The Wyoming State Society (WSS) serves both as a refuge for Wyomingites in Washington, DC who are far from home, and as an embassy for those who represent the ideals, traditions, and lifestyles of the Equality State on the East Coast.
Founded in 1977, the WSS mission is to celebrate the history, culture, social traditions, and philanthropic ideals of the people of Wyoming. We are proud to have an above-average population of Wyomingites in the Washington, DC area and WSS is a great way to gather us together for a taste of home.
Membership is limited to folks who are from, or have ties to, Wyoming. Click the Membership tab above to learn how to become a member.
2021 Executive Committee/Board:
Kaite Krell: President
Hi folks! I’m Kaite the current WSS President, originally from Kemmerer, I attended UW and graduated with a dual major in Political Science and Spanish. I moved out to DC and had the pleasure of working for Senators Enzi, Barrasso, and Lummis before I left the hill. I was a long-time member of the Urban Cowboys Softball team, former COWPIE queen and have been eternally grateful for the Wyoming community out here in DC I want to help Wyomingites however possible and look forward to a great year!
Mikalah Skates: VP of Events
Meet Mikalah Skates Brown, a Casper native and former University of Wyoming athlete (Track & Field) who now currently serves as Senator Lummis’s Director of Scheduling & Deputy Chief of Staff. Mikalah first came to DC as an intern for Senator Barrasso and since then went on to work for Senator Enzi before moving into her current position.
David Giralt: Vice President of Fundraising
I’m David Giralt, a proud Casper native, and I’m excited to be in the position of Vice President of Fundraising. I currently work for Senator Cynthia Lummis, focusing on agriculture, law enforcement, and homeland security, and having served in the U.S. Army in various leadership roles, I’ve had the privilege of building relationships and managing outreach efforts that align with WSS’s mission. I believe in the power of community and look forward to working with all of you to ensure WSS can continue to thrive and provide valuable connections for Wyoming professionals, students, and others who share a love for the Cowboy State.
Carolanne Walls: Secretary
Hello! My name is Carolanne and I am honored to serve as Secretary for the Wyoming State Society. I attended University of Wyoming graduating with a degree in Communications. I interned for Senator Barrasso in 2021 during college. After graduating, I came back to Capitol Hill working for Senator Lummis. I had the honor of representing the great state of Wyoming in the 2024 Cherry Blossom Princess Delegate Program, sharing my love and admiration of the Cowboy State with everyone I met. I am so grateful to be surrounded by people who love Wyoming as much as I do, and I am excited to bring a bit of the west to D.C.!
Jamie Hunt: Membership Development Chair
I’m Jamie Hunt, and I’m excited for the opportunity to fill the role of Membership Development Chair. I was born and raised in Encampment, WY, and attended University of Wyoming for undergrad, and eventually finding my way to DC following my husband’s job. I work as a mental health therapist and am a zealous baker, insatiable crafter, and camera-happy dog mom. I look forward to using my love of connecting with people and what I’ve learned about building my own community to help grow WSS membership.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Read our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
- Check out our past officers.
- See Wyoming State Society sponsors.
- Read some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
- Read our Privacy Policy.
- Check out some Cowboy State facts and lore.
wystatesociety.org 