Chamber Board

Rick Schum, Chairman of the Board
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Wyoming
4000 House Avenue
432-2819

Rick Schum currently serves as the Vice President of Marketing for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, overseeing all sales and marketing activities throughout the state. He also has direct responsibility for the Wyoming Health Insurance Pool, the Caring Foundation of Wyoming and all statewide government relations activities. Schum has worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming for over 26 years, during which time he has held numerous positions in both the internal operations and marketing areas.

Schum is a native to Cheyenne, graduating from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management. He has a Certified Health Consultant designation from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He is a past director of the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, served on the State Employee’s and Officials Group Insurance Board, has served on the Standard and Basic Benefits Committee and the Health Benefit Plan Committee. He currently serves on the Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming Board of Directors and the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Rick and his wife, Michelle, have two children.

Stephanie Teubner, Past Chairman
Warren Federal Credit Union
114 E 7th Ave
432-5400

Stephanie Teubner has been working for Warren Federal Credit Union since 2000 and currently serves as the CEO. Warren Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in the State of Wyoming, serving over 25,000 members nationwide with over 100 employees.

Stephanie is a graduate of the University of Wyoming and has worked in the credit union industry for more than 11 years in a variety of capacities, including President/CEO of Energy West Federal Credit Union in Casper.  She currently serves on the Wyoming Credit Union League Board of Directors and is the Chairman of the Chamber’s Community Pride Committee.

An avid runner, Stephanie has participated in numerous races throughout the United States including the Rock & Roll Marathon in San Diego.  Stephanie and her husband David have two young sons, Jack and Joshua.

As a Cheyenne native, Stephanie values the quality of life and community spirit Cheyenne provides. The opportunity to serve on the Chamber of Commerce Board would allow Stephanie to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the community as well as make a difference for our businesses, those that serve in our military and the families that choose to make Cheyenne, Wyoming “home”.

John Balser, Chairman-Elect
Western Vista Federal Credit Union
3207 Sparks Road
634-2197

John Balser has worked in banking for over 30 years. He is currently President of Western Vista Federal Credit Union, where he has served the community and credit union members since 1989. Western Vista Federal Credit Union has offices in Cheyenne and Casper.

John has been an active member of the community, serving as immediate past chairman of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee, chairman of the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, parade assistant for Cheyenne Frontier Days and past treasurer of Cheyenne Kiwanis.

John and his wife, Cathy, have two children and four grandchildren.

Steve Farkas
Corral West Ranchwear
4519 Frontier Mall Drive
632-0951

Steve Farkas joined Corral West Ranchwear in 1991 and serves as Senior Vice President for CWR Holdings, the parent company to Corral West Ranchwear, Corral West E-commerce and CWR Work Wear Depot. Mr. Farkas is responsible for the company’s human resources, distribution, logistics, e-commerce, IT and Outside Sales Divisions.

Farkas has played a key role in the growth of CWR Holdings. His contributions include the re-creation of the company’s human resources division, leading the acquisition of several industry competitors, initiating new distribution and logistics systems, designing platforms for e-commerce and retail system integration, development of the company’s outside sales and business-to-business divisions and creation of CWR Holdings new retail concept, CWR Work Wear Depot. CWR Holdings now operates 97 stores in 19 states and maintains strong international presence via its e-commerce business.

Farkas has been a featured speaker at Direct Marketing Association Conferences and has contributed to various national trade periodicals. In addition to serving as a business advisor and reference for Fidelity Investments, Farkas assists the Wyoming Business Council and Cheyenne LEADS with state and local business development efforts. Farkas is also an active member of the National Society for Human Management, the University of Wyoming School of Business, Air Force Association, and Cheyenne Military Affairs Committee.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Farkas is an avid Gator fan and Alumni supporter. He enjoys water sports, photography and spending time with his family. Steve is married to Laurie and has two children, Alexandra and Austin.

Vicki Graham
The Property Exchange
255 Storey Blvd
631-6884

Vicki Graham is Broker Associate and Owner of The Property Exchange, specializing in residential and commercial real estate transactions. Along with her husband and partner, Rob, she has become famous to their clients for delivering exceptional care, with over 95% of their business from past clients and client referrals.

Vicki grew up in Kansas, then served eight years in the military and went on to be selected for a three-year internship program as a computer programmer with the Army. Vicki spent the next eight years in Fayetteville, North Carolina, with Joint Special Operations Command as a computer programmer, network manager, and systems security manager.

While in North Carolina, Vicki met Rob and they began a future which included owning and managing their own furniture company, investing in real estate, planning a move to Wyoming, building a new home, meeting wonderful people, spending time with family, and starting a career in real estate.

Jim Hearne
McGee, Hearne & Paiz, LLP
314 West 18^th Street
634-2151

Jim Hearne has dedicated most of his life to living and working in Wyoming. Born in Hanna, he received his education in Laramie and graduated from the University of Wyoming. He started his career with McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, and climbed the ranks until becoming a partner and then purchasing the business in 2000.

Jim has excelled as a community leader, serving in Cheyenne Lions Club, the Laramie County Tourism Board, the Cheyenne Rotary Club, Cheyenne LEADS’ Board of Directors and the Cowboy Joe Club. He has been influential in Cheyenne Frontier Days, serving a number of positions including General Chairman. He was inducted into the CFD Hall of Fame in 2006.

