We are a group of local leaders and businesswomen dedicated to improving financial literacy for women in North Idaho. As an entirely volunteer-driven organization, we do not represent any commercial interests or endorse specific products. Our mission is to provide impartial, valuable resources and financial knowledge. We are driven by a deep commitment to empower and support local women and strengthen our community.
IDAHO STATE TREASURER JULIE ELLSWORTH, HONORARY CO-CHAIR Elected Idaho’s 24th State Treasurer in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, Julie Ellsworth served 12 years in the Idaho House of Representatives. Since taking office in 2019, she has focused on efficient, transparent operations and customer service while maintaining Idaho’s high bond rating. Julie’s diverse experience also includes roles as a civil mediator, business consultant, foundation grant evaluator, and public-school teacher. Julie is a strong advocate for advancing financial literacy by empowering individuals and organizations with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and build a strong financial foundation.
TERESA IRISH, CO-CHAIR Originally from Michigan and a graduate of Michigan State University, Teresa began her career in University Housing at Idaho State before transitioning into the corporate world. For nearly two decades, she specialized in organizational and operational effectiveness, and acquisition integration across the staffing, home healthcare, and hospice industries. She later established herself as an independent process consultant, author, and speaker. Teresa is the Manager of the Mix It Up Gift and Mix It Up Home stores located in downtown CDA, serves on the Downtown Association Events Committee, and is a member of the Women’s Gift Alliance.
JAN TYMESEN, CO-CHAIR Born in Nebraska and raised in a military family, Jan made Coeur d’Alene her permanent home in 1988 after earning an Economics Degree from the University of Utah. As a Certified Financial Planner, she leads a team at the North Idaho Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, where she provides expert financial guidance. Jan is actively involved in her community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Gift Alliance and participating on the Investment Committee for the Innovia Foundation, demonstrating her commitment to empowering others and fostering local development.
AMY WARKER A native of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Amy holds a bachelor’s degree from Lewis-Clark State College. With over 20 years of experience in financial marketing, Amy serves as the Vice President and Director of Brand Marketing at STCU. Her commitment to community engagement is evident through her roles on the Board of Directors for both the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association and the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce, where she actively contributes to local development and economic growth.
CHRISTINA BARTON Christina is a Professor of Business and Co-Division Chair for Business at North Idaho College. Christina has a Bachelor’s in Economics from Gonzaga University, a Juris Doctorate (J.D.), from Gonzaga University School of Law, and an LL.M. Master’s in Taxation, from the University of Florida School of Law.
KANDICE BACKMAN Kandi was born and raised in Spokane, Washington and attended WSU and EWU. Her career spans the fields of retail, education and media, all the while raising a large family. It was through management at Nordstrom, eight years in alternative education with Mead School District, and working as a special Project Manager at KREM TV, that Kandi made significant impacts in each of her diverse roles. Kandi retired to Coeur d Alene in 2022. Excited to make a difference in the community, Kandi is currently aligned with Safety Net and Women’s Gift Alliance.
KATIE CHAMBERS Katie is originally from Sandpoint, Idaho and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Montana State University. Currently, Katie serves as the Director of Individual & Legacy Giving at the Kootenai Health Foundation. She is a member of the Kootenai County Young Professionals, focusing on professional development and networking for emerging leaders, and the Inland Northwest Planned Giving Council, promoting effective planned giving strategies for local organizations.
KERRI WILFONG An accountant with CDA Books, LLC, Kerri is currently completing her bachelor’s in accounting at Lewis-Clark State College, after starting her studies at North Idaho College. A Coeur d’Alene native and graduate of CDA High School, Kerri brings a diverse background in nonprofit finance management and banking to her current role. She has a long history of community involvement, including participation in the CDA Chamber Leadership Class of 2012 and serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) from 2008 to 2011.
LOUISA ROGERS Louisa is the Program Coordinator for the Center for New Directions at North Idaho College, a department that assists students and community members overcome barriers in their life. Louisa has worked in the realm of social services for almost a decade, working in child protection and juvenile probation before beginning her career at NIC. Since beginning at NIC, she has witnessed firsthand the impact education has on those trying to create a better life for themselves. Education provides opportunity, builds self-esteem, and creates a pathway forward.
MAGGIE LYONS Originally from Sandpoint, Maggie returned to North Idaho in 1987. She earned a BS in Accounting from the University of Idaho. For the past 25 years, Maggie’s career focused on “helping people resolve their fights over money” as a CPA and forensic accountant, working with courts and attorneys in various capacities, including as an expert witness in civil litigation. Now retired, Maggie is winding down her forensic accounting practice while leading two local nonprofits: Charity Reimagined, which aims to rethink charitable approaches, and Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance (PAHA), which focuses on restoring home ownership opportunities for local working families. Maggie serves on the Mountain West Bank Board, and the Board of Directors for both the CDA Regional Chamber and Charity Reimagined.
PATRICIA “PAT” KRUG Originally from New York, Pat is a graduate of New York State University at Potsdam. She moved west in 1976 and owned and operated a commercial fishing boat and worked in restaurant management before moving to CDA. Pat has been in real estate since 1985 and is licensed in ID and WA. She is the designated broker and a co-owner of Windermere Coeur d’Alene Realty, and a co-owner of Seasons of Coeur d’Alene. Pat serves on the Board of the Women’s Gift Alliance, is a founder of the Elderly Christmas Adoption Program for the Area Agency on Aging and a founding member of the North Idaho Republicans and the North Idaho Federated Republican Women. Pat was named 2021 Idaho Nonprofit Adult Philanthropist of the Year and is a recipient of the Soroptimist “Women of Distinction” award.
TARIE ZIMMERMAN A chartered financial planning counselor (CRPC®), Tarie is a dedicated financial advisor with Star Financial, a Wealth Management Company in Coeur d’Alene Idaho. She began her career in aerospace engineering at a Fortune 500 company in Phoenix before transitioning to finance. Tarie earned her bachelor’s degree in business and finance, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Passionate about financial empowerment, Tarie provides clear guidance and strategic advice, helping her clients make informed decisions and secure their financial future. Her expertise spans investment planning, retirement solutions, and wealth management. Tarie serves on the North Idaho College Board of Trustees, is a board member of the Coeur d’Alene Lakeshore Property Owners Association and is involved with the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Clubs.