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 place, institutions like USU Eastern can shape not only champions in competition, but lasting impact far beyond the playing field.

Originally from the East Coast, Barbie Haeck has been a resident of Price, Utah since 2000. She brings extensive experience in sales and community engagement, having spent years as a sales executive with Peczuh Printing. For the past four years, she has served as the Executive Director of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce, where she works to strengthen local businesses and foster regional development. Barbie is an active member of the Carbon County Tax Advisory Board and Soroptimist International of Price. She is also honored to support the mission of the Castle Country Fuller Center for Housing, contributing to its efforts to improve lives through safe, affordable housing in the community.

Jana Hopes is a seasoned photographer, graphic designer, and creative entrepreneur based in Price, Utah. As the owner of Capture the Moment by Jana, she has spent over 21 years capturing timeless memories through senior portraits, newborn and family photography, and special event sessions. Jana’s photography style is known for its warmth, authenticity, and personal connection with clients.

In 2011, Jana expanded her creative reach by purchasing Carbon Copy Center and in 2017 moved locations and rebranded transforming it into Carbon Print & Design, a full-service print and graphic design studio located in downtown Price. Under her leadership, the business has become a trusted local resource for high-quality design, printing, signage, and custom promotional products. Whether it's producing business cards, banners, or photo prints, Jana’s keen eye for design and commitment to customer satisfaction have earned her a reputation for excellence and dependability.

A graduate of Carbon High School and the College of Eastern Utah, Jana is deeply invested in the Price community. She is also a proud wife of Casey Hopes and mother of four beautiful daughters and has two adorable grandchildren and balances her family life with her passion for creative service. Her work reflects both her artistic talent and her belief in building strong, lasting relationships with her clients and community.

Scottie Kraync is a lifelong resident of Carbon County. She attended Carbon High School and USU Eastern before beginning her career in the media. Scottie worked for ETV News for 11 years, five of which were spent as the managing editor. She is now employed by AJB Broadcasting as a radio DJ and saleswoman. Scottie is also the owner of Wallflower Goods, a 3D printing business, and provides marketing services through Buskin Production. In addition, she serves as the President of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Carbon County Tax Advisory Board. She resides in Price with her partner, Buskin, and their cat.

Laurie Molinar is a dedicated real estate professional with Real Estate Titans and founder of The Luxe Group, serving the Carbon and Emery County areas since 2021. A lifelong local, Laurie brings a deep commitment to community growth, youth development, and public service. She has held numerous leadership roles in education, athletics, and community outreach. Her acceptance into the USU Eastern Leadership Academy reflects her long-standing goal of stepping into greater leadership roles that positively impact her community. Laurie is honored to be part of a program that aligns with her vision of creating meaningful change in Eastern Utah.

Merlin is the Regional Business Manager for Rocky Mountain Power. He covers the Eastern portion of the state of Utah from Daggett County to San Juan County. He has been with Rocky Mountain Power for over 15 Years in various roles with the company on both the Power Generation and the power delivery. Before his current role he was a superintendent / estimator for industrial construction companies in and around the state of Utah.

Merlin was born and raised in Emery County and is currently a proud resident of Cabon County. He is a College of Eastern Utah alumni where he achieved his associate degree. He is also a graduate of the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Shanny Wilson serves as the Director of Economic Development & Tourism for Carbon County, where she plays a pivotal role in guiding the county’s economic diversification and enhancing the region's appeal to visitors. She oversees initiatives aimed at attracting new industry, supporting existing businesses, and promoting the county's diverse recreational and cultural assets. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous tenure at USU Eastern, equipping her with a deep understanding of community engagement and development strategies.

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