About SWITA

Jared Montague

Allegis Financial Group

Jared Montague is a native Californian who, as a young man, followed his heart (and winter snow) to mountain destinations across the west. Having obtained a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism from the University of Utah, he spent 21 years in hotel and resort administration, management, marketing & sales, and guest relations.

In 2007, an employment opportunity in southwest Idaho led Jared, his wife (Lisa), and their children (Benjamin, McKinley, Juliet, and Atticus) to Brundage Mountain Resort in McCall, ID, and back to the mountains and valleys where, as a child and young adult, he had spent weeks each summer with his siblings and parents. Jared now works in the financial industry, still lives in McCall, and enjoys time with his family and their dog, Indie.

Favorite Activities: Jared and his family are passionate skiers and can be found at Brundage Mountain Resort or Tamarack Resort any time the snow flies.  Backpacking trips up Goose Creek drainage, fishing Kennally Creek, or picking huckleberries off-trail are regular summer pastimes for the Montague family.

John Beacham

Tourism Professional, Retired

Growing up in Boise, I also lived in Twin Falls, Sun Valley, Coeur d’Alene, and Nampa. Now retired, my career was spent in marketing and sales within the airline, hospitality, and travel industry. I have served on the board of the International Air Academy, Boise Visitors and Convention Bureau, and the Southwest Idaho Travel Association. 

Favorite Activities: I love to fish, hunt, golf, camp, and visit the many scenic areas our region and state have to offer. One of my favorite places to relax is Warm Lake, with lots of beautiful country, great fishing, hunting, and hiking areas to explore.

Kay Dillon

Sales Manager, Boise Centre

Hi – I’m Kay Dillon and am a Marketing and Sales Manager for Boise Centre, the convention center located in the heart of downtown Boise, Idaho. I couldn’t be prouder of representing Boise as an excellent destination to bring conventions. Visitors are always pleasantly surprised at how friendly and clean downtown Boise is. I love having access to unique restaurants, entertainment, and shopping all in walking distance from the center of downtown. There is so much to do and always fun events going on!

Favorite Activities: My favorite thing to do is “Date night in Downtown!” starting with a Huckleberry Lemon Drop and Jazz at Chandlers and then dinner at The Wilder before heading to the Morrison Centre for a show.

Amy Parrish

Director of Sales, Hilton Garden Inn Boise Downtown

I moved to southwest Idaho in 1994 from the plains of South Dakota realizing a long-held desire to live where there are mountains. Not one day of regret.  Little did I know, my love of travel and the outdoors would result in an incredible career in hospitality in Boise.  I have spent the past 20 years in a variety of sales positions at a few hotels always with an eagerness to share just how special our little corner of the world is. 

Favorite Activities: Southwest Idaho is incredibly diverse; there are deserts to explore, rivers to adventure, and countless hiking trails to discover.  Boise, the capital city and center of SW Idaho is a progressive city with an astonishing variety of entertainment, cultural activities, and my favorite, foodie opportunities.  My ultimate pastime continues to be a backpacking adventure in the mountains of SW Idaho, especially with my little adventure dog Fred. 

Vicki Carley

Regional Director of Sales & Marketing, Block 22 Hotels

I have been in the tourism industry for 34 years. I love being on the giving end of hospitality and going the extra mile for guests and clients. Travel is a passion – whether experiencing other cultures or just relaxing

Favorite Activities: Concerts at various venues. The summer series at Outlaw Field is one of my favorites. Golf in Southwest Idaho is the best! I will play a round of golf anywhere – but usually in Eagle, McCall, Nampa

Moya Dolsby

Executive Director, Idaho Wine Commission

Dolsby started her wine journey as the event manager for the Washington Wine Commission. When presented with a new challenge of helping to promote Idaho wines nearly 15 years ago, Dolsby knew she couldn’t refuse: the opportunity to change an industry was staring her in the face. When not out changing the perception of an entire industry, Dolsby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her husband, two sons, and four dogs. 

Favorite Activities: Skiing up at Bogus Basin, camping in McCall, hanging out at the Idaho Botanical Gardens, and walking around downtown Boise.

Debbi Long

Owner, Cascade Raft and Kayak

We moved to Idaho in 1990 with our 3 young teenage sons from the restaurant industry in Sacramento, California as my husband, Tom had decided to change vocations and become a “kayak instructor”.  It has been a wonderful adventure creating Cascade Raft and Kayak on the Payette River. The family business now includes our sons, their wives, and our 9 grandkids.  

Favorite Activities: I love sharing the Idaho outdoor fun with our guests and never tire of asking “did you have a fun time on the river?” They always start grinning and excitedly tell me all about their trip. My other passion… horses. As a professional horse trainer, we have developed competitive jumping horses and traveled to national competitions from the west coast to the east coast. I love to ride horses and talk to people alongside the river.

McKenzie Christensen

Owner, Micael McKenzie Inc Creative

McKenzie was born and raised in Boise, Idaho and have spent most of her life in this beautiful state. She attended the University of Idaho and graduated with a BS in Public Communications and Writing then moved to Missoula, Montana to complete her Masters of Business Administration.

A day after graduation, she moved to McCall…a BIG shocker to her family who assumed she would gravitate toward the big city lifestyle. But the mountains, pine tree smell and small town camaraderie of McCall was too good to pass up.

After working in real estate marketing for several years, she went back to school and earned a BA in Web Design from the Art Institute. That led to the beginning of Micael McKenzie Inc Creative. A freelancer at first, the company became a full time passion in 2010.

Since that time, McKenzie has been privileged to work with area businesses and immerse herself and the company in the local economy of Idaho. She has a passion for tourism and introducing anyone and everyone to the amazing places in Idaho.

Favorite Activities: McKenzie loves to be in the outdoors hiking, snowshoeing, camping, boating, and social skiing/snowboarding (three runs then a beverage in the parking lot style!). She is happily raising two budding outdoor enthusiasts with her husband in McCall. Her absolute favorite place to be is in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by forest, without cell service.

Samantha Maxey

Owner, Snake River Wine Tours

In 2016, I made the life-changing decision to relocate from Michigan to Idaho’s wine country. Instantly captivated by the region’s charm and warmth, I knew I had found my home. I have a deep love for hospitality, community, and adventure which led my husband and I to start Snake River Wine Tours in 2018. We also run a non-profit animal rescue which keeps things interesting while we are dedicated to creating a positive impact on the world around us.

Favorite Activities: I love exploring our beautiful state but traveling any and everywhere is my absolute favorite thing to do! Currently, Africa has been the biggest and best adventure. When not wine touring, wine tasting, or traveling…spending time with family and friends along with my beloved dog Zoey is what makes me happiest!

Cathy Learned

I moved to Idaho in 1989 with my husband. This is where we’ve raised our family and still love living here.

Favorite Activities: I love to snowmobile, fish, hike, and be in the mountains with my family.