By Devin Kelly, for The Mountain Times
AntFarm Youth Services has announced an important leadership transition as it looks ahead to the future of the organization. Two Foxes Singing (Nunpa), AntFarm’s Founder and Executive Director, will officially step down from his role on June 21, 2025, after fifteen years of service.
Nunpa co-founded AntFarm alongside his partner Damon in 1997, with inspiration drawn from the teachings of Lakota elder Frank Fools Crow: “Survival of the world depends on our sharing what we have and working together.” When AntFarm opened its doors in 2010, it embodied that spirit of connection, focusing on youth as the future and elders as holders of community wisdom. Under Nunpa’s leadership, AntFarm grew from a vacant building in Sandy to a thriving nonprofit offering youth development programs, workforce training, family support, outdoor service projects, housing access, and community health resources.
Throughout his tenure, Nunpa championed a philosophy that healing and growth come through purposeful action. Whether through shared meals, youth employment, community education, or meaningful service, AntFarm created space for people to find direction, connection, and resilience. His leadership shaped not only the programs but the values that define AntFarm today.
“AntFarm has always been about creating a healthy, compassionate, and purposeful community,” Nunpa said. “I am grateful to have walked this journey with so many who believe in the power of community working together.”
Although stepping away from daily leadership, Nunpa will continue serving AntFarm in a consulting role, focusing on grant writing, funding strategies, and supporting Board development.
Effective June 22, 2025, AntFarm’s Director of Youth & Family Services, Kim Wheeler, will assume the role of Executive Director. A longtime Sandy area resident, Kim first volunteered with AntFarm in 2010. She later served as Board President before joining the staff and leading youth and family programs with compassion, strength, and a strong sense of purpose.
Wheeler’s leadership will be supported by a strong and experienced team. Anne Stevens, Director of Human Resources and Operations, has strengthened AntFarm’s systems, HR, risk management, and staff development. Her calm presence and strategic lens have ensured organizational stability through multiple phases of growth. Anne also plays a key role in organizational culture, helping build a team environment rooted in trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to service. Neal Hatley, who currently leads and developed some of AntFarm’s most successful and well-loved programs as Director of Workforce Development, will be promoted to Deputy Director during the transition. His leadership of YouthCore, Planet 365, CommunityConnect, Wildfire Defense Programs, and paid youth “on-the-job” opportunities has empowered young people to gain valuable skills, confidence, and pride through hard work and service. Neal is known not just for teaching job readiness, but for modeling character and consistency in everything he does. He is widely recognized for his ability to meet youth where they are, while also holding high standards that prepare them for real-world opportunities. This new position reflects the vital role he plays in AntFarm’s operational and cultural continuity.
Jeni Tubbs, Director of Finance, rounds out the leadership team. Jeni brings both professional expertise and grounded perspective to her role. With a strong background in accounting and experience across nonprofit, corporate, and small business sectors, she ensures AntFarm’s financial practices are both strategic and accountable. From budgeting to grant compliance, Jeni’s work helps keep every program aligned with budgeting and grant and contract compliance best practices.
This team reflects the values AntFarm was built on — service, accountability, and growth. With their support, Kim Wheeler is ready to lead the way forward.
“My vision is to carry forward the legacy and values that AntFarm was built on — youth empowerment, community connection, and holistic support — while also strengthening our systems so that we can grow sustainably,” Wheeler said. “I want to expand access to our programs across all three hubs, deepen relationships with local partners, and build financial and organizational stability to ensure that AntFarm thrives for generations to come.”
For Kim, the motivation to lead AntFarm comes from what she’s seen firsthand.
“AntFarm is home,” she said. “I’ve stayed connected because I’ve seen how lives are changed here. Watching young people grow, heal, and succeed, often after facing huge challenges, has been the most inspiring part of my work. It’s the relationships, the resilience of our youth, and the shared commitment of our team that have kept me grounded and motivated. Being part of something that genuinely transforms lives is a rare and powerful thing.”
As AntFarm moves into its next chapter, the organization remains committed to the mission it was built on- supporting youth, honoring elders, and building a healthier, more compassionate future together. With a leadership team that blends deep experience, shared purpose, and unwavering community focus, AntFarm is well-positioned for the road ahead.