Get to Know Gillette Community College Trustee Candidates

With 23 applicants putting their names forward for consideration to serve as a trustee on Campbell County’s potential Gillette Community College District board, County 17 will be posing questions to candidates in order to help educate voters.

In the first of this series, candidates were asked to provide a short biography 350 words or less and a photo. In future pieces, candidates will be asked about their backgrounds and experiences in education, what they believe to be the proper role of higher education in a crommunity, the proposed mill that would fund the Gillette Community College District, the local economy, the role of Gillette College in retraining and economic development, and other related topics.

If you have any questions you would like to see asked of the candidates, please email [email protected].

Responses received from candidates only receive a simple edit – they are largely unedited and are the candidates in their own words. Candidates are listed alphabetically and each story will advance the candidate names up by one name in the interests of fairness.

All candidates were sent the same request email at the email address they provided the elections office. For those candidates for whom the provided email address proved invalid, a request was sent by text message. Some responses were added after our initial deadline. Exceptions will not be made for questions in the future, but for initial biographies we felt it was important to have as much information available to readers as possible. – County 17

Ryan Allen

While not born in Gillette, I’ve been here since 1980. My wife Carey and I couldn’t be happier to raise our two children Addision, and Keegan in such a great community. I graduated from CCHS in 1998, and then attended Sheridan College. I graduated from Sheridan with a degree in Computer Information Systems.  I spent the next 14 years with Williams Production, and eventually WPX energy as an IT Professional until they sold the operation and I was not ready, or willing, to leave Gillette. In 2017, I, along with two partners, started 30 Gig Technologies here in Gillette. My focus is the IT side supporting several local medical offices and small businesses with items ranging from telephone systems to application support and networking.

Starting my own business was not always on my radar, but staying in Gillette has been. Having been raised here, I’ve seen the community grow exponentially in regards to facilities, shopping, restaurants, and most importantly the college. We have an amazing campus for a community of our size and I would like to be part of it reaching new heights as our own college.

Kevin Anders

I am Kevin Anders. While I was raised in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, I have always considered myself a native Wyomingite. My grandparents homesteaded near Chugwater, Wyoming in 1918. I graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science Degree in mechanical engineering in 1987. While at school, I met my wife, Dr. Laura Anders who is from Torrington, Wyoming. We have two daughters, Kristina and Jessica Anders. I have worked for Westinghouse in the nuclear power industry, worked at the space center in the shuttle program as an engineer for the launch facilities. For most of the time that the girls were growing up, I was a stay at home dad. I followed my wife to Omaha for medical school & residency at Creighton then to Florida while she finished service in the Air Force at Patrick Air Force Base. We returned to Wyoming in 1997 where she joined a practice here. I started up a computer aided drafting company and was able to work at home while the children were in school. In 2004 I joined CBM Associates, that later became InterTech Environmental and Engineering. In 2015, they were bought by a national company, Apex Companies. In 2006 I was asked to finish teaching an AutoCAD class at Gillette College due to a teacher having to move away. It was an interesting learning experience. I am a professional engineer registered in Wyoming, Nebraska, Montana, and Utah. I strongly believe that education is the key for our youth, the economy, and our standard of living.

I have been involved in community activities, starting the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program) in Gillette after having been involved in the program in Omaha and Florida (33 years total). This program offers free tax assistance to low income persons. I have served on the CC Rockpile Museum Board for six years and also the CC Library Board for six years. I also was active as a 4-H leader in Campbell County for over 15 years.

Dan Baker

Dan lives in Gillette with his wife Robin.  They have two sons, Garrett, who is attending college at the University of Wyoming and Ryan who will be a senior at Thunder Basin High School.  His interests include many outdoor activities such as golf, camping and fishing.  In addition, he has coached youth sports in the community for nearly 15 years.

Dan has lived in Gillette for over 45 years, graduating from CCHS in 1986 and The University of Wyoming in 1990 with a degree in Business Management.  He also completed and received a Certificate in Executive Leadership from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise – Darden Executive Education.

After college, he returned to Gillette and was employed at AMAX Coal, which included the Belle Ayr and Eagle Butte mines.  He is currently the Operations Manager for Prairie Eagle Mining (Belle Ayr and Eagle Butte) in Campbell County.  During his 30-year employment at these operations, he has held positions ranging from Trainer, Production Supervisor, Human Resource Manager, General Coordinator to Operations Manager.  These positions have involved developing and executing multi-million-dollar budgets, implementing cost control containment initiatives, and leading employees to achieve safety, production, and cost management goals.  His experience in the mineral industry during dramatic fluctuations in product demand, allowed him to learn how to manage decreasing revenues, while still meeting the goals of the company to be successful.

