FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 20, 2025

Boise, ID —  On Thursday, October 16, more than 400 guests gathered at the Boise Centre for the Idaho Technology Council’s 2025 Hall of Fame Gala, an evening that celebrated visionaries shaping Idaho’s innovation landscape. Themed "Uncharted Brilliance," the Gala honored those whose leadership, invention, and service are charting bold new frontiers in technology and community impact.

A Night of Inspiration and Leadership

The program began with Carolyn Holly, who celebrated her 10th year as Emcee, and Aamir Khan, Chief Technology Officer of Idaho Central Credit Union, this year’s Presenting Sponsor. The pair welcomed guests with remarks honoring the evening’s spirit of innovation and inclusion.

Governor Brad Little was among the distinguished guests, attending to recognize Tom Kealey, Director of the Idaho Department of Commerce, who received this year’s Public Policy Champion Award.

Returning for a special appearance at the VIP Reception was Rich Raimondi, 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee and co-founder of both the Idaho Technology Council and the Hall of Fame Gala.

Hall of Fame Inductee – Brent J. Stacey

Brent J. Stacey, former Associate Laboratory Director at the Idaho National Laboratory, was inducted as the 29th member of the ITC Hall of Fame. His pivotal role in the creation of the Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON) and leadership in expanding broadband access across rural Idaho were recognized as transformative to Idaho’s tech future.

The induction was presented by:

• Mark Ruszczyk, President, Regence BlueShield of Idaho
• Stephanie Smith, Vice President for Research and Economic Development, Idaho State University

TechBridge Mentorship Spotlight

The evening also celebrated the success of ITC’s TechBridge program, launched to connect students to mentors and provide scholarship support.

• Over 200 students matched with industry mentors
• More than $100,000 awarded in scholarships

Christopher Johnson, senior at BYU–Idaho, shared his experience in the program and his recent participation in a national public policy internship in Washington, D.C.

Award Recipients

Public Policy Champion Award

Tom Kealey, Director, Idaho Department of Commerce
Presented by Rachel Burkett, Director of U.S. Government Affairs, Micron Technology

Sawtooth STEM Educator Awards

Presented by:

• Dee Mooney, Executive Director, Micron Foundation
• Richard Ruiz, Vice President - Head of Growth & Market Development at Technology Credit Union
• Angelique Rood, Vice President – Corporate Services and Communications Recipients:
• K–6: Travis Ewert, Ramsey Magnet School of Science
• 7–12: Brandi Milliron, West Minico Middle School
• Higher Ed: Lynn Watson, Brigham Young University–Idaho

Idavation™ Awards

Presented on behalf of Scoggin Capital, the Idavation™ Awards recognize excellence in Idaho's technology ecosystem across four unique categories.

Mt. Borah Visionary Leader Award

Winner: Scott Green, President of the University of Idaho
Finalists: Prabhat Tripathy (INL), Chris Morgan (Bastian Solutions)
Presented by Paul Zurlo, President & CEO, Blue Cross of Idaho

Hells Canyon Emerging Company Award

Winner: Galena Innovations – Founder, Ashley Crafton
Finalists: IoAire, , Fonder, Thomas Jensen, and Vessel Derik Ellis, CEO and Molly Lenty, COO
Presented by Chris Mickey, Community Development Regional Manager

, Meta

Peregrine Innovative Technology Award

Winner: Lovevery, Co-Founders, Jessica Rolph and Roderick Morris (accepted by Jessica’s daughter)
Finalists: Flashpoint Building Systems, Soiltech Wireless
Presented by Andrew Barofsky, Vice President of Innovation & Research, St. Luke’s Health System

Star Garnet – Women Leading Tech Award (Inaugural)

Winner: Dr. Carolyn Bohach, (Professor at the University of Idaho, accepted by Chandra Ford
Finalists: Elizabeth Hopkins, President, Sapidyne Instruments, and Rachel Wilson, Co-Founder, BoldHue
Presented by Jim Buie, President, ValorC3

Chairman’s Award for Service Excellence

Recipient: Rachel Burkett, Director of U.S. Government Affairs, Micron Technology
  Presented by Reid Stephan, Vice President & CIO, St. Luke’s Health System and Chair of the ITC Board

A Message from the CEO

“Uncharted Brilliance is about recognizing the people and companies who are not only navigating change—but leading it,” said Diane Temple, President and CEO of the Idaho Technology Council. “We are proud to celebrate each of tonight’s honorees, and we thank every sponsor, mentor, educator, and partner who continues to strengthen Idaho’s innovation ecosystem.”

Thank You to Our 2025 Event Sponsors (and to the many table sponsors)

• ICCU (Presenting Sponsor)
• Micron Technology
• Scoggin Capital
• Regence BlueShield of Idaho
• Idaho State University
• Dorsey Whitney
• Meta
• St. Luke’s Health System
• Blue Cross of Idaho
• ValorC3
• Technology Credit Union
• Idaho Power
• Idaho National Laboratory
• IBL Events

Production support provided by Valiant Productions and Elsberg Studios. Photos by Sadie Jane Photography

A Special thanks to  our amazing volunteers from Experis and BBSI, the ITC Ambassador Committee, Eric Larson, and to the Boise Centre for hosting and their staff.

Videos for each segment can be found on the Idaho Techology Council YouTube pgae:

https://www.youtube.com/@IdahoTechCouncil

About the Idaho Technology Council
The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) is a member-based organization that champions innovation and collaboration to grow Idaho’s economy through technology. Representing a dynamic and growing community of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers, ITC connects vision with action to position Idaho as a hub for innovation and opportunity. Learn more at www.idahotechcouncil.org.