Mission
The Idaho Freedom Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational and research organization that develops and advocates the principles of individual liberty, personal responsibility, private property rights, economic freedom, and limited government. The Foundation’s mission is to keep Idaho free by generating research and data on key issues, and recommending the findings to opinion leaders, policymakers, media and the citizens of Idaho.
IFF's Internal Revenue Service's "determination letter" is found here.
Executive Director: Wayne Hoffman
Wayne Hoffman is an award-winning journalist and longtime political observer. After a successful stint as a radio news director in Arkansas, Wayne moved to Twin Falls, Idaho in 1995 and worked as the news producer for KMVT-TV. After that, Wayne worked as city editor for the South Idaho Press, and then state government reporter for the Idaho Press-Tribune and the Idaho Statesman. During 10 years of covering the state legislature, governor’s office and state agencies, Wayne won several prestigious awards for investigative journalism and political writing. After leaving the news business in 2005, Wayne became the special assistant to the director of the state Department of Agriculture. In 2006, he managed the communications efforts of several successful political campaigns and became the communications director for Congressman Bill Sali. Wayne and his wife, Kimberly, live in Nampa. They have two children. Email
Board President: Heather Lauer
Heather Lauer has an extensive background in issue advocacy and grassroots organizations. She is currently the owner of Villageous LLC, a consultancy specializing in digital campaign management. Previously, Heather was a Partner at DCI Group, a strategic public affairs and global issues management firm based in Washington, DC. Over the years, she has worked on a variety of issue campaigns in the areas of telecommunications, energy, technology, health care, and homeland security. Her first experience working on public policy issues was in the Washington office of Idaho Senator Dirk Kempthorne in 1995. Heather holds a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business Administration from Georgetown University. She was born and raised in Nampa, and currently resides in Fairfield. Five generations of Heather’s family have lived in Idaho since the 1890s.
Director: Bob Rathbone
Robert Rathbone is partner at Rathbone McReynolds Investment & Daly Investment Consulting which serves the needs of high net worth individuals, corporations, foundations, and other fiduciaries. Bob graduated from the University of Colorado with a BA in Economics. He holds a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation awarded by the Investment Management Consultants Association in conjunction with the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, Bob has completed various certificate courses at The Wharton School.
In February 2009, Bob was named the #1 Investment Advisor in Idaho by The Dow Jones & Company publication, Barron’s. A native Idahoan raised on a farm in Marsing, Idaho; Bob and his wife Cristina have three grown children.
Director Dan Symms
Dan Symms is an Idaho farmer. He is a partner in Symms Fruit Ranch which is the largest shipper of fresh fruits in Idaho. He is a past president of the Idaho/Oregon Fruit and Vegetable Association, Past President Idaho Apple commission, Past member of the Idaho Cherry commission and is a current member of the Idaho/Eastern Oregon Onion Committee. He was also a director of the Center for the Study of Market Alternatives; one of the earliest “think tanks” dedicated to extolling the virtues of Capitalism & individual liberty. A 1983 graduate of the College of Idaho, he grew up in Virginia and Idaho while his father served in the United States Congress. A committed capitalist, Dan has had a life long passion for the philosophy of individual liberty and responsibility.
Dan and his wife Linda are parents of three grown children.
Education Policy Analyst: Briana LeClaire
Briana LeClaire is IFF's education policy analyst where she focuses on public school issues from the taxpayer's point, and explores aspects of school choice. She was a founding board member of IFF and also served as president of the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families.
A native of Boise, she holds a B.A. in English from the University of Idaho.
Event Coordinator: Steve Owen
Steve Owen lives in Nampa with his wife, Judie. Steve is active in conservative issues and causes at a local, state and national level. He is active with the Canyon County Republican Central Committee and Tea Party Boise. Steve took an early retirement in 2008 after 35 years working with the Salvation Army in California. He has worked with many groups and organizations in planning and organizing ongoing and special events for numerous years. Contact Steve for areas including events, speakers, volunteers, Conservative Student Coalition, intern programs, our 7 IFF regional advisory councils, Idaho Calendar, coordination with groups across Idaho and our area audit committees. Email
Development Coordinator: Martha de Simon
Martha moved from Washington, DC to Boise in 2006. She was Manager of Finance and Operations for the Congressional Sportsmens Foundation on Capitol Hill promoting sportsmen’s issues from state Legislatures back to Congress. Her office management skill sets include fundraising and program development, writing, and accounting. She is an avid outdoorswoman, has two sons in NYC, and a daughter in San Diego. Martha continues to be passionate about advocacy and public policy issues relating to individual freedom, personal responsibility and economic development. Her initial goals are to assist the IFF team by pursuing existing and new business channels in order to help IFF grow. Email
Investigative Reporter: Jay Howell
Jay is a veteran radio reporter, anchor and talk host, who has worked at such heritage stations as 970 WFLA in Tampa, 920 KARN in Little Rock, 650 WSM in Nasville, and 670 KBOI in Boise. He's an 11-year veteran of the US Army, and a graduate of Western Kentucky University. Jay is an avid hunter, fisherman and all-around outdoorsman, who is proud to call Idaho his adopted home state. Email
Contact Us
Idaho Freedom Foundation, Inc
PO Box 2801
Boise, ID 83701
Phone: (208) 467-9257
Fax: (208) 965-8111
wayne@idahofreedom.net