Laramie — Judge Steven Cranfill, a former longtime Park County judge, was recently named by the Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) as its new statewide board chair.

“The WYCF Board of Directors brings together people with an abundance of passion and expertise to execute our mission,” said CEO and President Samin Dadelahi. “It is a delicate balance, and we are fortunate to have the skillful hands of Judge Cranfill at the helm for the next two years. He is the best combination of community commitment, clear governance, and good humor that you can find.”

With a career spanning several decades, Judge Cranfill is recognized as a pillar in the Wyoming legal community. Cranfill was a judge for the Fifth District Court of Big Horn and Park counties. He was appointed in 2006 by Gov. Dave Freudenthal and served until his retirement in 2017.

In 2015, Cranfill was honored by the Wyoming Supreme Court with the Children’s Justice Project Golden Award. Cranfill received this award in recognition of his leadership on behalf of Wyoming children and families involved in the court system.

Cranfill graduated from Weber State in 1972 and returned to Worland. He was appointed and later elected to the Worland school board at age 22. Two years later he was elected to the Wyoming House of State Representatives of Washakie County and served two (2-year) terms.

In 1980, he left for Sacramento and attended the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. He worked during the day for a law firm that did governmental relations and went to class in the evening. He graduated in 1984 and in 1985 moved to Cody. He was in private practice for 21 years and then appointed to the bench. He was elected as a trustee at Northwest College and served his final two years there as chairman of the board. He served on the advisory board for the Buffalo Bill Museum and served on the full board of trustees for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West for 21 years and currently serves as general counsel.

Cranfill is married to Dana (Taggart) Cranfill, who is originally from Lovell. Together they have two daughters and four grandchildren. Their daughter Meghan passed away last year at the age of 38.

In his new role as statewide board chair, Cranfill will play a pivotal role in shaping WYCF’s strategic vision and guiding its efforts to grow philanthropy in the state.

“I am very honored to serve on the board of the Wyoming Community Foundation, let alone the great honor as serving as chairman,” said Cranfill. “I look forward to meeting our local boards around the state as well as our donors and supporters.”

For over 30 years the Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) has connected people who care with causes that matter to build a better Wyoming. WYCF has granted more than $100 million to charitable causes while ensuring communities have the resources to thrive in good and bad times.

To donate or set up a fund, or to learn more about the Wyoming Community Foundation and the organizations it supports, visit wycf.org.