Josh Tewalt
Director of Operations
Josh Tewalt brings a unique skill set to ASCA having served two Idaho Governors, a U.S. Congressman, the State of Idaho, as well as numerous groups and organizations. During his career, Tewalt has overseen fundraising for and management of local, state and federal political campaigns; helped one of Idaho's largest non-profit trade associations; and served in leadership positions with the Idaho Department of Correction. Tewalt's diverse background combines nearly two decades of federal, state and local political and policy experience with association management and practical corrections leadership. His ability to understand the nexus of politics and policy, coupled with an innovative approach to problem solving, has made his advice and counsel highly sought after.
An Idaho native, Tewalt worked for former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne, with focus on education and agriculture policy, advance work, and communications. Tewalt left the Governor's Office to join then-Congressman C. L. "Butch" Otter where he held the position of Field Representative. In that capacity, Tewalt specialized in agriculture and natural resources policy, Clean Water Act, public land use policy and federal regulatory affairs.
Tewalt was hired by the Idaho Cattle Association, a non-profit trade association representing the second largest contributor to Idaho's agriculture economy. Initially hired as director of government and regulatory affairs, Tewalt later was tapped as Executive Vice President where he was responsible for managing the day to day operations of the association, fundraising, strategic initiatives and managing the association's political action committee. He also was responsible for advancing the association's interests with lawmakers in Idaho and Washington, D.C.
Tewalt's return to state service also reunited him with C.L. "Butch" Otter, who was elected Idaho's Governor. In this capacity, he oversaw public safety issues as both a senior budget analyst and special assistant. Tewalt's work on public safety issues drew the attention of Corrections leaders, and he was hired as Deputy Chief of Prisons for the Idaho Department of Correction. Later, he was promoted to Administrator of Budget and Policy. In this role, Tewalt developed and oversaw innovative turnover reduction strategies, to include securing funding for a pay progression plan for uniformed corrections staff. He also was responsible for strategic initiatives, including shaping a department reorganization to better position the agency to meet future demands. Tewalt is passionate about corrections policy and, most of all, in representing the proud men and women who public safety their chosen way of life.
Josh and his wife, Chanel, own and operate a livestock operation in Meridian, Idaho. They have two young children, a daughter, Rowan (4), and a son, August (1).