Pictured from left to right: Richard Tanner, Don Patterson, Danny Gunnell, and Scott Petersen
Mentors International New Executive Committee and Board Members
Mentors International recently voted in a new executive team for its Board of Directors. Entrepreneur and Humanitarian, Richard Tanner was named the new chair with Don Patterson as vice chair, Danny Gunnell as treasurer, and Scott Petersen as secretary. “I am so excited to work with this group,” said Mentors International President and CEO, Mark Petersen. “They are the right people for this job at this time. I cannot offer enough thanks for our former chair Kent [Petersen] for the years of hard work he has given towards Mentors.” Former Chair Kent Petersen expressed how much he has enjoyed working with Mentors and fellow board members, “I am very confident in this transition to the new team.” Tanner offered his comments on his new position, “I am humbled by this opportunity and grateful for those I have gotten to know. I really believe in the mission of Mentors International. Its real purpose is a fantastic opportunity for people to really change their lives.” Former chair Kent Petersen and former vice chair Shane Argyle are stepping down from the executive team but will remain members of the Board of Directors.
Mentors International also welcomed to the board four new members:
Gary Free
Gary Free has an extensive career in Real Estate Appraisal, Development, and Management. A graduate of the University of Utah, Free holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and the MAI and SRA designations from the Appraisal Institute. After a career in appraising, beginning with a commercial bank, Free formed Free and Associates which recently became known as Valbridge Property Advisors and is now one of the largest appraisal firms in Utah with offices in Salt Lake City, Utah County, and St. George, Utah. Valbridge Property Advisors quickly became the third largest appraisal company in the United States with 67 offices nationwide and is still growing. Free also founded and developed the first of what would become the Towne Storage group of properties which have been developed in Utah and Nevada. Free has served as the President of the Utah Chapter of the Appraisal Institute and of the Utah Chapter of the Self-Storage Association and has served several years in Board Member positions in these and other professional organizations. He also serves on the executive committee for the Utah AMAR International Foundation aiding refugees in the Middle East.
Natalie Goddard
Natalie Goddard is passionate about empowering mothers to find real answers within. She loves watching doTERRA change lives! She is a devoted wife and mother, doTERRA Double Presidential Diamond, Co-Creator of Share Success, a Holistic Health Coach, and a Marriage & Family Life Educator. Goddard thrives on exploring in nature with her seven amazing children and sharing truths that will impact generations.
Elizabeth Mumford
Elizabeth B. Mumford is an honors graduate of Brigham Young University with a double major in Early Childhood & Elementary Education and membership in Kappa Omicron Nu. She has worked for International Language Programs developing curriculum for second language acquisition, as well as the LDS Church Educational System and most recently as an educator in the Davis School District. She serves as a managing trustee for the Bertin Family Foundation along with being active in church and civic roles. Mumford has led community councils and parent organizations in local schools and has volunteered for many years with the Boy Scouts of America. Mumford finds her greatest work and joy is raising four sons with her husband Russell. She is committed to advocating for quality education and creating global opportunities for women to become self-reliant and strengthen their families.
Derrick Porter
Derrick Porter currently serves as President of Beauty Industry Group (B.I.G.), a holding company that owns and operates businesses in the professional beauty industry. Porter is also a principle in a multi-family real estate development office with properties along the Wasatch Front. Prior to his time at B.I.G., Porter built and operated Porter Brown Distribution, a third-party logistics company with facilities in Texas, Colorado, and Utah. During his tenure, Porter Brown Distribution provided warehousing, shipping, and order fulfillment services for companies such as Overstock.com, and distributed goods to The Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Costco, PetSmart, and other big-box retailers. Porter earned a bachelor’s degree in Technical Sales from Weber State University and subsequently an MBA from The Ohio State University. The highlight of Porter’s week is time spent with his wife and four sons, coupled with church and civic service responsibilities.
