2026-2027 IAC Board of Director Candidates

1 Sep 2026, by Kristin Cundiff Share :

According to the IAC Bylaws and the rotation schedule for elections, a commissioner or coroner is eligible to run as the IAC 2nd Vice President for the upcoming year (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027). In even years, an election for the NACo and WIR Representatives will also take place at the IAC Annual Conference.

Each candidate completed an application so they could share a little about themselves and why they are interested in the position. Candidates will also have a few minutes to speak at our IAC Annual Business meeting in September and voting will take place during the conference.

Candidate for 2nd Vice President

Summarize your background and how it relates to the position you are seeking.

I have been a county commissioner for 8 years. Early in my first year, I recognized the value of IAC. I was elected to the IAC Legislative Committee in 2019 and am still there. Since that time, I have participated in several IAC committees and subcommittees. I was privileged to be elected as the IACC representative to the IAC Board of Directors in 2021 and I am still on that board. I was appointed by the Governor to the newly created Idaho Behavioral Health Council. This opportunity will be a continuing goal to provide support and leadership where I can.

List participation and years of participation on any IAC Committees, the IAC Board of Directors, and any leadership positions within your affiliate organization.
  • 7 years: Legislative Committee – District 6 Representative
  • 6 years: IACC Representative on IAC Board of Directors
  • 3 years: Idaho Criminal Justice Commission, Coroner Subcommittee
  • 2 years: IAC Programs and Services Committee
  • 3 years: Loser at the IAC Cornhole Tournament 
Briefly state your reasons for seeking the position and any other qualifications that might be an asset to IAC.

Continue to support and fully participate in IAC. It matters! I have been involved in organizations and leadership positions that have developed skills and abilities that I believe will contribute to the continued influence of IAC.

List IAC/NACo/WIR events/conferences/meetings you’ve participated in over the last four years.
  • Every IAC Midwinter Legislative Conference and Annual Conference for the past 8 years
  • Attended all district meetings (only missed one in the last four years)
  • Recently completed COI certificate
  • Attend Spring COI every year

NACo (National Association of Counties) Representative Candidates

Summarize your background and how it relates to the position you are seeking.

I have been heavily involved in NACo since becoming a commissioner. I have served on their Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee, and I am currently the Vice Chair of the Economic and Workforce Development Committee. I am also currently a Vice Chair of the Rural Action Caucus.

I have a good working relationship with much of the NACo leadership and was recently selected by NACo to serve as their representative on an ad hoc committee to develop a grant proposal to support economic development efforts in rural America.

List participation and years of participation on any IAC Committees, the IAC Board of Directors, and any leadership positions within your affiliate organization.

I have participated with IAC since 2020 when I became a commissioner. I have served on the Public Affairs Committee (I was Chair for 2 years) and on the Public Lands Committee. I currently serve as the IAC 5th District Chair and have done so for the last 3 years.

Briefly state your reasons for seeking the position and any other qualifications that might be an asset to IAC.

I believe in IAC and NACo and want to contribute to the success of both. I enjoy representing rural America and Idaho at NACo events and the meetings I attend. I believe my common-sense approach, willingness to be curious, and creative thinking make me an asset to any organization I participate in.

List IAC/NACo/WIR events/conferences/meetings you’ve participated in over the last four years.

I have attended all NACo conferences, several annual WIR conferences, several PILT Fly-Ins and last year’s inaugural Rural Action Caucus Fly-In. I also have attended every IAC conference available since becoming a commissioner.

Summarize your background and how it relates to the position you are seeking.

County employee since 2003 and elected Prosecuting Attorney since 2012.

List participation and years of participation on any IAC Committees, the IAC Board of Directors, and any leadership positions within your affiliate organization.
  • Past President of IAC and IPAA
  • Member: NACo Board of Directors
Briefly state your reasons for seeking the position and any other qualifications that might be an asset to IAC.

While serving as the IAC President, I had the opportunity to serve on the NACo Board and I believe the relationships I formed during that time with people across the country will be beneficial to IAC in the future.

List IAC/NACo/WIR events/conferences/meetings you’ve participated in over the last four years.

