About the Foundation

Building a Healthier Idaho

The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is a nonprofit private foundation established by Blue Cross of Idaho in 2001 that is dedicated to giving back to Idaho. Our focus is statewide. We have funded projects in all 44 Idaho counties. We are dedicated to transformational — not simply transactional — approaches that will impact Idaho today and for generations to come.

Mission

We’re dedicated to giving back to Idaho by addressing the root causes that impact health.

Values

  • Build partnerships
  • Continuous learning
  • Transformational change
  • Opportunities for all

How We Work

We build local partnerships and collaborate to create sustainable changes that promote health in Idaho. We do this in multiple ways:

  • We fund programs and projects driven by local communities that address root causes to health issues.
  • We lead the way with our own initiatives and programs to build a healthier Idaho.
  • We support demonstration projects and evaluations of current efforts that improve the health of our state.

Our Team

  • Kendra is the Executive Director of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. A recognized expert on community health, Kendra provides strategic oversight and leadership across the Foundation’s efforts to create a healthier Idaho through innovative, community-led health initiatives.

    As an Idaho native and mother of two young boys, Kendra’s passion for improving the health of Idaho’s youth is integral to both her professional and personal life, motivating her to become active in community health organizations and coalitions. Kendra is a first-generation college graduate and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Boise State University; a Master’s in Public Health from University of Texas School of Public Health; and a Ph.D. from University of Texas El Paso.

    Kendra Witt-Doyle, PhDExecutive Director
  • Nick Jezierny

    Nick is the Communications Specialist for the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. He collaborates with staff, community partners and media outlets to share news and stories about the Foundation’s work throughout Idaho. Prior to joining the Foundation, Nick worked as a newspaper reporter in Connecticut, Ohio, Texas and Idaho. He also worked as a copywriter and substitute teacher before moving into a corporate communications role at Blue Cross of Idaho. Nick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Ohio University. He and his wife enjoy riding bikes, playing games, attending concerts, finding great restaurants and spending time with friends.

    Nick JeziernyCommunications Specialist

  • Courtney is a Senior Program Officer for the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health who leads the Community focus area. She engages and collaborates with local elected officials and organizations to build healthy communities and address root causes that impact health.

    Courtney uses her experience in health-focused nonprofits to build trusted partnerships resulting in sustainable change. Before joining the Foundation, Courtney worked in development at the American Heart Association and National MS Society. Courtney, who is married and has two children, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Eastern Washington University and a master’s certificate in nonprofit administration from Boise State University.

    Courtney FrostSenior Program Officer

  • Jackie is a Senior Program Officer for the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. She leads the Education focus area with goals to remove barriers to education and address root causes that impact health by engaging with schools, organizations and communities. Jackie is a Licensed Social Worker with 30 years of experience in the nonprofit, healthcare, social service and education sectors. She has dedicated her career to social justice and serving others and is passionate about health, collaboration and community building. Jackie holds a Master of Public Administration degree focused in nonprofit program management and development, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Idaho State University. Jackie is a native Idahoan who enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.

    Jackie YarbroughSenior Program Officer

  • Katie is the Executive Assistant for the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. She works closely with the Foundation team to provide logistical support as well as build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and community members throughout Idaho. Katie spent 20 years serving on campaign staff and personal staff of many Idaho elected officials, including a U.S. Senator, U.S. Congressman and two Idaho governors. She has nonprofit experience with the Treasure Valley YMCA and was the Executive Director of the Idaho Governor's Cup Scholarship fund. Katie was born and raised in the Treasure Valley and a proud graduate of the University of Idaho. Katie and her husband Wayne are parents of two daughters. Her favorite place to relax is at her family cabin in Donnelly.

    Katie HammonExecutive Assistant

Our Board

  • Mike Reynoldson is the Senior Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Relations at Blue Cross of Idaho, where he serves as a legislative advisor and government affairs contact to the federal and state government, the Idaho Legislature and local governments throughout Idaho.

    Mike has more than 25 years of experience as a public policy and political professional. Prior to joining Blue Cross of Idaho, Mike held similar positions at Micron Technology and Qwest Communications.

    In the political arena, Mike has worked for the Republican National Committee and has been the Executive Director of the Idaho Republican Party. The Parma native served as campaign manager for U.S. Senator Larry Craig’s 1996 re-election.

    Mike holds a degree in Marketing from Boise State University.

