Jackson, Wyo. — After spending 13 years at the helm of Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation, Stephanie Thomas, the organization’s founding Executive Director, has announced that she will be leaving her position upon the successful conclusion of Mission Critical, the capital campaign intended to bring a year-round rescue helicopter to Teton County.
As TCSAR Foundation’s leader since its inception in 2010, Thomas has directed the Foundation forward through numerous projects and campaigns while forging partnerships and redefining success in the nonprofit sector. Mission Critical is the latest accomplishment in which Thomas successfully directed a fundraising campaign of $7.25 million in less than a year. With Mission Critical scheduled to be complete by May 31, 2023, Thomas will make her exit at that time.
“Stephanie believed that community support could elevate an already distinguished TCSAR team up to the next level of accomplishment,” said Missy Whelan, emeritus board member for TCSAR Foundation. “Her driving energy and out-of-the-box thinking were just a couple of her unique qualities that helped to make TCSAR Foundation’s successes possible. She leaves behind a huge legacy of lasting impact and she will really be missed.”
A TCSAR volunteer since 2007, Thomas will continue to serve in that capacity.
““I’m excited to continue my role as a TCSAR volunteer, and I look forward to my next chapter in this wonderful community. Leading the Foundation has been an incredible journey and I’m so appreciative of the Foundation board, staff, donors, and all the amazing community members I’ve had the joy of working with over the years in support of TCSAR and backcountry safety.””
“Supporting our community through supporting my team, truly like a family, has been something I will always be grateful for as it’s an opportunity most people can only dream about,” Thomas said. “I’m excited to continue my role as a TCSAR volunteer, and I look forward to my next chapter in this wonderful community. Leading the Foundation has been an incredible journey and I’m so appreciative of the Foundation board, staff, donors, and all the amazing community members I’ve had the joy of working with over the years in support of TCSAR and backcountry safety.”
Tim Ciocarlan, a TCSAR volunteer for 30 years and Thomas's original supervisor at TCSAR, stated, “Stephanie has always excelled at building new relationships while supporting old ones. Whether putting her team together, initiating public-awareness programs, or fostering relationships for fundraising goals, Stephanie continues to wildly exceed any of my expectations.”
Under Thomas’s leadership, TCSAR Foundation has accomplished the following:
Orchestrated the Mission Critical campaign to raise funds to purchase a year-round rescue helicopter for Teton County.
Raised the profile of TCSARF to garner a new level of grassroots support through Old Bill’s and other fundraising platforms.
Supported the work of TIPS—Teton Interagency Peer Support—to provide anonymous free mental health support to all first-responders and their families in Teton County.
Worked with Search & Rescue teams regionally, nationally and internationally to redesign funding models for increased support for SAR teams throughout the world.
Advocated for the increase in helicopter operation funds from the county from 4 months to 8 months, and raised donations through the Heli-Yes campaign to fund additional training and partnerships.
Redesigned the community education program into Backcountry Zero, currently in its eighth year, which included launching The Fine Line podcast, the Wyoming Snow & Avalanche Workshop, and What’s in Your Pack programming for people of all ages and abilities.
Created the TCSAR Foundation in 2012, separating the nonprofit from the TCSAR operations to allow volunteers to focus energies on rescues while a non-rescue volunteer board took over the fundraising and community education goals.
Raised funds to outfit the entire SAR volunteer team with personal safety gear, removing the financial burden from volunteers to provide their own equipment.
Raised the funds necessary to build the TCSAR hangar in 2010 and its remodel in 2015 to add additional meeting and office space.
TCSAR Foundation is currently working on a succession plan to coincide with Thomas’s departure. Liz King, who has been with the Foundation since 2019, will take over as interim Executive Director until a permanent ED is hired. A celebration for Thomas will take place in early June.