Central Wyoming College Announces Amy Madera as Dean of Jackson Campus

Jackson, Wyo. — Central Wyoming College (CWC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Madera as the new Dean of CWC Jackson. A familiar and respected leader in the community, Madera returns to CWC with a strong track record of student-centered leadership and deep ties to the Jackson campus.

“Amy’s connection to our students, faculty, and “community makes her uniquely positioned to lead CWC Jackson into its next chapter,” said Kathy Wells, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “As we prepare to open our new facility and expand opportunities in Teton County, her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening programs, partnerships, and the overall student experience.”

Madera is widely recognized as a community education leader committed to helping students reach their highest potential. Her career blends experience in hospitality, education, and community impact.

Raised in Florida, Madera developed an early passion for hospitality, where she cultivated the values of hard work, kindness, and attentive listening, hallmarks of her leadership style today. After earning her degree from Michigan State University, she began her career in catering at McCormick Place in Chicago, the world’s largest convention center.

Madera and her husband of 28 years, Joe, a hotel executive, later relocated to Jackson, Wyoming. She spent 14 years leading culinary and hospitality programs at CWC Jackson, where she also earned a Master’s degree in Adult Education from the University of Wyoming.

During her previous tenure at CWC, Madera served as president of the Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant Association Education Foundation Board, chaired the Teton County Education Foundation, and was elected CWC Faculty President.

She co-published the Inspired Kitchen cookbook with students and artists, founded the Cooking with Community mobile teaching kitchen, and created global learning opportunities for culinary students through educational travel to Thailand, Cambodia, and Japan.

She later transitioned to public education, where she taught hospitality, served as the Teton County School District #1 Perkins Grant Coordinator, advised DECA students, and facilitated work-based learning, expanding career pathways for students while staying closely connected to her family.

“Amy brings not only experience, but heart,” Wells added. “Her ability to connect education with real-world opportunity is exactly what our students and community need at this moment.”

Madera expressed enthusiasm about returning to CWC during a time of growth and transformation.

“Coming back to CWC Jackson feels like coming home,” Madera said. “This campus has always been about community, opportunity, and helping students discover what’s possible. I’m honored to step into this role and work alongside an incredible team as we build on that legacy and create new pathways for student success.”

Madera and her husband are proud parents of two daughters: Sofia, graduating from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Social Work, and Vivian, graduating from Jackson Hole High School and planning to attend Michigan State University.

With the Jackson campus preparing to open its new permanent facility in 2026, Madera’s appointment comes at a pivotal time. Her leadership will help guide the campus through this transition and support continued growth in programs, partnerships, and student services.

Madera will begin working with Academic Affairs in the coming weeks and will officially assume her role as Dean on June 22.

Central Wyoming College invites the community to join in welcoming Amy Madera back to CWC Jackson.

For more information about Central Wyoming College and its programs, visit www.cwc.edu.