    Mike ReynoldsonBoard Chair

  • Jenny Robertson is Director of Government Programs at Blue Cross of Idaho, where she is responsible for the company’s Dual Eligible and Medicaid lines of business. In this role, she has oversight of contract compliance, regulatory advocacy, and community engagement.

    Prior to joining Blue Cross of Idaho, Jenny served as the Government Contracts Director for Molina Healthcare of Ohio and in a government affairs role for WellCare of Florida. She has more than 20 years of experience in public policy, government relations and regulatory affairs.

    Jenny holds a Masters of Public Administration and bachelor's degree in Political Science from The Ohio State University.

    Jenny RobertsonBoard Vice Chair

  • Elva (Cookie) Allan has worked for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe since 1999, currently as the Director of Strategic Initiatives & Development Office where she manages the development of tribal comprehensive and strategic plans and initiatives. She's also worked as a longtime aide to the Chairman, Tribal Council and Administrative Director.

    Cookie has worked as an advocate for Latino and Native American issues, dating back to her work as a legislative aide in Washington D.C., for members in Congress from Arizona, California and Texas on policy matters related to those two populations.

    Cookie, a mother of two, also owns and operates Advanced Management Strategies, a consulting firm.

    Cookie has a bachelor's degree in Government and Master's degrees in Public Administration and Urban and Regional Planning from Eastern Washington University. She's pursuing her doctoral degree in Education from the University of Idaho.

    Elva (Cookie) Allan

  • Marybeth Flachbart provides technical assistance to schools, districts, and states to build capacity for literacy and school improvement. Marybeth provided support to State Education Agencies through the Northwest Comprehensive Center. She has worked with educators in Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Wyoming.
    Marybeth served as president and chief executive officer of Neuhaus Education Center in Houston, Texas, a nonprofit think tank for literacy solutions. She served as Deputy Superintendent of Student Achievement and School Improvement at the Idaho State Department of Education, taught at Boise State University, and directed Idaho’s Reading First Program. Previously, she taught in the Houston Independent and Deer Park Independent School Districts, where her classroom experience included 10 years of both general and special education.

    Marybeth holds an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from Boise State University and an M.S. in special education from Fairfield University. She is a certified academic language therapist and a dyslexia specialist.

    Marybeth Flachbart

  • Reagan Greene is the Vice President of Marketing and Experience for Blue Cross of Idaho and oversees all brand, marketing, communications, and community impact for the company. The North Carolina native spent nearly 15 years at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina where her duties included leadership of corporate-based philanthropic initiatives.

    Reagan Greene

  • Melissa Kizilos, M.D., is the Chief Medical Officer for Blue Cross of Idaho. She is an internist and board certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine.

    In addition to medical practice, which included teaching medical students and residents in a hospital setting, Dr. Kizilos worked in clinical software development and has experience at two other Blues plans – Minnesota and Arkansas. At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, she served as Medical Director supporting the High Complexity Care Management function. At Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, she was the Corporate Medical Director for National Accounts.

    She is dedicated to improving population health, improving member/patient and provider experience, and sustaining affordability in health care.

    Melissa Kizilos

  • Luke Malek is a lawyer and owner in the law firm Smith + Malek, which he co-founded in 2015. He works with business clients on governance, compliance and contracting.

    He represented the 4th legislative district (Coeur d'Alene area) in the Idaho Legislature for six years. He has worked as the Director of Legal Affairs at Heritage Health, for the Office of the Governor as the Regional Director in Northern Idaho under former Governor Risch, as the Executive Director of the Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency, and as a Deputy Prosecutor for Kootenai County.

    He earned his B.A. at College of Idaho in Caldwell, holds a law degree from the University of Idaho and is a member of the Idaho Bar. He has lived in Idaho since he was 9 years old and enjoys fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking and mountain biking with his wife, family and friends.

    Luke Malek

  • Stephanie Wright is the Vice President for Growth, Retention and Customer Experience for Blue Cross of Idaho. She provides strategic oversight and leadership to public and private sector markets. She specializes in identifying market trends, innovative products and solutions to support employer group’s HR and business strategies. She has 20 years experience in the health insurance industry and is a former small business owner.

    Stephanie has lived in Idaho for more than 30 years and attended Boise State University and Northwest Nazarene University. She is a licensed Life and Health Insurance Producer and Certified Group Benefits Specialist from American College of Financial Services.

    Stephanie Wright