Our People
Meet the Team
The Sun Valley Policy Forum is powered by a small, dedicated team committed to advancing freedom, elevating culture, and inspiring generations.
Leadership
The team guiding the mission of the Sun Valley Policy Forum.
Christina Culver
Chief Executive Officer
Christina Erland Culver is the CEO of the Sun Valley Policy Forum. A nationally recognized leader in education, technology, telecommunications, and rural policy, she has spent more than 14 years advising organizations, investors, philanthropists, and policymakers on strategic growth, public affairs, and impact initiatives. She previously served in senior leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Education, including Acting Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Intergovernmental and Interagency Affairs, and served under Education Secretary Lamar Alexander and in the administration of George H. W. Bush. She is the founder of her Idaho-based consulting practice, co-founder of the Imagine Idaho Foundation, a political commentator, and co-author of Virtual Schooling: A Guide to Optimizing Your Child's Education. She holds a master's in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a bachelor's in political science from the University of Kansas.
Celtin Clardie
Chief Operations Officer
Celtin Clardie is an operations and nonprofit management professional with experience leading organizational growth, development, events, and administrative operations across the public policy and media sectors. As COO of the Sun Valley Policy Forum, he oversees strategic initiatives, fundraising operations, conferences, and organizational infrastructure. Prior to SVPF, he held leadership and operational roles with the Daily Caller, the Daily Caller News Foundation, and the Leadership Institute, focused on organizational management, event execution, youth leadership programs, and talent development. His work centers on convening leaders, strengthening institutions, and advancing initiatives that promote innovation, free enterprise, and civic engagement.
Staff
The people who make every event and program happen.
Emily Jones
Development Associate
Emily Jones is a development and administrative professional with experience in education, nonprofit development, research, and community engagement. As Development Associate for the Sun Valley Policy Forum, she supports donor relations, event planning, and organizational growth initiatives. A graduate of Hillsdale College with a degree in History, she previously worked as an elementary school teacher and held roles in admissions, research, and nonprofit development. Emily is passionate about fostering meaningful connections, advancing civic engagement, and supporting organizations dedicated to strengthening communities and promoting thoughtful public discourse.
Scott Hayes
Marketing and Production Associate
Scott Hayes is a recent graduate of Utah State University, where he earned degrees in Economics and Marketing along with a minor in Marketing Design. His experience spans public policy research, strategic communications, marketing, and graphic design. He previously served as a Communications Intern with the Sutherland Institute and participated in the Stand Together Koch Internship Program, developing expertise in policy communications and the federal policy landscape. He has also worked as a research assistant studying economic policy and as a graphic designer creating marketing and visual media campaigns. Combining analytical research with creative storytelling, Scott is passionate about advancing free-market ideas, effective public communication, and policies that promote economic opportunity and human flourishing.
David Holman
Administrative Associate
David Holman is an operations and administration professional with experience supporting nonprofit organizations, event management, and organizational development initiatives. As a member of the team at the Sun Valley Policy Forum, he assists with administrative operations, event coordination, donor engagement, and program execution. Known for his attention to detail and commitment to organizational excellence, David helps ensure the smooth delivery of the Forum's conferences, special events, and day-to-day operations. He is passionate about fostering meaningful dialogue, building strong relationships, and supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and promote thoughtful public policy discussions.
Tressie Ham
Director of Events
Tressie Ham is an event management and hospitality professional with extensive experience planning and executing high-level conferences, private gatherings, and community events. As Director of Events for the Sun Valley Policy Forum, she oversees event logistics, guest experience, vendor coordination, and on-site operations for the organization's signature programs and special events. Drawing on a strong background in client service and project management, Tressie is known for creating seamless, welcoming experiences that foster meaningful connections among attendees, speakers, donors, and community leaders. Her attention to detail, organizational expertise, and commitment to excellence have made her an integral part of delivering successful events that advance the Forum's mission.
Fellows
Distinguished voices contributing to the Forum's work.
Maya Sulkin
Senior Fellow
Maya Sulkin is a reporter for The Free Press, where she covers politics, technology, education, Gen Z, and culture. She is also the host of Confessions, an interview series about ideological conformity, groupthink, and what it takes to change your mind. Her reporting has taken her from small towns in Ohio to Tel Aviv and San Francisco. Previously she served as the company's Chief of Staff, and before that worked as an assistant to Bari Weiss, a job she landed after sending a cold email from her college dorm room. She is a recipient of the Robert Novak Journalism Fellowship. Originally from Seattle, she graduated from Columbia University, where she majored in History.
Interns
The next generation, learning and contributing alongside our team.
Widley Montrevil
Intern
Widley Montrevil is a Political Science major and Sociology minor at Hillsdale College, where he studies political theory, American political institutions, constitutional government, and international relations. On campus he serves as a Student Ambassador for the Admissions Office and Vice President of the International Club. He recently completed a Policy and Research Internship with the American Legislative Exchange Council and previously shadowed legislative staff in the office of Lisa McClain. Fluent in English, French, and Haitian Creole, he is passionate about the intersection of politics, culture, and international affairs and hopes to pursue a career in diplomacy and public service.
Olivia Chambers
Intern
Olivia Chambers is a senior at Brigham Young University–Idaho pursuing a degree in International Studies with a minor in Public Administration. She is passionate about applying her academic training to real-world challenges in the nonprofit, policy, and humanitarian sectors. On campus, Olivia serves as Secretary of a conservative student organization, where she has developed a strong interest in constitutional principles, civic engagement, and public policy. Through her studies and leadership experience she has cultivated skills in research, organization, and communication. She is excited to support meaningful conversations on the ideas and policies shaping the future of the United States.
Daniel Villalva
Intern
Daniel Villalva is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health. After several years pursuing opportunities in the sports industry, Daniel transitioned his focus to public policy, driven by a desire to better understand and influence the issues shaping American society. He recently completed an internship with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, gaining experience in policy research and advocacy. Daniel is passionate about learning how public policy impacts the lives of everyday Americans and is eager to continue developing his knowledge and skills while contributing to meaningful policy discussions and solutions.
Get In Touch
Reach the Forum.
Questions, partnership ideas, or press inquiries? Our team is glad to help.