Leading us in the right direction
From our Executive Team to our Board of Directors, Big Brothers Big Sisters has a compassionate and dedicated group of individuals on our side that are willing to do whatever it takes to help change children’s lives for the better.
Executive Team
Emily Johnson
Chief Executive Officer, ejohnson@bbbsidaho.org
Emily was previously the Program Director after working as a Match and Enrollment Specialist in our team. She has 10 years of experience in education and college access prior to working for Big Brothers Big Sisters. She has enjoyed the opportunity to meet a lot of great volunteers and families. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and her Master of Arts in Administration from Northern Arizona University. She is an Arizona native who moved to Boise four years ago with her husband, Chihuahua and cat. She enjoys camping, bike riding, attending concerts and outdoor festivals, and everything sight-seeing.
Jane Ahl
Director of Development, jahl@bbbsidaho.org
Originally from Australia, Jane loves being an advocate for the smallest voices in our community. “I can’t think of any better job than one that helps kids to reach their potential and succeed in life.” In her spare time Jane loves to explore the outdoor beauty and wonder of Idaho, and go camping with her husband and their prima donna pug – Sydney.
Director of Development, jahl@bbbsidaho.org
Originally from Australia, Jane loves being an advocate for the smallest voices in our community. “I can’t think of any better job than one that helps kids to reach their potential and succeed in life.” In her spare time Jane loves to explore the outdoor beauty and wonder of Idaho, and go camping with her husband and their prima donna pug – Sydney.
Melissa Bixby
Program Director, mbixby@bbbsidaho.org
Starting in college Melissa knew she wanted to empower kids and families. Giving kids the opportunity to succeed in life and showing them the potential they have within is something Melissa has always been passionate about. Being Program Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho is a natural fit. When not at work, Melissa is a mom taxi for her preteen daughter and concierge for her Pembroke Welsh Corgi. For fun you'll find Melissa running the Boise Foothills or exploring the world of Sonoma wines with her husband.
Program Director, mbixby@bbbsidaho.org
Starting in college Melissa knew she wanted to empower kids and families. Giving kids the opportunity to succeed in life and showing them the potential they have within is something Melissa has always been passionate about. Being Program Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho is a natural fit. When not at work, Melissa is a mom taxi for her preteen daughter and concierge for her Pembroke Welsh Corgi. For fun you'll find Melissa running the Boise Foothills or exploring the world of Sonoma wines with her husband.
Board of Directors
Katie Wegley
Board Chair St. Luke's Health System Amy Dempsey CLA - Clifton Larsen Allen C.J. Sower Boise Cascade Jim and Shaunalee Shipman Colliers International LunchBoxWax Ken Kline Boise State University Robert Castan Northpoint Recovery |
Natalie Podgorski
Board Vice-Chair Foresight Public Affairs Andy Fujimoto AmeriBen | IEC Group Deanna Brown TitleOne Julie Triepke PacificSource Linda Riley Boise State University Foundation, Inc. Stephen Bartlett Ada County Sheriff's Office |
Eric Fredriksen
Board Treasurer Fredriksen Health Insurance Bruce Wetten Retired Jeff Garrett Micron Kayce McEwan Simplot Mary Reiman Echelon Group |
Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.