Board of Directors
Alaina Gilligan
Treasurer
Alaina Gilligan is a fourth-generation Idahoan and proud St. Maries native. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from Boise State University and her M.Ed. in School Counseling and Psychology from the University of Idaho.
Alaina serves as a school counselor with Empower Connections Academy, where she is dedicated to helping students build confidence, reach their goals, and develop a strong sense of self. In addition to her counseling role, she works two part-time jobs and serves on the state board for Distinguished Young Women.
Outside of her professional commitments, Alaina enjoys spending time with her husband, Tim, their daughter, Stella, and her stepson, Payton. She also loves embracing all that Idaho has to offer—whether cooking at camp, hiking, swimming, wakeboarding, snowboarding, or simply enjoying nature. A lifelong sports fan, she is an enthusiastic supporter of Boise State football and Gonzaga basketball, often cheering passionately from the sidelines (and the living room).
Jenna Rezendes
Secretary
In her role at Lamb Weston, Jenna leads the North America Retail Marketing team, overseeing brand strategy, innovation pipelines, and retailer partnerships across owned and licensed brands. She partners closely with cross-functional teams to deliver compelling brand stories, drive category growth, and build strong retailer relationships.
Jenna spent the first seven years of her career working for a fast-paced (and fun!) advertising agency in Chicago, IL. While in at the advertising agency, she managed national consumer brands and integrated campaigns. Her career highlights include launching category-leading frozen potato innovations, driving packaging refreshes that modernized iconic retail brands, and developing go-to-market strategies that expanded household penetration.
Jenna currently serves as Vice-President for the State of Idaho’s Distinguished Young Women program, a scholarship program for young women. She has served on the State Board since 2018. Jenna also was a board member of Harley Helping Hands, a nonprofit organization in Chicago providing financial support to families battling brain cancer. And during their annual radiothon, Jenna serves as a call center operator for the St. Jude’s annual fundraising campaign.
Matt Rezendes
Member
Matt Rezendes is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Boise State University graduate who has built his career in Veterans benefits in Boise, Idaho. In his current role as Supervisory Veterans Service Representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs, he oversees day-to-day operations, drives process improvements, and ensures cross-functional teams work seamlessly to meet business goals.
Previously, Matt served in the United States Marine Corps, where he gained extensive leadership experience and developed a strong foundation in discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
Matt’s expertise spans operations management, leadership development, process optimization, and team building.
Matt has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources and General Business, from Boise State University (2009-2012). Matt also served for the United States Marine Corps as a Signals Intelligence Operator (2004-2009).
Matt is committed to serving his community and supporting organizations that strengthen families, education, and Veteran causes. He has been involved with local veteran support initiatives, youth programs, and community volunteer efforts in the Treasure Valley.
I chose to serve on this board because I believe in the mission of this organization and see it as an opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to me and my family. Serving allows me to apply the leadership and organizational skills I gained in the Marines and in my career to create a positive, lasting impact.
Outside of work and community service, Matt enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Jenna, and their daughter, Ellie. Together they explore Idaho’s mountains, rivers, and trails, and at home, they love cheering on the Boise State Broncos. A fun fact: Matt is also a devoted dog owner to a border collie, Bo, who keeps the family on their toes!
Cooper Jones
Member
Cooper Jones is a facility operator at Lemm Corp., where he is responsible for safely filling isotanks with cyanide briquettes and preparing solution trailers with hydrogen and cyanide mixtures for industrial use. A former college football player at both Utah State and Boise State University, Cooper earned his bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and Marketing. He is also CPR certified and currently serves as a high school football coach at Elko High School in Elko, Nevada, where he enjoys mentoring young athletes.
Outside of work and coaching, Cooper is passionate about family and sports. He credits Tim as one of his greatest role models, both on and off the field, and is proud to support his efforts in creating this scholarship. Inspired by Tim’s determination and resilience, Cooper is committed to helping others achieve their goals just as Tim has helped him achieve his own.