Champions

Jess Brinkerhoff is the Director of Athletics at Utah State University Eastern and a graduate, and Champion, of the Eastern Leadership Academy. A native of Wayne County now rooted in Price, Jess is committed to building stronger communities through leadership, service, and long-term partnerships.

Since taking on his role, he has led the athletic department through a period of rapid growth; expanding sport offerings, improving facilities, increasing revenue generation, and enhancing student-athlete development. Under his leadership, Eastern Athletics has become a more visible and engaged force across the region, with student-athletes now contributing to over 80 community engagement initiatives each year and key partnerships forming with local cities and organizations.

Jess believes athletics can be a powerful bridge between campus and community, and he’s committed to helping others rise, whether through mentorship, opportunity, or simply showing up with consistency and purpose. He leads with a belief that great leaders create more leaders, and that by investing in people and places, institutions like USU Eastern can shape not only champions in competition, but lasting impact far beyond the playing field.

Jennifer has spent the last decade serving as the Director of Growth and Outreach at Castleview Hospital. She is passionate about connecting people, strengthening partnerships, improving community health, and making a positive difference. She is a firm believer that relationships are at the heart of everything.

Jennifer serves on multiple community boards and enjoys collaborating on projects that make a meaningful impact in the community. She is a proud mom of four and an even prouder “Gigi” to two beautiful granddaughters. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find Jennifer on the golf course, in the gym, or enjoying the great outdoors.

Brooklyn Crippen serves as the Coordinator of Special Programs (Public Relations Specialist) in the Community and Campus Engagement division at Utah State University Eastern. In her role, she leads public relations initiatives, oversees special programs, and coordinates campus events that strengthen the university's presence and engagement with the surrounding community.

A proud USU Eastern alumna, Brooklyn graduated as the salutatorian of her class, earning a bachelor's degree in Health Education and Promotion while competing on the women's basketball team. During her time at USU Eastern, she earned NJCAA All-American honors before continuing her collegiate basketball career at Colorado Mesa University, where she earned a Master of Business Administration.

Although born in Arizona, Brooklyn was raised in Huntsville, Alabama, and O’Fallon, Missouri, before moving to Price, Utah to pursue her education and collegiate basketball career. It was at USU Eastern that she met her husband, Broc. After Brooklyn completed graduate school and they got married, the couple returned to Price, where Brooklyn now has the opportunity to give back to the campus and community that shaped her college experience.

Tina Grange is the Tourism & Film Specialist for Carbon County, where she is passionate about connecting people, building partnerships, and creating opportunities that strengthen eastern Utah. She works with local businesses, community organizations, and the film industry to promote Carbon County as a welcoming destination while supporting sustainable tourism and economic development.

A graduate of the 2026 Eastern Leadership Academy, Tina believes strong communities are built through collaboration, service, and leadership. As an Eastern Leadership Academy Champion, she is proud to encourage and support the next generation of leaders who are committed to making a difference in eastern Utah.

Jessie Lobato is a Regional Manager with the Utah APEX Accelerator, part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, where she helps businesses navigate opportunities to work with government entities.

With more than a decade of experience in education, business development, and economic development, Jessie is dedicated to strengthening communities by connecting individuals and businesses with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. She actively serves her community through leadership roles on multiple county boards and participation in local initiatives.

After completing the Eastern Leaders Academy in 2025, Jessie is excited to return as a Champion and support the next group of emerging leaders. She values the opportunity to give back by helping others build confidence and continue developing their leadership skills.

Taren Powell was born and raised in Price where she met her husband, John. Together, they are raising their two adventurous boys and enjoy traveling, motocross, sports and exploring everything from the mountains to the beach.

Taren works for Emery Telcom in marketing and public relations, where she combines her passion for business, community involvement and rural Utah. She graduated from Utah State University’s Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, where she earned her bachelor's degree and Master of Business Administration.

Taren is passionate about serving her community and currently serves on multiple boards, including the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce, Emery County Business Chamber, United Way of Eastern Utah and the Miss Carbon County Organization.

Taylor has proudly served as the Office Manager and a Radio DJ at AJB Broadcasting since October 2012. Serving the community and the people who call it home has become one of her biggest passions.

Over the years Taylor has served on several local boards, including the Carbon County Care Coalition and the Friends of the Children's Justice Center. Whether it’s behind the microphone, working behind the scenes, or volunteering in the community, she’s passionate about making a positive difference and helping Carbon and Emery Counties continue to thrive.

Chris Wood is the Regional Supervisor for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR). He has worked for UDWR for 22 years and has called Price home for the last 20 years. Chris supervises all wildlife, aquatics, habitat and outreach work in the southeastern part of the state. He enjoys the challenges of working with county and state officials, private landowners, federal and state agency leaders, and the public to solve complex issues. He is passionate about wildlife conservation and loves providing hunting and fishing opportunities to the public. Also teaches leadership courses for his agency, Chris enjoys facilitating working groups and committees. When not working, Chris enjoys going to concerts, paddleboarding, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Carly and family.