The Board
Each member of the HSW Board is a volunteer, donating their time, effort and expertise. Please be mindful and respectful of this in your communications.
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President - Matthew Bayan
As President of High Sierra Writers, Matt’s job is to preside over the Board, to help develop programs, to manage the organization, and to develop contacts. He is a bestselling author and professional editor based in Reno. His groundbreaking nonfiction EAT FAT, BE HEALTHY forever changed the way cardiologists approach treatment of heart disease patients. His first novel, The Firecracker King, got rave reviews. His seventh novel, 1756: Seeds of Freedom, will be released this year. [email protected] |
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Executive Director - Alma Wunderlin
As Executive Director, Alma helps to oversee all board members, lending support and communication to all in hopes to alleviate the many stressors of running a non-profit organization. With previous experience running a non-profit, she is passionate about artists in Reno and especially authors. Reading over 100 books a year in all genres, she lends her support through developmental editing, ARC reading, writing professional reviews and emotionally supporting her husband who is a published author. Seeing the need and pressure there is for all authors, her goal is aid writers in their goals in any way possible. [email protected] |
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Treasurer - Rene Averett
As Treasurer, Rene tracks all of the money coming in and out of HSW and is dedicated to keeping our non-profit organized and running above board. Rene blogs regularly on her Skinny Girl Bistro site where she shares information about low-carb foods, living a low-carb lifestyle, and the many recipes she has to offer. Her first self-published book was a low carb recipe book. She has published several novels under two pen names, writing fantasy, sci-fi, and romance under her publishing company Pynhavyn Press. [email protected] |
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Communications Director - Kelli Heitstuman-Tomko
As Communications Director, Kelli is one of our newest board members! She facilitates communication between the board, members, and critique groups. Kelli was one of the youngest members of the Idaho Writers' League and majored in journalism and was inducted into the Gold Key Society becoming VP of Communications. Winning the Damon Runyon Scholarship for storytelling in news writing and many other lucrative awards for her exceptional skill in journalism. Kelli has been an intricate part of HSW since 2018 and is excited in expanding in our organization alongside her duties with Northern Nevada Crafters' Collective and her business Something Worth Having. [email protected] |
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Secretary- Troy Becker
As Secretary, Troy lends an empathic voice to our organization and helps in keeping all of our members informed. Taking minutes during our monthly meetings and transcribing them, allowing accessibility options for all members who cannot make our meetings or want overviews after the fact. [email protected] |