AGC of Wyoming Staff |
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Dan Benford, Executive Director
Dan grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and is the son of lifelong Career and Technical Education advocates both in the classroom and administration. Dan comes to us with a strong background in education and leadership. Dan loves all things outdoors and spending time with his family. Dan joined the team in September of 2021 in Workforce Development and began serving as Executive Director in 2023. He is a passionate advocate for the construction industry starting with the trades courses in our public school system, to advanced training at our community colleges and university, to the crews working around our great state. |
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Kelli Little, Government Affairs Director
Kelli oversees AGC of Wyoming’s state legislative policy, supports member lobbying efforts, and tracks regulatory issues in both Wyoming and Washington, D.C. Before joining AGC in 2023, she was Executive Director of the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts and previously served as Deputy Director of the Wyoming County Commissioners Association. A Wyoming native, Kelli earned a B.A. in journalism with a focus in public relations from the University of Wyoming. She is a 2021 graduate of Leadership Wyoming and completed the National Association of Counties High-Performance Leadership Academy. Kelli enjoys Wyoming’s outdoors, including camping, fishing, and golfing. She and her husband Kevin have two daughters, Maci and Avery, who keep them busy with dance, swimming, and school band. |
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Olivia Sanchez, Communications Director
Olivia grew up on a small farm in Burns, Wyoming, where she was active in 4-H and FFA. She is a proud graduate of Eastern Wyoming College and the University of Wyoming. She joined AGC of Wyoming in 2024, bringing over a decade of experience in marketing and communications. Olivia most recently served as Marketing and Communications Director for the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and previously led marketing and sponsorship efforts for the Laramie County Fair. She is a graduate of Leadership Cheyenne and the Wyoming L.E.A.D. Program. Olivia was named to Wyoming’s “30 Under 40” in 2022 and was a 2019 Wyoming Woman of Influence nominee. Olivia and her husband, Cameron Karajanis, live in Cheyenne. She enjoys reading, cooking, family time, and cheering on her favorite sports teams. |
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Rich Smith, Membership Director
Rich grew up in rural Kansas and began his career in construction aggregates after four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He held roles from mechanic and foreman to Plant Manager before moving to Wyoming in 2010. He became active in the Wyoming Contractors Association, joining the Associate Board in 2012 and serving as President in 2016. He was named Associate of the Year in 2015 and 2024, and Salesperson of the Year in 2015. Rich joined AGC of Wyoming in 2025, following 11 years in the John Deere Construction Equipment dealer channel as a Territory Sales Manager and Branch Manager. He and his wife, Michelle, live in Cheyenne and enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, and cheering on University of Wyoming sports. |
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Mike Kester, Safety & Training Director
Mike Kester brings a strong background in public safety and workforce training to the AGC of Wyoming, which he joined in 2025. He has lived in Cheyenne for eight years, where he and his wife, Amber, own Beach Please Drink Company. They have three daughters who love dance and music. Mike began his career in law enforcement in Vernal, Utah, before moving into oilfield safety in Williston, North Dakota. He later transferred to Cheyenne as an HSE lead, overseeing locations in Wyoming and Colorado and training new employees on safe work practices. In 2022, he entered the construction industry as Safety Manager for Reiman Corp. Outside of work, Mike enjoys family travel, the outdoors, and time with his two dogs. |
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