Meet the GSV Chamber Team
Photo by: Alex Sholes Photography
In 2018, a group of dedicated locals and business leaders from Lemhi County embarked on a mission to create a Chamber of Commerce built on integrity, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to the community. The result was the Greater Salmon Valley Chamber of Commerce—a fresh start, distinct from past efforts that struggled to align with these values.
Building this organization from the ground up hasn’t been easy, but the progress we’ve made speaks volumes. Today’s Chamber prioritizes transparency, accountability, and a strong connection to the community. We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built, and we owe much of our success to the unwavering support of our members and neighbors.
For those wondering who we are and what we stand for, we invite you to meet the faces behind the name. These are the individuals working hard to serve you as well as balancing their own thriving business. These volunteers behind the scenes ensure that tasks are completed, values are upheld, and the organization thrives. The Greater Salmon Valley Chamber of Commerce is more than just a name—it’s a reflection of the community we serve and the brighter future we aim to build together.
If you have any interest in becoming a member of our Board, please reach out!
Abi Beer - President
Abi, originally a Minnesota native, spent most of her adult life in Colorado. She graduated from the University of Denver with two bachelor degrees in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Spanish. During college, she obtained a real estate license, and opened up her own brokerage firm in Colorado where she has spent 20 years in the industry. She has just opened her brokerage firm in Idaho, and is looking to continuing her real estate career in Lemhi County! Abi moved to Salmon four years ago, and continues to enjoy the community and meeting new people! Abi will be running for her 2nd term on the Greater Salmon Valley Chamber of Commerce, and currently serves as the President of the board. In her free time she loves to scuba dive, golf, play hockey, and float the Salmon River! She is eager to work alongside her fellow board members to continue providing a collaborative networking approach to business owners and their interaction with our community. She is looking forward to serving the Chamber for another two years!
Sherry Elrod - Vice President
Sherry moved with her husband to Salmon in 2006. She has been a REALTOR® since 2015, specializes in residential, vacant land, and commercial. Prior to becoming a REALTOR®, she was a licensed real estate appraiser specializing in commercial appraisals. Sherry's passion when she is not selling real estate is enjoying the many recreational activities this amazing Lemhi Valley has to offer. She continues to invest many hours as a volunteer in Lemhi Valley with past positions including a vice chair with Salmon Valley Stewardship; She is an Idaho Master Gardener and founding member of the Salmon School Garden Project on this team for the last 6 years and currently secretary; participant in the Local Foods Group; and Founding board member of the Lemhi Valley Community Foundation. Sherry has a BBA from National University and over twenty-five years as an owner/operator and successfully selling small businesses. She loves the Lemhi Valley and is proud to be part of the Mountain West Real Estate team.
Jessica Santos - Secretary
Jessica Santos is a proud Salmon native with a lifelong passion for community involvement. With three wonderful children, Jessica is dedicated to creating memorable and engaging events that bring joy to people of all ages. Drawing from her background in event planning during her time in Denver, she brings a wealth of creative ideas and expertise to the Chamber of Commerce.
Jessica is committed to organizing events that not only foster a strong sense of community but also support local businesses and contribute to the overall prosperity of the Salmon Valley. Her approachable and outgoing personality, combined with her enthusiasm for making a positive impact, makes her a valuable asset to the Chamber's mission.
As a Board Member, Jessica looks forward to serving the community she loves, using her skills and passion to help Salmon thrive as a vibrant and connected place for all residents.
Jimmy Ashcom-Treasurer
Jimmy Ashcom is an integral member of the Board for the Greater Salmon Valley Chamber of Commerce. Originally from Nampa, Idaho, Jimmy moved to Salmon in January 2022 to explore a new career path. While his professional background initially centered on management roles within retail, Jimmy has since transitioned to finance, where he has discovered both success and fulfillment. Since February 2024, Jimmy has served as the Financial Manager for the Salmon Public Library, excelling in the complexities of financial management and making meaningful contributions to the local community.
Jimmy’s commitment to integrity and community-focused service shines through both in his professional endeavors and his personal passions. He and his wife, accompanied by their two adventurous dogs, enjoy discovering the beauty of Idaho’s landscapes and connecting with the natural world. Jimmy’s appreciation for Salmon’s unique environment informs his perspective as a Board member, where he works to support the region’s growth and development.
