My Story

Last year, I turned 42, and from the outside looking in, people might only see the 4H leader, archery coach, and entrepreneur. I’ve rarely let anyone see the struggles, the failures, the loss, and devastation that have all been mixed in. I’m trying to change that in myself. At the end of the day, we are all human, and we all can do better to connect to one another through our shared humanity.

I was born in Flagstaff, Arizona and spent the first ten years of my life there until my biological father died by suicide. Suddenly a single parent, my mom began a new career as a realtor with Century 21 — gold blazer and everything. There she met David Viehman, and could not get enough of his tight jeans and gray snakeskin boots. I still remember their first date because he let me put bows in his hair. We all loved each other instantly. 

In the summer of 1992, David married my mom, Donna — he even gave me a ring during the ceremony too! —  and we all moved together to Jackson Hole. David adopted me, and I officially became a Viehman. 

It’s not easy to move to Wyoming and not fall in love with horses. I started babysitting and working at the local barn to earn money. I spent as much time as I could at the barn. Really, it kept me out of trouble because I didn’t have time to get into any! I got my homework done as fast as I could so I could spend time with the horses. 

My parents sacrificed to support my dream. My mom worked as a barn manager to trade for my horse board; it was as much as a mortgage (well, what one was in the 90s)! And David, now my dad, returned to real estate in Jackson Hole.

After graduating from Jackson Hole High School, I left for college in Colorado. Growing up in a small town, I dreamt about city life but then once I got it, I couldn’t wait to come back! 

When I finished my degree in communications, my dad sat down with me to create a budget for myself, and my income was exactly what my monthly expenses were, plus $50. I had to figure out a career for myself. So, following both my parents’ footsteps, I earned my real estate license.

At 26, I welcomed my son at St. Johns hospital overlooking the Elk Refuge.  I worked my tail off to build my real estate business while also learning what it meant to be a new mom. 

The juggle wasn’t easy. Several years later, I was divorced, and began again on my own with my son. I struggled, but was able to keep going thanks to my rock and best friend, my mom. She took care of Brody when he was a baby so I could work on my career. When he started kindergarten, she began picking him up after school and keeping him until I finished work. She was the best mom and grandma.

In the summer of 2014, my entire world was turned upside down when a float trip with friends on the Snake river claimed my mother’s life. Our raft hit a tree in the middle of the river, and I remember grabbing Brody by his life vest — we all had them on. My dad was always a stickler for safety. The cold water sucked us under the tree, and I pushed to get my son and myself out from underneath. The last thing I heard before going under the water was my mom screaming for help. Somehow I held on to Brody the entire time and was able to swim with him to shore.

Off-duty park employees came along 15 minutes later to rescue our friends stranded on top of the fallen tree. We joked that mom was waiting around the corner at Dornans to chew us out. We knew she would be worried about us because she was always afraid of water. But when we came around that corner, cold and tired as the sun was going down, I saw her on the bank laying on the rock. A man saw her floating downstream, swam out to get her, and started CPR. But it was too late. She died in the river we all loved. I still can’t bring myself to go back there. 

My mother, my rock and best friend, was gone. I didn’t leave my house for a month. I couldn't function outside of taking care of myself and Brody, and I could barely do that. A large part of my heart died with her that day. 

I sold my share in the real estate company I helped to build and didn’t work for months. I just couldn’t help anyone else when I could barely help myself. 

I reached out for help and was diagnosed with PTSD. Our community has so many resources that I learned about during this time.

In 2016, I reconnected with a long time friend, Luke Smith, and we got married. He has been a wonderful step father to Brody.

The highs definitely drive me to keep going through the lows. I always seek out the next milestone and work hard to get there, knowing that even though there will be more lows along the way, I always make it through them with the support of my family, friends, and community. 

In the past, I’ve tried to hide the lows from public view—perhaps for fear of judgment or fear that I’d be met with a lack of empathy—but I realized that I have to share these low moments despite my fears. They’re inspiring to some, and for others, it lets them know they’re not alone.

I look forward to seeing you all at my community meet-ups and at the debates later in the year.

Professional Bio

Growing up in Jackson Hole, Devon Viehman embraced the cowgirl lifestyle with a drive and determination that foreshadowed her career to come. Beyond the rodeo arena, Devon built a name for herself as top-producer among valley Realtors, and garnered industry accolades throughout her sixteen-year career. In 2011, Realtor Magazine featured her as one of its Realtors to watch on “The 30 Under 30” national list. She served as the youngest-ever President of the Teton Board of Realtors in 2012 and was named Realtor of the Year by the Wyoming Association of Realtors the following year. 

Committed to development, Devon was elected as the Wyoming Association of Realtors 2018 President and serves on committees for the National Association of Realtors. She served as Chair for the NAR Land Use & Environment committee where they crafted climate change policy for Realtors to work with congress on. 

In 2022, she created the Community Housing Fund with the Teton Board of Realtors. It asks Realtors & their clients to make a meaningful contribution to affordable/workforce housing at every closing. To date, the fund has approached nearly $1m. Other communities are now following this lead and creating the same program for Realtors. 

Every quarter, she co-authors the Jackson Hole Report. She earned the 2021 Wyoming Woman of Influence Award for real estate, and is a former Teton County Planning Commissioner. Currently, she serves as the Regional Vice President for the National Association of Realtors. She is committed to seeing Jackson Hole grow in a smart, sustainable way. Her professional accomplishments are matched by the fulfillment she feels as a mother to her 16-year-old son.