within Utah, the US, and abroad.  She takes pride in coming up with the just right products to bring awareness to the client's brand, to thank customers, and to help recognized the exemplary service of employees. With her background in art and management, it is the perfect job for her!  In her spare time, Leez loves to ski, hike, volunteer, play with her dogs, and to travel.  

Executive Assistant to leadership teams for 23 years. From software companies, engineering firms, and insurance brokerages, I've got the experience to ensure top executives are successful day in and day out.

Lindsay is a part of the Business Development team at the Salt Lake Chamber. She facilitates both new memberships and manages the current membership base. Lindsay earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). She also acquired a Minor in Spanish. Lindsay loves anything beach-related, traveling, camping, dancing, and playing lacrosse and tennis. She grew up both in Southern California and Colorado so she's a huge LA Dodgers and Denver Broncos fan!

Megan Sanburn manages the Office of Regional and Business Engagement team and is responsible for planning and executing Salt Lake City Branch activities, including communication and recognition programs, along with the logistical planning for executive and community outreach. She also provides support to other branch offices in the district for larger-scale events.

Bette Taylor has been in the financial industry for thirty years. She has worked for Zions Bank, West One Bank, Vice President for US Bank, and Business Development for America First Credit Union. She is highly involved in the community and sits on Women in Business Boards for the several chambers, and also serves as President Ambassador for Salt Lake Chamber. She is engaged in the Bonneville Community Council, volunteers for Camp Hobe for Kids and is an Honorary Colonel for the South Salt Lake Police Department. Bette has fostered a passion for networking, service, politics and connecting people. Over the years, she served on Mayor Ralph Becker's Board for Business, the Utah Symphony Board, and volunteered for Ballet West. Bette attended the University of Utah.

Lee has been part of the Executech team for over 7 years being elevated to Vice President of Sales December 2023.  With over 110 clients over 5 years helping them find solutions for Managed IT, Security and Cloud-based solutions to improve their efficiencies.    Lee is originally from San Diego moving to Utah is 2005.   Along with his two kids, Jackson 18 and Kara 16, they enjoy a very active life together including ATV riding, skiing, golf, watersports, hiking, paddle boarding, traveling and is proud to carry the National Park annual pass.  Lee enjoys giving back to the community while being the former chair of the Salt Lake City President Ambassadors and volunteers within the Daybreak community in South Jordan.

Craig Weston is Chief Relationship Officer for Blunovus CARE, Blunovus PROACTIVELY addresses Mental Health, Emotional Wellbeing, and Addiction in the workplace and then connects Employees and their loved ones to the resources in order to heal.  Craig earned his bachelor's in Business Admin from the University of Utah.  Craig has a passion for Baseball, he played college baseball at the University of Utah, he coached High School Baseball for 14 years, Craig is an Olympic Game enthusiast, Craig and his wife love to spend endless time with their 6 grandchildren, Craig loves to serve in areas that can make a difference in people's lives, Craig's true purpose in life is to "Serve others and inspire success and happiness.

Diana brings over 30 years of Human Resource and Administrative experience to the company. Since joining the company 25 years ago, Diana has worked both as Director of Business Development, a Recruiter/Producer, and in her current role as Vice President of Perelson Temporary Staffing. Diana has been instrumental in bringing in and managing key clients and
accounts over the years, in addition to building the Temporary Division to record earnings. With her outgoing nature and deep networks, Diana creates strong business relationships—many of which turn into long-term friendships, attesting to the loyalty she earns from her clients and candidates. Diana is active in many business associations, including the Business Women’s
Forum Committee (past Chair), Salt Lake Chamber's President Ambassadors (past Chair), Mountain West Capital Network, and Economic Development Corporation of Utah.

After teaching HS and University theater and ESL for over 15 years, Mindy Young is utilizing her creative, educational and administrative skills at Equality Utah developing their Business Equality Leader program featuring Diversity and Inclusion trainings. Working for a more inclusive Utah, Mindy produces the Allies dinner, creates programming like Q Talks and Q Biz, writes grants and cultivates donors but especially loves her time doing community outreach. Mindy is able to produce over the top events to which Gloria Steinem said “make a Las Vegas show look like a Quaker meeting" because of her Master of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees from the University of Utah in Theater Directing. Mindy is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and is TESOL certified. As a single mom of 5 boys and lifelong educator, Mindy loves learning and collaborating with people. 

Born and raised in Yakima, WA, I've always had a passion for sports, family, and entrepreneurship. As a devoted husband and proud father of three energetic boys - Jr (8), Damian (4), and Hyrum (1). Soccer, football, basketball - you name it, I love it. As a die-hard supporter of the Portland Trailblazers, Barcelon FC and the Seattle Seahawks. Currently I am serving Quality cleaning as an Area Manager for all of Utah. With over 13 years in the wireless industry, I've navigated through the ever-evolving landscape of technology, sales and customer service. Alongside my corporate ventures, I've also carved out a niche in the digital marketing realm. Fueling my entrepreneurial spirit and drive. For me, Life is all about balance. Balancing work with family. Every day is an opportunity to learn, grow and make memories. "Don't Watch the clock, do what it does, keep going!" 

Dr. Marnie Hansen is a local Chiropractor who is originally from Salt Lake, and a Brighton High graduate. She spent her growing up years competing in snowboarding, with Snowbird being her home mountain. After several injuries (and many back pains and headaches) from boardercross events, she saw a Chiropractor for the pain, and found it immediately relieved her issues. She wasted no time enrolling for a Doctorate in Chiropractic at Western States University in Portland, OR. She is now back home practicing. It's her mission to get her patient's better faster and keep them better longer, and her superpower is addressing the underlying causes of musculoskeletal pain. She's very excited to be back serving her hometown community!

I am a passionate business professional with over two decades of customer experience management, business strategy and operations. My expertise extends to business continuity, crisis management & disaster recovery, where I ensure business resilience in organizational processes.  I thrive on analyzing complex problems, devising and implementing innovative strategies, and infusing creativity and laughter into every challenge/adventure! 
🍰 Fun Facts:
Cheesecake aficionado 🍰
Obsessed with all things DOG 🐶
JEEP enthusiast 🚙
Travel & Outdoor adventurer ✈️ 
Committed Volunteer 🤝