Board Members

Beth Bailey - Chairperson

Beth grew up in Ekalaka, MT and received her Business Finance degree from Montana State University in 1989.  She has extensive experience in the financial industry and has been employed by SunTrust Bank as a credit analyst for approximately six years.  Prior to her years with SunTrust Bank, she was a loan officer for nine years with Farm Credit Services in Belle Fourche, SD.  Beth not only is a Sheridan College Foundation Board Member, but volunteers weekly for the riding program at CHAPS.

Peggy Acker - Vice Chairperson

Peggy is a 1972 graduate of Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She is a Member of the National Education Association, Wyoming Education Association, and Sheridan Central Education Association. She has spent thirty-four years as an elementary teacher and is married with two children. Peggy enjoys her career as Math Recovery Intervention Specialist at Coffeen Elementary school.

Carla Klopfenstein - Secretary

Carla grew up in central Illinois and received her BS Degree from the University of Illinois. Her love of horses stems from her father, who raised Appaloosa horses while she was in high school/college. Carla worked for Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals until 2007, and now works part time at InterMountain Laboratory in Sheridan. She enjoys volunteering for the Sheridan County Historical Society, provides session assistance at CHAPS for therapeutic riding, and is an officer of the Sheridan Republican Woman’s club. When she isn’t enjoying her 6 grandchildren, she enjoys knitting, crocheting, and her dogs.

Jill Moriarty - Treasurer

Jill is a graduate of Sheridan College and the American University School of International Service in Washington DC, as well as receiving a certificate in Industrial Development from Texas A&M University. She is a US Army Veteran, serving as a Specialist in Secure Communications Operations and receiving many commendations. Jill has a comprehensive background in economic development, film, private investigation, and in the horse industry in the race horse and dressage fields. She enjoys traveling with her husband Bruce and spending time at home with her horses and family. Because of her military experience, Jill provides session support for the CHAPS Horses 4 Heroes program and fundraising and marketing help to the program.

Sue Gates - Member at Large

Sue was elected to the board of directors in April, 2006 and is also a CHAPS volunteer. A native New Yorker, Sue has lived in the Sheridan area for 46 years, many of those years involved in ranching. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of the State of New York, Albany, and for 7 years was a clinical instructor in the Sheridan College Nursing Program. In 1998 Sue helped to establish Family Planning of the Big Horns.

Del Acker - Member at Large

Del is the Principal-in-Charge of Architecture for TSP Architecture in Sheridan. An experienced coordinator and a skilled, effective communicator, he brings 26 years of professional experience to projects. Throughout his career, Mr. Acker has been involved in a variety of different projects, with an emphasis on educational and recreational facilities, healthcare and assisted living facilities, and seniors and multi-family housing. His Professional Affiliations include: American Institute of Architects (AIA); National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB); Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI); Society for College and University Planners (SCUP) and Wyoming School Boards Association (Corporate Member). Del is an avid runner, competing in several marathons nationally every year.

Kevin Bailey - Member at Large

Kevin, after growing up in Sidney, MT, received his Business Management degree from Montana State University in 1987, his law degree from the University of Wyoming in 1993, and his MBA from Rollins College in 2003. Currently he is a Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Department Manager for First Federal Savings Bank in Sheridan, Wyoming.  Currently he is serving as a Board Member for the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation and is a Member of Rotary International. 

John Cochran - Member at Large

John was raised on a cattle ranch in the Thermopolis area. He graduated from Hot Springs County High School and attended the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1970 with a degree in Range Management.
He retired in 2004 after serving 34 years with USDA – Rural Development. During his career with USDA – Rural Development John held virtually every position within the agency including county supervisor, assistant district director and Business and Community Programs Director. President Bush appointed him USDA Rural Development State Director for Wyoming in 2001.
John has lived in Sheridan since 1971. He is married and has two grown daughters and four grandchildren. In addition to being a CHAPS volunteer, he is an active member of Sheridan Rotary Club.

Bev Cochran - Member at Large

Bev was born and raised in Thermopolis, WY. After graduating from Hot Springs County High School, she attended the University of Wyoming. After graduating from UW with a BA and advanced degree in Vocational Education, Bev moved to Sheridan.
Her career as an educator began at the Wyoming Girl’s School in Sheridan and then the Sheridan County School district # 2, where she served as Vocational Division Chair and Vocational Department Head, retiring in 2004.
Bev enjoys cooking, bridge, spending time in the mountains, golf, spending time with children and grandchildren.