HAPPENINGS

Announcements

Thank You, Anna! 

We have some news to share! Our Program Director of nearly 10 years, Anna Berg, is leaving our Leadership Montana nest soon and embarking on a new career path. Anna has helped strengthen our premier leadership program and her legacy will live on in perpetuity through all of our alumni and future cohorts. To say we are sad is an understatement AND we are equally excited for her as she enters this next chapter in her life. Happy graduation Anna, and THANK YOU for your commitment and service to all of us and our beautiful state! You will always be a part of our LMT Family.

Check Out Our Newsletter!

You can scroll down to find our newsletters from this month and previous. Check out our February 2025 Newsletter here.

Are you not receiving this newsletter? Make sure to check your Junk Folder and if you are not receiving it still, email casey@leadershipmontana.org.

Leadership Montana Board of Governor Applications are OPEN!

We have four positions opening at the end of our fiscal year and we hope you consider this opportunity. Apply here at this link: https://forms.gle/JwH8MW9XEjNhnFNJ9

Questions? Email kelly@leadershipmontana.org!

Nomination Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FJ6RYLY

Nominate a Deserving Alumni Today for one of these awards:

Leadership Montana receives the 2024 Force for Common Good Award

The MT Chapter of the Association for Fundraising Professionals and the MT Nonprofit Association honored us with this speech at the awards banquet:

This year’s Force for Common Good Award is presented to Leadership Montana, an organization that has profoundly impacted our state by fostering collaboration, community engagement, and leadership development. Leadership Montana’s mission—to develop leaders committed to building a better Montana through knowledge, collaboration, and civility—drives everything they do. Their work goes beyond training leaders; they cultivate a network of passionate changemakers dedicated to improving Montana for all.

At the heart of their efforts is the Leadership Montana Flagship program, designed to elevate leadership skills and connect participants with a remarkable group of changemakers statewide. Through unique educational programming, participants engage in deep discussions on current issues facing Montana while enhancing their own leadership skills through the “Leading in Montana” curriculum, tailored to their interests and needs. Graduates join an esteemed alumni network of the state’s most influential professionals, equipped with an increased awareness, commitment to service, and the skills to shape Montana’s future.

Last year alone, Leadership Montana hosted 32 events with 696 people attending, demonstrating their commitment to providing continuous learning and engagement opportunities. In addition to their Flagship program, Leadership Montana offers special programs such as The Confluence and the Lessons in Leadership speaker series, which further provide training and development for Montanans across the state. By encouraging collaboration, inspiring action, and fostering a deep sense of responsibility toward the common good, Leadership Montana has become a vital force in shaping Montana’s future.

Tonight, we are honored to have Heather Collins, Development Director, and board member Anne Hughes here to accept this award on behalf of Leadership Montana. This award is presented in partnership with the Montana Nonprofit Association, recognizing the outstanding contributions of Leadership Montana as a true Force for Common Good.

Leadership Montana Awards $41,000 in Scholarships to Flagship Program Participants

Leadership Montana is excited to announce the awarding of $41,000 in scholarships to participants of the 2025 Flagship Program, which begins in September. Read more about it in our Press Release by clicking here.

Membership Dues!

We are pleased to announce that Leadership Montana Membership Dues will now be aligned with a July to June cycle. If you’ve already renewed your Membership Dues, rest assured, your membership will remain active until July 2025.

Stay tuned for our brand-new Membership Dues Benefits Package, featuring exclusive deals and discounts from your fellow LMT Alumni Organizations. Currently you will receive:

• Scholarship Contributions: At least 10% of your dues contribute to Flagship and alumni scholarships, empowering future leaders within our community. We have currently raised over $2000 for scholarships!
• Event Privileges: Enjoy discounts and early registration for all events, including the much-anticipated return of the Women’s Leadership Forum & Confluence.
• FREE Alumni Events: Continue to be part of our vibrant community by participating in various alumni gatherings at no additional cost.
• Investing in Future Leaders: Your support ensures that the Leadership Montana experience remains accessible to aspiring leaders, contributing to the growth and prosperity of Montana.
• Supporting Programs: Your dues directly support Flagship & Masters programming, encompassing dedicated staff and skilled trainers who elevate the Leadership Montana experience.
• Alumni Network: Engage through our Alumni Portal, Facebook Page, and Newsletter consistently!
• Share your open job/position descriptions with the alumni network.
• Receive these deals from businesses around Montana:
  • Bluebird Law: Discount of $250 on our Estate Planning Services
  • Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium: 1 FREE Ticket (Value of $10)
  • RSVP Motel: 15% discount at the RSVP Motel
  • Black Orchid Yoga & Cycle in Billings & Bozeman: 10% Off Any Credit Package or 6 Month Package
  • Esprit Health Clinic and Medi Spa in Sidney & Billings: Exclusive Discount

Become a Membership Dues Package Partner

Provide additional value to our active alumni who have paid their Membership Dues, while simultaneously giving your business significant exposure to our vibrant community of nearly 900 alumni.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! If your organization is interested in participating, please email casey@leadershipmontana.org.

Our Blog

Alumni Awards

Tom Scott Award for Excellence in Leadership

The award, named in honor of the founder of Leadership Montana, was created as the highest honor for an individual who has made substantial, significant, and lasting contributions to Leadership Montana. Each year the Board of Governors selects this individual to recognize their dedication to the organization and its mission. This award is not available to current board or staff members.

Recipients

2024 – Chris Warden
2023 – Chantel Schieffer
2023 – Dr. Gerald Evans
2022 – Amy Kellogg
2021 – Lanny Hubbard
2020 – Brenda Peterson
2019 – Mike O’Neill
2018 – Chad Lippert
2017 – Bruce Whittenberg
2016 – Ron Sexton
2015 – Mike Halligan
2014 – Carol Donaldson
2013 – Tom Scott

Mike O’Neill Alumni Service Award

The Leadership Montana Alumni Service Award recognizes and promotes alumni service to support the Leadership Montana program and/or alumni activities. The award recognizes a Leadership Montana Alumnus who has used their leadership skills, knowledge, and resources to benefit Leadership Montana.

Recipients

2024 – Jackie Atkins
2023 – Indigenous Advisory Committee
2022 – Leslie Messer
2021 – Eric Halverson
2020 – Jim Bliss
2019 – Inaugural Men’s Retreat Planning Committee
2018 – Heather Collins
2017 – John Carmody
2016 – Chad Lippert
2015 – Carmen McSpadden
2014 – Mike O’Neill

Barbara Braided Hair Alumni Leadership Award

The Leadership Montana Alumni Leadership Award recognizes and promotes community involvement. The award recognizes a Leadership Montana Alumnus who has had a significant impact at the local or state level, demonstrates outstanding leadership in keeping with and expanding the Leadership Montana philosophy in their community or the state, and serves as an example of leadership for others.

Recipients

2024 – Rhonda Safford
2023 – Juanita Vero
2022 – Chuck Winn
2021 – Marci McLean
2020 – Courtney McKee
2019 – Hatton Littman
2018 – Jen Hensley
2017 – Michael Sanderson
2016 – Eric Hyyppa
2015 – Duane Ankney
2014 – Barbara Braided Hair

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