The Center for American Education works with state legislators, policymakers, and parents to promote transformational change to our state and national education system so that it best serves the families and students who utilize it. We conduct research on and advocate for policies that empower students and their families and prepare individuals to pursue academic truth, advance knowledge, and contribute to the growth of a strong moral order and prosperous society.
Our Values
Educational Choice
We believe that every student is unique. Individuals and families deserve the flexibility and responsibility to choose the education best suited to their needs.
Student-Based Funding
We believe that education funding should follow students, rather than be tied to institutions. Schools exist to educate and serve students; therefore, they should be learner-centered.
Decentralized Decision Making
We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children and should be trusted to make decisions for their needs. Institutions of higher education should pursue knowledge for its own sake, protect faculty research and academic freedom, eliminate administrative bloat, and remove institutionalized sources of ideological agendas.
Permissionless Innovation
We believe that educational progress requires removing barriers to entry, incentivizing entrepreneurship, and thus increasing the supply side of education in the marketplace.
Accountability & Transparency
We believe that public institutions of higher education should be held accountable for pursuing their core mission — to protect academic freedom in research, teaching, and learning for the purpose of the advancement of truth and serving the common good. Schools and other educational providers in K-12 education should be directly accountable to parents.
Equal Opportunity
We believe that education should be available to all students, regardless of race, sex, color, economic class, ethnicity, national origin, residence, legacy status, or any other group characteristic. Education systems should reinforce the values of equal protection under law, individual merit, personal responsibility, and academic excellence.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Brent Regan
Chair
Brent Regan is the founder and president of Regan Designs, specializing in designing electromechanical products for medical, aerospace, defense, marine and automotive industries. He holds 11 U.S. patents for medical devices.
An advocate of the free market, Regan has testified in favor of free market health care. He also initiated the North Idaho Conservative Resolution against the federally mandated health insurance exchanges. He has successfully assisted in organizing and opposing Local Improvement Districts in Kootenai County; sponsored legal efforts to protect neighbors’ property from illegal commercial land use; conceived, sponsored and was the master of ceremonies for the Conservative Candidate Forum prior to the 2012 primary; and developed a caucus sign-in procedure and volunteer training for the Kootenai County Republican Caucus. “Leisure” activities have included building and competing in automobile endurance road racing including 24 hours of Daytona (first in class (GTU), third in class (GTP)); six hours of Riverside (third in class); four-hour Sears Point Endurance Race (overall winner, twice); 24 hours of Nelson Ledges (third overall); and three seasons of campaigning 3 fighting robots in the Battlebots series aired nationally on Comedy Central.
Regan has lived in Idaho since 1999. He is married with three children.
Brent Regan
Chair
Brent Regan is the founder and president of Regan Designs, specializing in designing electromechanical products for medical, aerospace, defense, marine and automotive industries. He holds 11 U.S. patents for medical devices.
An advocate of the free market, Regan has testified in favor of free market health care. He also initiated the North Idaho Conservative Resolution against the federally mandated health insurance exchanges. He has successfully assisted in organizing and opposing Local Improvement Districts in Kootenai County; sponsored legal efforts to protect neighbors’ property from illegal commercial land use; conceived, sponsored and was the master of ceremonies for the Conservative Candidate Forum prior to the 2012 primary; and developed a caucus sign-in procedure and volunteer training for the Kootenai County Republican Caucus. “Leisure” activities have included building and competing in automobile endurance road racing including 24 hours of Daytona (first in class (GTU), third in class (GTP)); six hours of Riverside (third in class); four-hour Sears Point Endurance Race (overall winner, twice); 24 hours of Nelson Ledges (third overall); and three seasons of campaigning 3 fighting robots in the Battlebots series aired nationally on Comedy Central.
Regan has lived in Idaho since 1999. He is married with three children.
Bryan Smith
Vice Chair
Bryan Smith is an Idaho Falls attorney who has practiced law for over 30 years. Smith has also owned several small businesses in Southeast Idaho. Smith graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree having studied English, and Smith graduated from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 1989.
Smith fully supports the mission of the Idaho Freedom Foundation. Smith also promotes advancing in all arenas free-market principles, limited government where possible, and individual freedom and liberty. Smith advocates that people should be free to succeed or fail without government interference.
Smith lives in Idaho falls with his wife Sharon and is the proud father of five awesome children and five grandchildren with more hopefully on the way. Smith’s hobbies include growing tomatoes in his greenhouse and sailing on Bear Lake.
Bryan Smith
Vice Chair
Bryan Smith is an Idaho Falls attorney who has practiced law for over 30 years. Smith has also owned several small businesses in Southeast Idaho. Smith graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree having studied English, and Smith graduated from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 1989.