The Chamber has recognized his contributions to the business community, naming him Person of the Year in 1988 and Small Business Advocate of the Year in 1999.

Michael Milam
Frontier Refining & Marketing Inc.
2700 East 5th Street
634-3551

William Neidig
KJUA  AM 1380/KRND AM 1630
415 East 3rd Street
635-8787

William Neidig is President of La Familia Broadcasting in Cheyenne. He was raised in Lakewood, Colorado, and began his career in radio at the age of eight with a weekly radio show. At the age of 15, William took on a daily afternoon shift and three years later became Program Director. Within a year he became Vice President of the company for which he worked, continuing to develop and host a variety of community events.

In 2005, William and his family decided that Cheyenne was in desperate need of Spanish language radio, and decided to open the first and only (2) 24-hour Spanish radio stations in Wyoming.

The name, La Familia Broadcasting, was chosen because the business consists of four partners, all family; Kris, Andres, Andrea and William. Twelve year old Eduardo is in seventh grade and is beginning his radio career developing sports reports whenever he is on break from school. Along with Spanish language music, La Familia focuses on community events, the importance of education and stimulating economic development within the Hispanic community.

Kevin Paintner, Treasurer
First National Bank of Wyoming
2015 Central Avenue
634-2483

Kevin Paintner is the president of First National Bank of Wyoming. Before joining the First National team, he was with Community First Bank for more than eight years and has over 15 years of banking and financial services experience.

Prior to coming to Cheyenne in May 2001, Paintner was a Community First corporate vice president and responsible for bank operations for the state of Arizona. Paintner is an active member of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee.

Kevin is a graduate of the University of North Dakota where he received a degree in business administration. He and his wife, Lisa, have three children.

Gwen Perdue, Vice-Chairman
A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.
1800 Capitol Avenue
635-2451

Gwen Perdue currently serves as the Assistant Manager with local investment firm, A.G. Edwards and Sons. She has been a broker with the firm for 16 years. She is married to Dan Perdue and has four daughters – Stacy Duysen, Amy Bishop, MacKenzie Rowan and Meredith Perdue. She has served on the board of Prevent Child Abuse of Wyoming and on the United Way Allocations Committee. She is also presently the President of the Cheyenne Country Club and is the first woman to hold that position.

Born and raised in Wyoming, Gwen graduated from the University of Wyoming with degrees in Microbiology and Medical Technology.

Mark Ruppert
Holland & Hart
2515 Warren Avenue, Suite 450
778-4200

Mark Ruppert is an attorney primarily practicing in the areas of environmental litigation, oil and gas litigation, and complex commercial litigation. Mark has been Of Counsel with Holland & Hart, LLP, in Cheyenne, since his retirement from active duty with the Air Force in January 2005. Mark currently serves on the Board of Directors and as a Deacon at Calvary Chapel of Cheyenne. Mark is also involved with the Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mark received his law degree from Ohio State University in 1981, graduating with Honors in Law and receiving the class trial advocacy award. Mark entered the Air Force as a judge advocate in 1983 through the direct appointment program, leaving the private practice of law with a large litigation firm in Lansing, Michigan.

Mark’s first military assignment, from 1983 to 1986, was F. E. Warren Air Force Base, where he met his wife, Julia, a Cheyenne native. The rest of his military career included a number of honors and commendations. In 2004, Mark led a team under combat conditions to Afghanistan to investigate detainee interrogations for the Secretary of Defense. Mark’s military decorations include the Legion of Merit, seven Meritorious Service Medals, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Mark and his wife Julia are proud parents of three children: Dennis (31), Casey (29), and Sarah (19). They make their home north of Cheyenne on the ranch where Julia grew up and are happy to call Cheyenne “home at last.”

Robert Strasheim
Mechanical Systems, Inc.
1313 W. Lincolnway
634-7419

Bob Strasheim was born and raised in Cheyenne and graduated from the University of Wyoming. In 1984, he and two partners started Mechanical Systems, Inc. Mechanical Systems is a plumbing, HVAC, and underground utility contractor that specialized in commercial and governmental construction. They have been involved in projects such as the University of Wyoming’s student union, Sierra Trading Post, and the Laramie County Law Enforcement Facility.

Bob has been active as a community volunteer. He is the soccer coach for Cheyenne Sting. He has also served on the board of directors for First National Bank of Wyoming, YMCA, Associated Builders and Contractors, Cheyenne Country Club, and Cheyenne Football Officials Association. He is currently serving as secretary of the Cheyenne LEADS board.

Bob and his wife, Kim, have been married for over 25 years. They have two daughters, Devin and Maddison.

Scott Walker
Wyoming Tribune-Eagle
702 W. Lincolnway
633-3150

Scott Walker is vice president of Marketing and Operations for the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, where his responsibilities include advertising, production and systems. He is also a member of the editorial board and has been with the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle for over 10 years.

Walker has been a member of the LEADS Board of Directors and has served as a member of the Executive Committee and the Long Range Strategic Planning Committee. He has also served as the board’s secretary and chairman.

He and his wife, Deb, have two children: Josh and Cally.