Leadership Montana alumni in action: Brenda Peterson, Class of 2008, Masters Class of 2019
Sunni Heikes-Knapton
Sunni Heikes-Knapton
May 27, 2020
A woman leans her head back and laughs
Alumni Awards: Courtney McKee and Jim Bliss
August 30, 2020
A smiling woman rests her chin on her hand and leans forward

ALUMNI IN ACTION

Brenda Peterson, Class of 2008, Masters Class of 2019

Tom Scott Award for Leadership Excellence
Brenda Peterson, Class of 2008, Masters Class of 2019, President/CEO of the Wendt AgencyA smiling woman rests her chin on her hand and leans forward

This award, named in honor of the founder of Leadership Montana, was created as
the ultimate recognition for an individual who, through their actions, has demonstrated extraordinary leadership on issues affecting our state and organization, and these actions have led or will lead to the enhancement or sustainability of Leadership Montana
“Brenda, Class of 2008 and Masters 2019, served on the LM Board for two full terms and served as our first female Board Chair in 2017. Before serving as Chair, she was instrumental to our success and longevity by serving as the Chair of our Development Committee.

Traditionally, this is an advisory role but when our organization was in serious threat of closure due to lack of funding and multiple changes in leadership, Brenda served a very hands-on approach to our fundraising. Brenda had to actually write many of the grant applications for our sponsors and the language she crafted is still used today by our team.
She is widely credited for helping to ensure that when our new leader was in place
in 2014, we had enough money in the bank to sustain operations for at least a few months. It is upon that foundation that our current financial health was built.

When serving as Chair, Brenda did so with grace and innovation. It was through Brenda’s leadership that our team was able to take LM from a slightly stable organization to one that created new programs like the Masters Class and men’s and women’s retreats. Her support of and leadership to our both CEO and Board allowed us to move quickly into stability and growth.” – Leslie Messer