Smith fully supports the mission of the Idaho Freedom Foundation. Smith also promotes advancing in all arenas free-market principles, limited government where possible, and individual freedom and liberty. Smith advocates that people should be free to succeed or fail without government interference.
Smith lives in Idaho falls with his wife Sharon and is the proud father of five awesome children and five grandchildren with more hopefully on the way. Smith’s hobbies include growing tomatoes in his greenhouse and sailing on Bear Lake.
Ron Crane
Treasurer
Ron G. Crane was born in Nampa, Idaho. He is a graduate of Nampa Christian High School and later graduated from college with an Associate's Degree. He received an honorary doctorate from Ohio Christian University in 2008. He served as a member in the Idaho National Guard from 1971 -- 1977, receiving recognition as Idaho's Soldier of the Year in 1975.
Crane started his own successful business, Crane Alarm Service, in 1979. Today, Crane Alarm is one of the oldest and largest alarm companies in Idaho. He is a member of the Nampa and Caldwell, Idaho Chambers of Commerce, was a founding member of the Lifeline Crisis Pregnancy Center, and serves on the board of trustees for Nampa Christian Schools.
Crane has been married to his wife, Cheryl, since 1969. They have six children, four girls and two boys, and seven grandchildren. The Cranes reside in Nampa, Idaho.
Ron Crane
Treasurer
Ron G. Crane was born in Nampa, Idaho. He is a graduate of Nampa Christian High School and later graduated from college with an Associate's Degree. He received an honorary doctorate from Ohio Christian University in 2008. He served as a member in the Idaho National Guard from 1971 -- 1977, receiving recognition as Idaho's Soldier of the Year in 1975.
Crane started his own successful business, Crane Alarm Service, in 1979. Today, Crane Alarm is one of the oldest and largest alarm companies in Idaho. He is a member of the Nampa and Caldwell, Idaho Chambers of Commerce, was a founding member of the Lifeline Crisis Pregnancy Center, and serves on the board of trustees for Nampa Christian Schools.
Crane has been married to his wife, Cheryl, since 1969. They have six children, four girls and two boys, and seven grandchildren. The Cranes reside in Nampa, Idaho.
Graye Wolfe
Graye began working in the automotive industry at his father’s auto dealership, Wolfe Automotive, Inc. (Golden Rule Dealership Group), at the age of 10. He took over in 1993 when his father passed away unexpectedly, and within four years, he added three additional dealerships and four franchises.
After the Group’s sale in 1997, Graye formed and operated a successful consulting company, Performance Improvement Concepts, Inc., specializing in the development, growth, and business potential of numerous multi-franchise dealers. His ability to assist dealers led them to great results.
His career with Portfolio, starting in 2000, has been very successful in forming and managing over 400 Portfolio reinsurance companies for dealers across the U.S. Graye frequently speaks at NADA and NCM 20 Groups, and has performed staff training for national extended warranty insurance companies, several large dealer banks, and JD Powers and Associates.
Graye Wolfe
Graye began working in the automotive industry at his father’s auto dealership, Wolfe Automotive, Inc. (Golden Rule Dealership Group), at the age of 10. He took over in 1993 when his father passed away unexpectedly, and within four years, he added three additional dealerships and four franchises.
After the Group’s sale in 1997, Graye formed and operated a successful consulting company, Performance Improvement Concepts, Inc., specializing in the development, growth, and business potential of numerous multi-franchise dealers. His ability to assist dealers led them to great results.
His career with Portfolio, starting in 2000, has been very successful in forming and managing over 400 Portfolio reinsurance companies for dealers across the U.S. Graye frequently speaks at NADA and NCM 20 Groups, and has performed staff training for national extended warranty insurance companies, several large dealer banks, and JD Powers and Associates.
Doyle Beck
Doyle Beck is a founder or major investor of several successful, Idaho-based business ventures. His business portfolio includes construction, finance, development, and manufacturing companies, with focuses that span civil engineering projects to financial management to innovative technology.
Beck is also active in politics and civil society. He’s been a commissioner on the Bonneville County Planning and Zoning Board for 14 years and serves as the board chair. In addition, Beck is an active pilot with over 10,000 hours airtime and experience flying a variety of aircraft. He regularly volunteers his time and aircraft to support search and rescue operations and with the Bonneville Sheriff’s Office.
Beck is an active member and leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. A native of eastern Idaho, Doyle and his wife Elizabeth make their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They are the proud parents of four children and twenty-one grandchildren.
Doyle Beck
Doyle Beck is a founder or major investor of several successful, Idaho-based business ventures. His business portfolio includes construction, finance, development, and manufacturing companies, with focuses that span civil engineering projects to financial management to innovative technology.