Dan feels that the Gillette College is an important part of the City and County.  He believes that it is a tremendous asset to the students and surrounding businesses that will some day hire those students.   However, as an employee in the coal industry that is responsible to pay roughly 50% of the mill levy, he wants to ensure that the college is a fiscally responsible endeavor.

Joy Beattie

Hello. I have been a Campbell County resident since 1990 and I am running for Gillette College Board of Trustees. Currently, I work as a physical therapist for the Campbell County School District full time and PRN at CCH.

Raised on a third-generation ranching/farming operation in Eastern Montana, my upbringing taught me the value of hard work and long days. I am a detail oriented person that sets a budget and will stay within that budget. Understanding the needs of the community and the responsibility of the job is paramount to serving on the Gillette College Board of Trustees.

Vision for Gillette College is to become an independent entity that reflects Campbell County’s need for future employment and prosperity. In talking with people in the community, the need to expand the industrial arts programs to include automotive technology. People have also expressed a need for culinary arts and an agricultural business degree that are on campus.

In the era of skyrocketing college costs, it is important to provide a marketable, affordable education locally to respond to the needs of those seeking to acquire new skills or change careers. As a single parent of four children whom all attended Gillette College, it was an economical benefit to be able to access a local college.

Scott Clem

No response received from candidate.

Kimberly Glass Dalby

My Name is Kimberly Glass Dalby. I’ve lived here in Campbell County since March 1990. I received my Associates degree in 1992.

I decided to continue my education working on my Bachelors Degree taking college classes here locally via Gillette-Sheridan College and UW as well as several other out reach colleges in Wyoming. I petitioned UW and Sheridan College for Sign Language  and was able to get that as my language as my foreign language needed to Graduate. I did receive my Double BS  in Criminal Justice and Psychology in 2005.

We need to focus on Wyomings Future and a success for the students here. However I want Campbell County to be a place people are proud to call home.

My family owns a ranch and we’re not going anywhere so I want it to succeed. Focus on Education. Not Sports. 

Jacob Dalby

I was born and raised in Gillette, Wyoming on the family cattle ranch. I went to school in Gillette through seventh grade. I home schooled from then on. I started working full time on a larger cattle operation at 15 years old and I still work there. I attended an artificial insemination school and I am planning to go to a pregnancy checking school later this year. Agriculture is my background and if the college passes and I’m elected I will be pushing for more agriculture classes at the Gillette College as well as carrying a hand gun on campus.

My second amendment doesn’t stop at the college campus.

Josh Dillinger

No response received from candidate.

Alison Ochs Gee

Alison Ochs Gee, a Campbell County native, is married and has three children. She is an attorney at Lubnau Law in Gillette and has broad experience serving as an effective leader and board member – Alison currently serves on the Board for Powder River Energy and the Campbell County Child Development Center Foundation.

Alison holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming in education and is passionate about providing Campbell County’s citizens with an affordable and practical education without having to leave home. “With local control, we can focus the programs our college offers on solving real needs in our community – maybe that includes HVAC and expansion of our nursing program. We can listen to our community and shape the college to fit our community instead of letting a board in Sheridan tell us what is good for us.”

Alison looks forward to helping shape the opportunities for young people in our community by taking back control of our college.

In an uncertain economy, affordable accessible education is the key to our future. Local control, including keeping the mil levy low, is a part of ensuring that future. I would like to share my experience to grow our quality college facility into an institution that provides first-rate opportunities that fit our community. I have extensive experience with board governance, managing and setting budgets, and working to set and achieve goals. I have the experience, leadership, and integrity to do the job and I ask for your vote for Trustee.

Jed Jensen

I was born and raised in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming, graduating from Byron High School. Following that, I spent one year in Billings, MT attending Billings Business College and earned a certificate in computer programming. That was followed by a year living in Casper, WY attending Casper College and earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Coal Field Technology. From Casper College came a move to Gillette in the summer of 1977 where the Jensen family has lived since.

My employment in Gillette has been varied. I worked in the maintenance departments of three mines in Gillette, having been employed by Exxon, Peabody and Kennecott during that time. The positions held during the mining work have included working as an electrician, a supervisor, a maintenance planner, an electrical planner, and as a maintenance training manager. I was employed as the manager of WESCO Distribution in Gillette and as a salesperson for Argo, another electrical distributor. I was also able to serve as the Director of Technical Training for Flanders, an electrical company headquartered in Indiana. In this position I provided technical training across the United States.

