Amy Stahl helped shape some of Idaho’s earliest community health initiatives in the 2000s through her work as Community Relations Manager for Boise Parks & Recreation and partnership with the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. Amy played a key role in efforts such as “Be Outside Idaho” and “Unplug and Be Outside,” which focused on combating childhood obesity and encouraging active lifestyles. She leveraged the popular “100 Things to Do Outside” resource at every opportunity, consistently promoting healthy activity.

Her collaboration with the Foundation grew into “Let’s Move Boise,” a citywide initiative aligned with First Lady Michelle Obama’s national campaign. Co-chaired by Amy and former Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health Executive Director Kendra Witt-Doyle, the effort brought together nonprofits, schools, city agencies, and community leaders — ultimately helping Boise earn Gold status in the national Let’s Move program.

Amy credits the Foundation’s collaborative approach for sparking long-lasting community health improvements.

“You need expertise, passion, and resources to move the ball forward,” she said. “The Foundation helped bring those pieces together.”

This work played a role in influencing her own career path. Amy left Boise Parks and Recreation and moved into healthcare. She worked at St. Luke’s Health System, Saltzer Health, and Select Health before starting her own Marketing, Communications & Public Relations company.

“I ended up working in healthcare in part because I realized the kind of impact you can have on people’s lives every day,” she said.

The initiatives she helped lay the groundwork for community gardens, outdoor education programs, and future statewide efforts encouraging physical activity. Today, Amy describes the Foundation in one word — “visionary” — and reflects on her work with lasting gratitude.

“Working with the Foundation has been one of the great pleasures of my career,” she said.

We thank Amy Stahl for partnering with us in the early years of our existence and helping build a healthier Idaho.