I’ve attended almost every conference for IAC, NACo, WIR, and IPAA over the last four years, including being an instructor at some of the events.

WIR Representative Candidates

Summarize your background and how it relates to the position you are seeking.

I am a full-time rancher with many years of hands-on experience working with public lands and participating in policy decisions that affect agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities.  I currently serve as a county commissioner, giving me direct experience in local government, public policy, and working with diverse stakeholders. I also serve on the National Association of Counties (NACo) Public Lands Committee, where I continue to engage with issues involving federal and state land management. Through my ranching, public service, and policy experience, I have developed a strong working knowledge of the different types of public lands, including US Forest Service, BLM, and state lands. This combination of practical experience and public policy involvement gives me a well-rounded perspective that I believe would be valuable in this position.

List participation and years of participation on any IAC Committees, the IAC Board of Directors, and any leadership positions within your affiliate organization.

The IAC committees I currently serve on are the Public Lands Committee and the Infrastructure, Land Use, and Transportation Committee. I also serve on the NACo Public Lands Committee. On a county level, I serve on Central District Health, Payette Forest Coalition, and the University of Idaho advisory board.

Briefly state your reasons for seeking the position and any other qualifications that might be an asset to IAC.

I am seeking the WIR position because I want to use my experience as a full-time rancher and county commissioner to help ensure that the interests of rural communities, agriculture, and responsible public land management are represented. Having served as a county commissioner, I have seen firsthand how decisions involving Forest Service, BLM, and state lands affect local communities and working ranchers and foresters. I believe my practical experience, knowledge of public lands, and understanding of local government can bring a valuable perspective to the WIR position. I am interested in serving because I want to contribute to thoughtful, balanced policy decisions and help find practical solutions that work for both land management and the people who depend on these lands.

List IAC/NACo/WIR events/conferences/meetings you’ve participated in over the last four years.
  • IAC Legislative Committee: 2025 and 2026
  • IAC Annual Conference: 2026
  • IAC Fall COI: 2024
  • IAC Spring COI: 2025
  • IACC Annual Conference: 2026
Summarize your background and how it relates to the position you are seeking.

My background in multiple-use and public lands management is extensive. During my 32-year career with Hecla Mining Company at the Grouse Creek property, I have been responsible for environmental compliance and worked closely with state and federal regulatory agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders.

In addition, I served four years as a Commissioner for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. During my tenure, I represented Idaho with the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA), where I am now a Life Member. These experiences have provided me with decades of firsthand knowledge of public lands management and multiple-use issues throughout the western United States.

List participation and years of participation on any IAC Committees, the IAC Board of Directors, and any leadership positions within your affiliate organization.

Since becoming a commissioner in 2025, I have served on both the Public Lands and Natural Resource Committee and the Infrastructure, Land Use, and Transportation Committee. I currently serve as Chair of the Public Lands and Natural Resource Committee, where I help guide discussions and policy on issues affecting our county’s public lands and natural resources. In addition, I serve as Idaho’s current voting representative to WIR, representing the state’s interests and participating in decisions that affect regional public land and natural resource issues.

Briefly state your reasons for seeking the position and any other qualifications that might be an asset to IAC.

My work, hobbies, and extracurricular activities all revolve around public lands. As a commissioner for Custer County, where 97% of the land is publicly owned, I have firsthand experience with the opportunities and challenges that public land management presents. I believe my involvement at the national level gives WIR a unique and valuable perspective on the broad spectrum of public lands issues.

List IAC/NACo/WIR events/conferences/meetings you’ve participated in over the last four years.
  • January 2025: IAC Legislative Conference
  • February 2025: NACo Legislative Conference
  • May 2025: WIR Annual in South Dakota
  • July 2025: NACo Annual in Philadelphia
  • September 2025: PILT Fly-In
  • September 2025: IAC Annual Conference
  • January 2026: IAC Legislative Conference
  • February 2026: NACo Legislative Conference
  • May 2026: WIR Annual in Maui
  • June 2026: PILT Fly-In
  • 2025: IAC BOE, Commissioners and Clerks, and Budget Training
  • 2026: IACC Annual Conference
  • Many other misc. meetings/trainings i.e. platform and policy, testifying at state legislature