My familiarity with Gillette College first began teaching as an adjunct instructor, working from the MSHA Grants office beginning in 1983. In this position I provided electrical training to many of the electricians who have worked in the mining industry. The conclusion of my career came as I served Gillette College and NWCCD as the Dean of Career and Technical Education. This is a position that I held for about eight years until retiring in May 2020.

In addition to the education that was mentioned earlier, I earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in 1991 and a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Wyoming in 2018. These degrees were both earned while continuing full-time employment in Gillette.

I have been married to my lovely wife, Joyce for over 45 years. We are honored to have four children (all of whom graduated from CCHS) and eleven grandchildren.

RN “Nick” Jessen

Born 08/23/1946, Married Elaine Jessen, Three Daughters, Five Grand children.

Raised on ranch south of Rozet. 1 thru 8th one room school on the ranch, 9-12 Campbell County High. One year University of Wyoming, two years Casper College Associates Agriculture business. Two years US Army 1966 thru 1968, Spec 5. Owned supper club JB Blue 1970-1971. Life Insurance Bus, Jessen and Associates, 1971 thru 2014.  Owned wyoming leasing co,  Fox homes Inc, Western Mortgage co. Campbell County Repbulican central committee 30 years. Fleet Sales Manager Thunder Basin Ford 2014 to present.

Served on Board of Gillette Golf and Country Club, Indian Hills Homeowners Association, Campbell County Public Land Board, and Vice President Norman Ranch Co, Inc.

Jason Linduska

Maggi McCreery

I am a native of Gillette growing up on a ranch south of town off of Highway 59 with an older sister and three younger brothers. I attended Gap Country School. I graduated from Campbell County High School as valedictorian in 1966, graduated from Creighton University in 1970 with a double major in Biology and Secondary Education and graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque in 1974. I did my first year of a Family Medicine residency in Jackson, MS and the last two years back in Albuquerque finishing the residency in 1977. I was in private practice in a partnership in Espanola, NM until 1984, in solo practice in Los Alamos, NM from 1984 to 1998, and in a large group practice in Los Alamos, NM from 1998 until 2003. While in Los Alamos I served as Chief of Staff of the hospital staff, Medical Director of Sombrillo Nursing Home, physician on Los Alamos Home Health Care board, served on community boards (Los Alamos Concert Association, Los Alamos Light Opera and Little Theater) and played keyboard in a Gospel Music Rock band.

In 2003 my husband retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory so we moved back to help my parents, Pat and Marie McCreery, who still lived on the ranch and needed some help. I was not ready to retire so I went to work for the VA spending two years in Sheridan as a hospitalist before becoming the physician at the Gillette Community Based Outpatient Clinic. I retired in September 2013.

Once back in Gillette I started volunteering and serving on boards.  I have served on the Campbell County Public Health Board and am serving on the Second Chance Ministries Board and the Gillette College Foundation Board. I am active in my church having served on the vestry and as Senior Warden and volunteer at the Soup Kitchen with my church. I play piano at Primrose Retirement Center, Campbell County hospital and my church. Prior to the Covid 19 pandemic I also played at Legacy and the Senior Center.

Ivy McGowan-Castleberry

My family and I moved to the Gillette area in 2012. Our three youngest children graduated from Campbell County School District, two of whom attended classes at Gillette College. In 2019 we became proud members of the local business community when we opened The UPS Store. I am a passionate advocate for our vibrant community and economic future.

During my career, I have worked with non-profits, governmental entities, community development corporations, businesses, institutions of higher learning, and cooperatives supporting community economic development. I’ve served on numerous local and state-wide boards or leadership teams, drawn by the big questions and driven to think about the big picture. From that experience, I’ve become knowledgeable and skilled in working with policy and organizational management. I like to find the right questions to ask and am open to conflicting evidence. When I work with a group of people on a challenging task, I bring a balanced approach which may include redefining the task at hand to keep the group moving forward. Other times I encourage a slower approach to dig into an issue a bit deeper. I like to focus on the big picture while finding practical solutions that have a positive impact. I will bring this temperament to the Gillette Community College Board of Trustees.

