Cortney Liddiard

CEO Ball Ventures

Cortney Liddiard, fueled by an unwavering commitment to integrity, and a relentless passion for success, served as the founding CEO of Ball Ventures, LLC, an investment management firm, where he led the company’s growth and diversification strategies for 22 years. Throughout his tenure, Cortney directed investment activities across various sectors, including real estate, healthcare, hospitality, and private equity, driving the company’;s expansion into new markets.

Mr. Liddiard’s personal commitment to leveraging economic development and the political process for the benefit of communities began in his early career working in U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch’s Washington, D.C. office and it continues in many capacities throughout Idaho today. Cortney stepped forward to be a part of Idaho Leaders United because he recognizes that extremism and political violence pose a threat to the moral and economic viability of our communities. “People and organizations who sow hate and discord threaten the very foundations of our constitutional republic. Businesses can’t operate effectively when extremism takes hold in our communities.”

Gary Raney

Ada County Sheriff, retired
GAR Consulting

Gary Raney served the people of Ada County in the Sheriff’s Office for more than 30 years, including the last 10 as the elected sheriff. He became nationally recognized for his agency’s innovation, use of data-driven decision-making and organizational culture. Since retiring as sheriff in 2015, Gary has become a national expert in reforming law enforcement agency policies and practices.

For Gary, Idaho Leaders United is the next step in defending and strengthening the Idaho he knows and loves. “Our country is built on respect for each other and the rule of law. Extremists who encourage political violence undermine the constitutional principles that make America great. There can be no safe harbor for those attitudes or activities in Idaho.”

Bill Shawver

Brigadier General
Idaho Air National Guard, retired

Bill Shawver has dedicated his professional life in service of his country and community. Bill was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the Academy of Military Science in 1985. He went on to serve in the military for more than 3 decades, retiring as the commander of the Idaho Air National Guard. 

In addition to his military service, Bill served as the director of the Bureau of Homeland Security for the State of Idaho as well as in corporate communications for private sector clients. Bill believes Idaho Leaders United is especially needed in the current political and cultural climate. “Security and safety begins in our communities - with how we treat each other.  We must speak up against bigotry and political violence to ensure Idaho is a safe and welcoming community for all.”

Odette Bolano

Odette was born in Bogotá, Columbia and her family immigrated to the United States when she was a young girl. In between Bogotá and Boise, she built a career in healthcare starting with becoming a Registered Nurse and then moving into healthcare administration after completing her Masters in Healthcare Administration  She then took on a range of management positions and became a CEO at the age of 33, for the first time at a hospital in Dallas, Texas, and finishing her career in Idaho leading Saint Alphonsus Health System and the West Region for Trinity Health, a national Catholic Health System. While she retired July 2024, her passion for healthcare and health equity has not changed, but continues to grow.  

Idaho Leaders United presents an opportunity for Odette to continue to advocate for the values of reverence, justice, and integrity that continue some of the core values of Saint Alphonsus. . “We must all continue to speak up for those who may be targeted by hate and political violence. Saint Alphonsus explicitly embraces a culture that prevents harm and nurtures a healing, safe environment for all.”

Doug Gross

Gross Farms, Wilder, Idaho

Born in Caldwell and raised in Wilder, Doug Gross has deep roots in the Idaho and Canyon County communities. During the course of his long career in Idaho’s agricultural sector, Doug has built Gross Farms into a storied contributor to Idaho’s potato industry. Together with his wife, Mary, and a dedicated staff, they raise approximately 45 million pounds of processed and fresh potatoes each year.

Doug’s service to his community has included Board positions with the Idaho Potato Commission and the University of Idaho Vandal Foundation. He also served as a precinct committeeman on the Canyon County Republican Central Committee. He joined Idaho Leaders United because he believes we must protect the Idaho way of life - hard work, respect for each other, and a commitment to serve our communities. “Growing extremism and political violence concerns me. It’s not how we built Idaho into a great place to work and start a family. We need to get back to civil discourse as we take on tough issues.”

Dr. Tommy Ahlquist

CEO Ahlquist Development

A self-described serial entrepreneur, Tommy first tried his hand at business as a teenager. While running several companies, Tommy worked his way through medical school at the University of Utah and residency at the University of Arizona in emergency medicine. Tommy went on to practice as a full-time ER doctor for 18 years, treating over 45,000 patients over the course of his medical career.  Today, as CEO of BVA Development, he leads a preeminent commercial real estate firm in the Mountain West.

Tommy is passionate about Idaho and making sure it remains a wonderful place for generations of his family to grow and prosper. “For Idaho to thrive, we need people and institutions who are interested in solving real problems, not manufacturing chaos. I’m honored to step forward with this team to speak out against extremism and stand up for the majority of Idahoans who reject political violence and bigotry.”