Our Team
Our Staff
To organize in Utah’s rural areas, you have to be there. We’re proud to hire and work with a local organizing team in Utah and on the Navajo Nation who are implementing campaigns for Utah’s future. We’re creating a strategy for long-term political and issue-focused investment in underrepresented areas. Look below to find your local organizer!
Meet the Team
TJ Ellerbeck
Executive Director
TJ
TJ Ellerbeck came to the Rural Utah Project after working in political campaigns over the last decade, including serving as Political Director for the Utah Democratic Party 2015-2017. TJ got his start organizing in rural Utah through the election of Representative Brad King in Carbon County, and has made lifting up the voices of rural voters a priority in his work ever since.
Kate Steinicke
Development Director
Kate
My background in Urban Ecology fueled my passion for the balance of social, economic, and environmental systems and how we can merge the three most sustainably and equitably—leaving no one behind
Alma Baste
Communications Director
Alma
Alma uses her background in storytelling and passion for photography to connect people to environmental concerns. She believes in making issues accessible and digestible to the public so that we can all make informed decisions and engage in the political process. Her work at RUP is committed to increasing political engagement across the state!
Lenise Peterman
Political Director
Lenise
Lenise has discovered her passion in serving the people in rural Utah. She exercises solid change methodology and believes strongly in caring for a rural assets including people, environment and infrastructure. A local leader, she has created meaningful change in Helper and is committed to leveraging that experience in the political arena.
Dalene Redhorse
Addressing Specialist
Dalene
Dalene’s job description includes keeping RUP’s staff in check. Prior to joining RUP, Dalene was a substitute and after school teacher in Bluff, and is passionate about the intersection of Navajo Culture and education. When not finding new ways to identify voters, you can find Dalene enjoying sunshine and family.
Tara Benally
Field Organizer
Tara
With a long history of advocacy on the Navajo Nation, Tara is committed to issues of health care, education, and economic development. With a background in construction and community resilience, Tara brought her enthusiasm and talents to the Utah Navajo Trust Fund before joining the Rural Utah Project.
Our Mission
The Rural Utah Project seeks to empower underrepresented voters in rural Utah by providing them with tools, training, and knowledge by means of voter registration, education, and issue advocacy on important topics that affect all Utahns.
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