I have a bachelor’s in pre-law from Purdue University, and I am currently working toward my master’s in public administration. My education and work experience have provided me with a robust set of skills that include the ability to research, extract, organize, evaluate, and utilize relevant information to a particular topic. I look forward to employing these skills to help build a rock-solid foundation for Gillette College so it can serve our community for many generations to come.

Josh McGrath

I was born and raised in Gillette. I attended Trinidad State Junior College for two years and finished my bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Mary. My wife Nachelle and I spent three years in Denver after college before moving back to Gillette in 2001.  We thought Gillette would be a better place to raise our kids and grow as a family. We have 3 beautiful daughters Payton, Avery and Reece.

Since my return in 2001, I worked as a sales associate at ERA Boardwalk Real Estate, Inc., getting my associates Broker’s license in 2008. In 2014 my wife and I purchased the office from my parents and renamed the company ERA Priority Real Estate where I am the owner/broker. My career has made it possible for me to make a living by promoting our community on all the wonderful things Gillette has to offer. I have always felt that I should give back to a community that has given so much to me and my family.

Besides currently serving as the MLS Chairman NEWRA, I also serve as president of the of the Gillette College Booster Club. Helped and Emceed the Festival of Trees Live Auction night the past 5 years. I served on the YES House Foundation Board for just about 9 years, the past president for the Campbell County Board of Realtors (now NEWRA) and an active member and past chair of the Gillette Energy Rotary. I served 6 years on the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce including a year as chairman. I have also chaired the 1% Penny Power re-election committee twice and served on the committee this past election cycle.

Dr. Olin Oedekoven

I am a Campbell County native, retired Brigadier General with the Wyoming National Guard, and currently President & CEO of Peregrine Global Services. I have extensive experience in higher education, public sector service, accreditation, and leadership of large governmental institutions. I led the business sub-committee of the Gillette College Marketing Task Force a few years ago where we identified specific programs that we need for our community. My vision for Gillette College is as a community partner for workforce development, advanced education, and economic transformation.

My business focuses on helping schools succeed with their accreditation requirements and quality assurance programs. I currently serve on advisory boards for two universities and on the Accreditation Standards Board for a healthcare administration accreditation agency. As a Trustee for Gillette College, I will leverage these experiences to make Gillette College an even better institution focused on our needs and goals.

Our business currently employs two Gillette College graduates at our Gillette office who came to us through Gillette College internships. My wife, Laurel Vicklund, and I have been long-term supporters of Gillette College. Our company was recognized by the Gillette College Foundation in 2017 as Corporate Builders of the year. Laurel and I were also recognized in 2020 as Gillette College Individual Builders of the Year. In 2020, I was selected as a Fulbright Specialist through the US State Department.

I earned my MBA and Ph.D. from Northcentral University, and later a post-doctoral specialization in human resource management. I also earned a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College and a MS degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Wyoming. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries sciences from South Dakota State University.

One thing I learned through my military service is that leadership truly matters. My goals for Gillette College including establishing a senior leadership team that can lead and govern an independent Gillette Community College District that obtains its institutional accreditation as quickly as possible so that the College can fully support and help grow our community.

Robert Palmer, MBA PHR SHRM-CP

Larry Smith

Francis E. (Frank) Stevens

Francis E. “Frank” Stevens is a Wyoming native and has been a resident of Campbell County for 44 years.  He is a member of the law firm of Stevens, Edwards and Hallock P.C with its principal office in Gillette.  After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming in 1972 and teaching high school in Riverton, WY, he returned to UW graduating from law school in 1976.  He moved to Gillette to begin law practice in 1976.

Frank is married to Christine Stevens, a retired church secretary, and has 4 adult children. Two daughters, Andrea Zomberg and Susan Howell are middle school/elementary teachers.  Sons, Douglas and Paul, are respectively a lawyer and a high school teacher.  Susan and Paul teach in the Campbell County School District.  Frank and Chris have 7 grandchildren who live in Gillette and are ages 20 to 6, the oldest currently attending college.

Education has been a priority in Frank’s family.  His grandfather and father taught in country schools in Weston and Crook County and his father taught over a total of 30 years in Wyoming schools. His brother, Ed Stevens, was a college professor and served as president of George Fox University, Newberg, Oregon, for over 15 years.   Frank has served as legal counsel for Campbell County School District since 1987.  Frank served as a trustee of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, for a period of years.