Beck is also active in politics and civil society. He’s been a commissioner on the Bonneville County Planning and Zoning Board for 14 years and serves as the board chair. In addition, Beck is an active pilot with over 10,000 hours airtime and experience flying a variety of aircraft. He regularly volunteers his time and aircraft to support search and rescue operations and with the Bonneville Sheriff’s Office.
Beck is an active member and leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. A native of eastern Idaho, Doyle and his wife Elizabeth make their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They are the proud parents of four children and twenty-one grandchildren.
Bob Tikker
Bob Tikker is a mechanical engineer and the president of Tikker Engineering in Boise. Bob grew up in Idaho and graduated from Meridian High School and the University of Idaho.
At the turn of the century, Bob’s grandparents immigrated to the United States to escape an oppressive government. Bob and his family are now living the American dream and strongly support the Idaho Freedom Foundation.
Freedom is a fundamental requirement of man’s mind. Capitalism is based upon this fundamental requirement of freedom where men voluntarily consent to trade their goods and services with one another without coercion by government or others. Capitalism reigns as the superior system of government both economically and morally.
Bob and his wife Jen are the proud parents of five awesome children and enjoy the outdoor pursuits Idaho offers.
Bob Tikker
Bob Tikker is a mechanical engineer and the president of Tikker Engineering in Boise. Bob grew up in Idaho and graduated from Meridian High School and the University of Idaho.
At the turn of the century, Bob’s grandparents immigrated to the United States to escape an oppressive government. Bob and his family are now living the American dream and strongly support the Idaho Freedom Foundation.
Freedom is a fundamental requirement of man’s mind. Capitalism is based upon this fundamental requirement of freedom where men voluntarily consent to trade their goods and services with one another without coercion by government or others. Capitalism reigns as the superior system of government both economically and morally.
Bob and his wife Jen are the proud parents of five awesome children and enjoy the outdoor pursuits Idaho offers.
Tina DeBoer
Tina DeBoer is a local Realtor who wants to play a role in making sure Idaho continues to serve as a beacon of freedom and liberty for decades to come.
Tina became passionate about the concept of laissez-faire since taking an American government class in high school. She has been an avid supporter of the Idaho Freedom Foundation and its goals to protect and educate Idaho citizens.
Tina and her husband are both small business owners living in Nampa Idaho. Some of her hobbies include camping, riding her ATV and Harley, scuba diving, and singing.
Tina DeBoer
Tina DeBoer is a local Realtor who wants to play a role in making sure Idaho continues to serve as a beacon of freedom and liberty for decades to come.
Tina became passionate about the concept of laissez-faire since taking an American government class in high school. She has been an avid supporter of the Idaho Freedom Foundation and its goals to protect and educate Idaho citizens.
Tina and her husband are both small business owners living in Nampa Idaho. Some of her hobbies include camping, riding her ATV and Harley, scuba diving, and singing.
Heather Lauer
As Chief Executive Officer of People United for Privacy Foundation, Heather Lauer is working to protect the rights of all Americans—regardless of their beliefs—to come together in support of their shared values. Heather has three decades of experience in campaign management, communications strategy, and coalition building. She has served as a volunteer and board member for multiple nonprofit organizations and played a key role in the launch of the Idaho Freedom Foundation in 2009.
Heather is a graduate of the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. Born and raised in Nampa, she currently divides her time between Hailey, Idaho and Washington, D.C.
Heather Lauer
As Chief Executive Officer of People United for Privacy Foundation, Heather Lauer is working to protect the rights of all Americans—regardless of their beliefs—to come together in support of their shared values. Heather has three decades of experience in campaign management, communications strategy, and coalition building. She has served as a volunteer and board member for multiple nonprofit organizations and played a key role in the launch of the Idaho Freedom Foundation in 2009.
Heather is a graduate of the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. Born and raised in Nampa, she currently divides her time between Hailey, Idaho and Washington, D.C.
RALPH SMEED LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS
2010: Ralph Smeed 2011: Maurice Clements 2012: Don Brandt 2013: Stan Hawkins 2014: Elizabeth Hodge 2015: Dan Symms 2016: Lenore Hardy Barrett 2017: Rachel Gilbert
MAURICE CLEMENTS LEGACY OF FREEDOM AWARD WINNERS
2016: Kathleen Sims 2017: Bryan Smith
FUN FACTS
IFF was originally going to be named The Gem State Institute.
IFF’s logo features the state raptor, the peregrine falcon. The letters “IFF” make up the raptor’s feathers.
An elongated bolo tie forms the line between the words “Idaho Freedom” and “Foundation.”
LEGAL STUFF
IFF's Internal Revenue Service's "determination letter" is found here.
Our income tax returns are available for 2018,2019, and 2020.
The Idaho Freedom Foundation does not endorse candidates for elective office.
CAE in the News
How the Claremont Institute became a nerve center of the American Right
