Idaho State University Foundation Welcomes New Members to its Board of Directors

Jake Erickson, Bingham Healthcare

Jake Erickson has been the chief executive officer of Bingham Healthcare since 2018. Prior to taking the reigns as CEO, Mr. Erickson had been with Bingham in various executive level roles for nearly 15 years.

During his tenure at Bingham, he has been responsible for strategic facility planning, service line expansion, construction and new clinic acquisition, and project management. Mr. Erickson has been instrumental in building what is now Eastern Idaho’s largest employed physician group. Under his direction and leadership, Bingham Healthcare now operates two eastern Idaho hospitals, an ambulatory surgery center, six urgent care facilities and over 20 physician offices.

Mr. Erickson is a graduate of Weber State University, where he competed at the collegiate level in Team Roping events. He earned a master's degree from the University of Phoenix.

Joel Phillips

Joel Phillips is a partner at Sanctuary Wealth Management and serves as the Vice President of Operations. He is directly responsible for the day-to-day operational aspects of the firm, which includes trading, workflows, reporting and billing and has been with them since 2008.

Joel works directly with clients on day-to-day financial planning, portfolio management and wealth management and helps them manage the trade-offs between reinvesting money back into their business or themselves.

Joel was raised in Idaho, spending part of his youth in Boise and part in Pocatello and graduated from Idaho State University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and an MBA.

Shelly Sayer

Shelly Sayer serves as Premier Technology’s Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the Board. Shelly is logical and strategic in her approach to business. With a strong background in finance, and has successfully cash-flowed Premier’s rapid growth in the last 15 years.

During her tenure at Premier, she has accomplished many things, including orchestrating the company’s first Quality Assurance stamp, developing a DCAA-compliant accounting program, managing the finances behind a 90 million-dollar energy contract, and building a team of technical managers.

Shelly has an Associate’s degree in chemistry from Eastern Idaho Technical College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance from Idaho State University.

Michael Watson

Michael Watson is the Chief Marketing Officer at Idaho Central Credit Union, one of the fastest growing credit unions in the nation. He oversees the overall marketing operations of the Credit Union, including planning, budget administration, team management, media, community development, sponsorships, facilities, wealth management and building the ICCU brand.

Michael began his career with ICCU in 2000, working in the Business Development department. In 2004 he became Marketing Manager, and then VP of Marketing in 2016. In 2019 he was promoted to CMO. When he started with Idaho Central, the credit union had $150 million in assets. Today ICCU has over $11 billion in assets. Michael earned a bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University with a double major in Marketing and Business Management. In addition to serving on the ISU Foundation Board, Michael also serves on boards for the Idaho Governor’s Cup, Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho (REDI) and the Pocatello D.A.R.E. He is a long-time resident of Pocatello. He and his wife, Lisa, have four children. Michael enjoys spending time with his family, especially outdoors.

The ISU Foundation plays a critical role in supporting ISU by securing and managing private resources that foster opportunities for students and contribute to a level of institutional excellence that state funding alone cannot provide. The Foundation is instrumental in increasing philanthropy and building endowment for ISU while nurturing donor relationships and ensuring the stewardship of gifts in alignment with donor intentions and the Board’s fiduciary responsibilities.

Jake, Joel, Shelly and Michael bring a wealth of experience and commitment and join the Foundation in its ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and reach of Idaho State University through private support.

Cathy Wooton, ISU Vice President for University Advancement and ISUF Executive Vice President, expressed her enthusiasm about the new additions to the Board. "We are thrilled to welcome our new board members to the ISU Foundation. Jake, Joel, Shelly and Michael each bring unique insights and a commitment to advancing the mission of Idaho State University,” she explained. “Their involvement is vital as we continue to provide opportunities and enhance educational experiences for students while also expanding our impact within Idaho and beyond. We are excited for the new perspectives and valuable skills they bring to the board.”

The new members officially started their terms earlier this month. They will play pivotal roles in furthering the development and success of Idaho State University.

For more information about the Idaho State University Foundation and its impact on ISU, please visit isu.edu/foundation.