As a dedicated advocate for the community, Jimmy brings enthusiasm and strategic insight to his role on the Chamber Board. His goal is to help foster economic success and build stronger connections within Salmon Valley, ensuring a bright future for residents and businesses alike.
Esther England - Board Director
Esther has been a real estate agent since 2001. She purchased Mountain West Real Estate in 2010 and moved the office to Main Street. She finds it satisfying to work with people and help them realize their goals. Finding good “matches” for people in their property searches and assisting sellers to “move on” is gratifying. Esther's family moved to the Salmon area in 1972. She married a native of Lemhi County and has been married for over 40 years. They had the pleasure of raising a family in this beautiful valley. Horseback riding, 4-wheeling, hunting and fishing are just some of the few extras she loves to do when she's not working real estate, or volunteering for the Chamber. Esther became involved with the Chamber because she cares about the future of Salmon. She wants to help build stronger businesses to support the inevitable growth of our rural community.
Lindsey Ammar - Board Director
Lindsey Ammar proudly serves as a valued member of the Board for the Greater Salmon Valley Chamber of Commerce. A Salmon High School graduate and Valedictorian of the Class of 2005, Lindsey’s deep roots in the community and unwavering dedication to its growth make her an indispensable advocate for Salmon Valley.
Born in Idaho Falls and having spent her early years between Salmon and Phoenix, Arizona, Lindsey returned to Salmon full-time in 2018. She brings exceptional experience and leadership to the Board as a Registered Nurse and the Director of Surgery at Steele Memorial Medical Center. Lindsey recently earned her Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Education, underscoring her commitment to advancing both healthcare and education.
As a Board member, Lindsey is a driving force behind efforts to revive accessible continuing education programs in the valley. She is passionate about reinstating local college-credit opportunities and advocating for the expansion of educational programs for Salmon’s graduates. Her vision for education stems from a deep understanding of the challenges facing students who may not be able to leave town to pursue higher education. Lindsey's leadership aims to create resources that empower youth to achieve their academic and professional goals right here in Salmon.
Equally dedicated to enriching athletic opportunities for young people, Lindsey brings her experience as a founding coach of the Salmon Fastpitch League to her role on the Board. She believes strongly in the importance of year-round sports programs that foster connection, teamwork, and growth. Even though she is no longer coaching, Lindsey continues to support young athletes and champions responsible adults who positively impact the lives of Salmon’s youth.
Lindsey’s commitment to community values, education, and youth development is integral to her contributions on the Board. Her passion and expertise as a nurse, educator, and mentor align perfectly with the Chamber's mission of fostering growth and success across Salmon Valley. Lindsey takes pride in serving her community and working tirelessly to make Salmon a vibrant and thriving place for everyone.
Tessa Sever- Executive Director
Tessa Sever joined the Greater Salmon Valley Chamber of Commerce as Executive Director in February 2025, and we couldn’t be happier to have her in this role. Growing up along the Salmon River, right here in Salmon, Idaho, Tessa developed a deep connection to the outdoors that shaped her life and career. As a teenager, she spent her summers learning the ropes as a river guide, an experience that laid the foundation for her professional path.
Tessa earned her degrees in Geology and Outdoor Education & Leadership from Westminster College in Utah. Her career has been as diverse as the landscapes she loves—from managing season pass sales at Alta Ski Area in Utah to teaching Algebra and Outdoor Skills at the Alzar School in Idaho and Southern Chile.
Her journey eventually brought her back to Salmon, with stops in New Mexico and West Texas along the way. Once settled, Tessa launched the Beaverhead Gear Exchange to complement her work guiding on the Forks of the Salmon River for Wilderness River Outfitters and the Rogue River for Helfrich Rogue River. Tessa also spends her winters volunteering for Lost Trail Ski Patrol. These experiences honed her management and communication skills, making her a natural fit for her current role.
Now living in Salmon year-round, Tessa serves as Vice President of the Salmon Whitewater Park Association while leading the Chamber of Commerce with enthusiasm and vision. She is passionate about fostering community growth and is excited to serve the people and businesses of Salmon Valley.
Stop in at the Beaverhead Gear Exchange and our Visitor Information Desk at 401 Main Street to say hi!
Message from the GSV Chamber
Are you interested in joining the GSV Chamber team? Great! Please email us, and tell us a little about yourself.