Idaho Technology Council Celebrates “Uncharted Brilliance” at 2025 Hall of Fame Gala

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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 channel. (will be posted by 10/21. 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.

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by Tim Munkres • 7 October 2025
Introducing: Kurt Temple, Client Director, Technologent Describe the business/organization you work for: Technologent is a women-owned, WBENC-certified and global provider of Information Technology solutions and services for Fortune 1000 companies. With our internationally recognized technical and sales team and well-established partnerships between the most cutting-edge technology brands, Technologent powers your business through a combination of foundational IT disciplines: Data, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud and Security. Together with Professional Services, Financial Services, Service Provider Solutions and our people, we’re paving the way for your business operations with advanced problem-solving that isn't just reactive, but forward-thinking and future-proof. Technologent is the premier global edge-to-edge IT services company that delivers agile solutions for accelerating digital transformation. We bring inspiration and innovation to every organization. What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization? I had the opportunity to work closely with Technologent when I covered a global entertainment and gaming company in Las Vegas while I was at Cisco. Technologent's expertise across architectures is unparalleled. The company always fulfilled the business outcomes the customer was looking for with speed and agility - a true partner that is committed to serving its customers. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? At Technologent, we place your specific business requirements and desired results at the center of each solution. Our primary goal is to simplify technology and focus on a solution, not just a product. With our proven methodology, best-of-breed tools and extensive product certifications, we help you and your IT organization architect, integrate and maintain a secure high-performance business infrastructure. The goal of every Technologent employee is to provide solutions that solve our customers’ biggest, most important technology issues. What challenges have you faced as a business owner or employee, and how did you overcome them? Working for large organizations at times can be challenging. As a sales professional, you strive to keep your customer's best interest and strategic vision top of mind. Often times, you have to be the voice of the customer and advocate for them internally to ensure the company stays aligned to your customer's goals. In order to accomplish this I have had to learn how to effectively manage up in each organization - thinking outside the box and effectively communicating with executives to ensure my customer's needs are met. What advice would you give to someone looking to join your industry? Trust the process and always be willing to learn in this fast-paced and everchanging industry. Find a mentor. Always be the voice of your customer and listen to their needs. Deliver on what you say you will do. 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 i nnovation and opportunity. Learn more at www.idahotechcouncil.org . Connect with Kurt on LinkedIn HERE Check out Technologent HERE

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by Tim Munkres • 10 September 2025
Introducing: Louis Katz, Chief Courage Catalyst At The Courage Inside Describe the business/organization you work for: I'm a storytelling standup comic keynote speaking "wise man" (in other words, old) who owned a managed IT services company and sold it after 23 years. I help organizations tap into the core traits and values that make you great and use that to boost your everyday courage. I'm the Chief Morale Officer for hire, and I've got your back in the midst of fear, uncertainty, and doubt. I cheer you on and give you reason to forge ahead through both good times and bad. What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization? Starting businesses is something I do from time to time. I get a bright idea and act on it. I wanted to get up on stage and tell funny stories that would make people laugh yet at the same time inspire them to get up on their own stage and shine. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? I'm one of the few former IT guys who's now doing standup and storytelling. I understand what it's like to go through the fire of the day to day grind of business, and I've been yelled at by the former president of all three major TV networks. I can take a punch without being a punching bag. I charm to disarm. I've been through the middle, where it feels like failure. And I meet you where you and your team are, and we go from there. What challenges have you faced as a business owner or employee, and how did you overcome them? I'd say the biggest challenge is that we often underestimate how long it will take to accomplish an ambitious goal. The challenges and obstacles I've overcome gave way when I was willing to put in hard work and be patient. What advice would you give to someone looking to join your industry? Open your heart and your mind, be willing to learn along the way. Assume whatever goal you've set can take longer than expected to achieve. Have fun, enjoy the journey. 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 i nnovation and opportunity. Learn more at www.idahotechcouncil.org . Connect with Louis on LinkedIn HERE Check out The Courage Inside HERE