Tracy Wasserburger

Tracy Wasserburger was born and raised in Niobrara County where she was raised on the family ranch.  She attended college to obtain her Registered Nurse degree at West Nebraska General Hospital School of Nursing.  She moved to Campbell County with her husband, Jeff, in 1985 after being hired by Campbell County Health as a registered nurse.   In Gillette, she and Jeff raised their three children- Jory, Trey, and Hayley – all of who graduated from Campbell  County High School. They are now blessed with 7 grandchildren.

Tracy was the Maternal Child unit nursing manager for 21 years at CCH and for the last 12 years, she has worked as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)  for the Hospitalist program. During that time she attained her Master’s Degree in Nursing Education and post-masters degree as an NNP and is board-certified. Tracy joined the Gillette College Advisory Board in 2008 where she continues to serve.  She was the Advisory Board chair from 2017-2019.   Tracy has also served on other boards including the Wyoming State Board of Nursing, the National Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, and the Wyoming Perinatal Quality Collaborative.  She is a member of the First United Methodist Church.  Volunteering activities have included youth sports clubs, March of Dimes, and Campbell County 1-18 precinct chairwoman.

Tracy has always supported education and she believes that Gillette College needs local governance to bring student educational equity and programs that will support and meet local needs as determined by our own community.

Nello Williams

We were born and raised in Huntington,  Indiana which is located in the North Central part of the state There we’re nine kids and we all learned from our dad, mom and grandparents that anything can be accomplished if you set your mind to it. We graduated from Huntington High School in 1957 and attended our local college Huntington College. Participated in many activities and belong to many clubs. My bachelor’s degree was in Biology and Physical Education. Graduated from Ball State University with a Masters’s degree in Earth Science and Astronomy. Spent 12 years in the Maconaquah School District In Indiana and in those 12 years taught Earth Science, helped design a planetarium, taught astronomy, taught celestial navigation to Air Force pilots, coached track, cross country, baseball, and trampoline. In 1966 married my lovely wife Marsha and from this marriage, we had 3 children, Robin who lives here in Gillette and has her own private practice in family counseling, Ryun who is the women’s basketball coach at Colorado State and Rory who is Principal at Prairie Wind and is Thunder Basins head basketball coach. In 1973 Marsha and left Indiana and moved here to Gillette. Lived 4 years in teacher housing with 27 other educators of our school system. Taught 9th grade Earth Science until 1981. That year Sage Valley was opened along with the best planetarium in the world in a 30-foot dome. Was the director of the planetarium until we retired in 2007. Was an educator for 47 years.

Some of my highlights here in Gillette? Teacher of the year in 1986 (runner up as state teacher of the year for Wyoming), Along with my brother Rollo, brother in law Larry Hite and myself developed the midget basketball program, created the Jr. High tennis and soccer programs, was a varsity soccer coach for both boys and girls. I was your planetarium director for 27 years, taught astronomy for Sheridan College, University of Wyoming, and Gillette College, have coached basketball. soccer, track, and tennis for the CCSD. Marsha and I were heading to Alaska with Gillette being a shortstop. We fell in love with the community, the people, and our CCSD. We belong to the First Presbyterian Church in Moorcroft and attend the First Baptist Church here in Gillette for our son-in-law is the minister here. Through the 47 years living here in Gillette, we have been on many boards, taught thousands of students. Marsha and from the day we arrived always worked to make this the best community it could be as so many of you have. Just look around you, this community was built on dreams. We must never stop dreaming.

Brian Worthen

I am the CEO of Visionary Broadband, headquartered in Gillette.  Having gone through 20 years of adapting to the newest and most innovative technologies, I can bring my experience in re-invention to our local college.  This a critical time for our community and a strong group of College Trustees can direct a college toward Gillette 2.0.

I attended the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1995 with a four-year degree in Small Business Management.  While there, I worked in the advising office helping other students select classes on their path to graduation.  I had the opportunity to complete two classes at the college district campus in Gillette, which helped me complete my degree within four years.

I am currently the Advisory Board Chair for Gillette College and have additional experience as a board member for INCOMPAS, a Washington DC-based firm that lobbies for competitive fiber policy.  I’ve grown a business on a tight budget, making hard decisions and choosing the most responsible path.

Among this impressive pool of candidates, I can offer the perspective of the technology industry to the board and to Gillette College.  I know the skills our business community seeks from local college graduates.  I firmly believe that community colleges are essential to producing a workforce to help local industry succeed.  A workforce trained for our specific community is crucial, and it happens every semester at Gillette College.

My wife Nikki and I both grew up in Gillette, and have raised our three children in this great community.  As our children have grown, it feels important to contribute to the community through the college.

Anne Ziegenhorn