about us

Sun Valley Magazine is committed to celebrating life in the Wood River Valley. For over 47 years, Sun Valley Magazine has been celebrating the best of life in the Sun Valley area with in-depth, thoughtful articles and arresting artistic design.

Every day, our staff and team freelance team of writers and photographers share their deep passion for educating and inspiring our readers with the stories that are the fabric of our lives here in Sun Valley—chronicles of both a vibrant local community, as well as issues that resonate on a regional and national level. We hope that if you live here too, or just love it here as much as we do, then our magazine will resonate.

Our publications are sold nationally in more than 400 locations nationwide, including the Boise Airport, the Salt Lake International Airport, Barnes & Noble, regional Albertson’s markets, Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, local Atkinsons’ Markets, and fine retailers, bookstores and gift shops across the country. We can’t wait to share our love of the Wood River Valley with you.

Love Life. Love Sun Valley.
Sun Valley Magazine
At the center of it all for over 47 years

meet the staff

Laurie C. Sammis

publisher/editor-in-chief

Laurie Sammis is a publisher by profession and lover of world travel, foreign cultures, the arts, languages, souls, birds of prey, wild spaces and all pure bodies of water, whether fresh or saltwater. At the age of eight she began writing small plays and newscasts for her siblings to perform, which grew into a passion for the creative process and everything you discover by asking the questions “why” and “how.” Her love of the written word has taken her to Africa, Polynesia, Nepal, the outback of Australia and, eventually, back home to Sun Valley, Idaho.

Roberta Morcone

creative director

Roberta Morcone is a Washington, D.C., native with a love for Sun Valley and everything it has to offer. Roberta studied to be an accountant, but after one art class, decided to change direction and become an artist. A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Roberta has done everything from interactive television to web design, video to print. When Roberta is not creating stunning graphics, you can find her hiking with her dog Jimmy. In the winter, you’ll find her at the ice rink cheering on the Sun Valley Suns, with whom she has had a 38-year relationship.

Mona Warchol

sales & marketing director

Mona Warchol joined Sun Valley Magazine as the Director of Advertising & Marketing. Prior to joining the Magazine, Mona was the Executive Director of the Capital City Public Market in downtown Boise. During her tenure she grew the Market into one of the most successful outdoor local Markets in the Pacific Northwest. Mona is a graduate of UCLA with Econ/Math System Science degrees and has a passion for entrepreneurial endeavors. When Mona is not working, she is enjoying her kids and husband in Boise where she lives.

Jonathan Mentzer

managing editor

Sun Valley has beckoned Jonathan Mentzer’s soul despite moving around the West over the years. Having landed in the Wood River Valley in 2007, Idaho has captured Jonathan’s imagination and sense of community while reassuring his love of the outdoors and allowing him to discover new endeavors. Originally from Lacey, Wash., Jonathan graduated with a B.A. in journalism from Central Washington University, then spent 15 years as a sports journalist. He is an Idaho Press Club Award winner in writing and photography and has written for numerous magazines and newspapers. Jonathan enjoys fishing, camping, photography, poetry and fiction writing. However, nothing can match his overall passion for skiing, which he discovered later in life on the slopes of Baldy. Currently, he lives in Sun Valley with his wife, GiGi.

Makayla Chappell

creative director

Born & raised in Colorado, Makayla relocated to the Wood River Valley in 2019 where she planted roots as a Photographer and Social Media Manager. Having spent a vast majority of her time outside growing up, she developed a zest for anything that included the outdoors. When she’s not behind the screen or camera, she can be found reading a new book, gardening and exploring new places (or just around the Valley.) A few of her favorite local spots include Hailey Coffee Co. for coffee & Cafe Della for a bite to eat!

featured contributors