Meet the Leaders Behind Our Next Conversations that Matter
Melissa Zimmerman
Executive Director, Jewish Family Service of Utah
Melissa Zimmerman joined Jewish Family Service of Utah as Executive Director in March, 2024. She is honored to lead an organization dedicated to strengthening individuals and families of all backgrounds through four core service areas: support for older adults and caregivers, affordable mental health counseling, emergency financial assistance, and the Alex & Sally Lebwohl Food Pantry.
With 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Melissa brings a deep commitment to community-based care. Prior to joining JFS Utah, she served as Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Jewish Family and Children’s Services in Tucson, Arizona.
Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arizona, where she graduated summa cum laude, and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver. In 2020, she was recognized as one of Southern Arizona’s 40 Under 40 Next Great Leaders.
Laura Allred Hurtado
Executive Director, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
With over 20 years of experience in the museum field, Laura Allred Hurtado has led the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art since her appointment as Executive Director in 2019, positioning the nearly 100-year-old institution for its next century. Under her leadership, UMOCA has doubled its budget, staff, and audience, adopted a new strategic plan, strengthened its board, and launched a capital campaign for a new building in Salt Lake City’s SECC District.
A curator and writer, she continues to curate at UMOCA, has organized exhibitions in New York and Utah, and is the author of essays and books exploring gender, belief, identity, and place. She works closely with civic, philanthropic, and artistic partners to keep contemporary art central to Utah’s cultural life.
Julie Rowe
President, Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows
Julie Rowe is President of the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows (BGCTM) and will step into the role of Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2027, succeeding longtime CEO Mike Wurm as he transitions toward retirement. Julie became President in November 2026 as BGCTM began preparing for this next chapter of leadership. Julie joined BGCTM’s executive team as Chief Operating Officer in 2022, bringing more than 20 years of experience leading organizations, building teams, and turning big-picture strategy into action.
Before joining BGCTM, Julie spent more than two decades building The Impetus Agency, where she served as Principal from 2001 to 2022. She led agency operations and strategic direction for clients in industries ranging from pet care and healthcare to commercial real estate and law. Along the way, she managed award-winning campaigns and helped land national media coverage in USA Today, TODAY, Good Morning America, HGTV, and Entrepreneur Magazine. She got her start in public relations as PR Manager for the Eldorado Hotel Casino (Caesars Entertainment) in Reno, Nevada.
At the heart of it all, Julie brings a mix of community connection, business savvy, and a deep, longstanding commitment to the Boys & Girls Club and the kids and families it serves. Julie has been married to her husband Coby for 30 years, and has two adult daughters, Haley and Emery.
LeAnn Saldivar
Senior Advisor, Pathway Group
LeAnn is a seasoned nonprofit executive with decades of experience leading and transforming organizations. Her experience is functionally broad and includes conducting organizational assessments, transforming board culture, steering leadership transitions, guiding major gift and capital campaigns, strategic planning, and leading mergers. She is passionate about helping organizations embrace their potential and fearlessly strive for excellence.