New Board Members

November 12, 2018

For Immediate Release

WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Boise, ID – The Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA) is pleased to announce the election of five new and four returning members to its board of directors, as well as recognizing its newly elected officers.

Joining the board are William (Bill) Bones, Christina Bruce-Bennion, Rebecca Hupp, Debra Leithauser and Glenn Michael. “We are delighted to welcome our newest board members and look forward to the addition of their talent, expertise and energy as we work to foster a community where individuals thrive in safe, healthy relationships,” said Bea Black, Executive Director.

Chief Bill Bones

Chief Bill Bones has served as a Boise Police Officer for the past 26 years. Chief Bones believes the foundation of successful policing begins in building trust and a positive relationship with the citizen’s police serve. He has worked to achieve a vision of collaborative policing with community members working in partnership with its police department to create a safer environment for every member of the community regardless of race, gender identity, religion or social status. He joins the WCA’s board for the opportunity to be part of an organization which makes a significant difference for those who need shelter and support in their most vulnerable moments.

Christina Bruce-Bennion

Christina Bruce-Bennion is the service coordination program manager for the Idaho Office for Refugees/JANNUS. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Willamette University and a master’s degree in international educational development from Boston University. Bruce-Bennion sits on the Parent Advisory Committee for the State Department of Education, Neighbors United Planning and Implementation Team, Housing and Homelessness Roundtable, the Advisory Board for the Central District Health Department, and is a board member for Anser Charter School. She has an established history of work with refugee communities and joins the WCA board driven by the strong belief in the basic human right to live in safety and with dignity.

Rebecca Hupp

Rebecca Hupp, the director of the Boise airport, received her degree in aviation management from the Florida Institute of Technology and her master’s in business administration from Webster University.  She is a member of the American Association of Airport Executives, Boise Chamber of Commerce, Boise Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, St. Joe’s Catholic School Parent Association and holds a regional board position for the American Lung Association and chairs the Idaho Leadership Committee. Hupp believes in keeping the community safe and joins the WCA board to continue her volunteer work with those impacted by domestic abuse.

Debra Leithauser

Debra Leithauser is the Director of Corporate Communications for Idaho Power. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Florida before beginning a career in journalism that would eventually bring her to Idaho as president and publisher of the Idaho Statesman. Leithauser is a board member for United Way of Treasure Valley, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the founder and a board member of Together Treasure Valley. She loves the outdoors and exploring Idaho with her family. Leithauser is a WCA Tribute to Women and Industry (TWIN) honoree and values the impact the organization has in the community.

Glenn Michael

Glenn Michael is the managing director and chief financial officer for The Caprock Group, a private investment and financial-planning firm. A Boise native, Michael earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Southern Methodist  University. He has a legacy of nonprofit involvement in the community including serving on boards for Cancer Connection of Idaho, Boise Public Schools Foundation, Treasure Valley YMCA, University of Idaho Business School, Fundsy of Idaho, St. Luke’s Community Board, and the Saint Alphonsus Foundation. Michael enjoys coaching basketball and soccer.

Re-elected to three year terms were: Laura Cobb, Keli Elledge, Theresa McLeod and Jodi Whittaker.

The board of directors meets monthly and the five new board members will each serve three-year terms. Officers elected for the 2018-2019 term include:  Jan Bennetts – President; Stephanie Westermeier – President Elect; Dave Self – Vice President; Ned Pontious– Secretary; Jodi Whittaker – Treasurer and Debbie Wachtell – Past President.

About the WCA

The Women’s & Children’s Alliance provides safety, healing and freedom from domestic abuse and sexual assault. The WCA operates secure shelters and provides professional counseling, legal advocacy, crisis services and case management to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. For more information, visit www.wcaboise.org.

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