HAPPENINGS
Stay up to date with Leadership Montana’s current events, blogs, and newsletters.
Announcements
Check Out Our Newsletter!
You can scroll down to find our newsletters from this month and previous. Check out our September 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 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.
Reaching the Summit-Important Financial Update!
As I reflect on my first year as the leader of this wonderful organization, there are many emotions I’m feeling, and the two that stand out are gratitude and pride. Last October, I shared our financial challenges and the large hill we had to climb to get past them. I asked you all to climb with me and you all STEPPED UP. Yes, I had my doubts and I was scared, but with the groundswell of support, the teamwork, and sheer Montana grit, WE DID IT!
We started out nearly $300k in the red and are now sitting on top of the hill at over $350k in the black. Our revenue this year was $1.1M, surpassing our $1M goal! From the summit, looking down on all the crags and crevices we navigated, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all of you. To our board and staff team, our alumni, our supporters, my first Flagship class graduates, and my extremely supportive husband Matt; I am in awe of our accomplishment. The board and staff had our last recovery team meeting call today and there were many “goosebump moments” thinking about where we’ve been and the relief of where we are now. We are capable of so much when we work together. We are a force and my heart is swelling with pride for my LMT Family. THANK YOU for caring, for believing in us, and for continuing to help us develop leaders to build a better Montana. I can’t wait to see what we can do together this next year, the sky is truly the limit.
Climbing this figurative mountain and climbing the literal mountain to Everest Base Camp were both journeys that were extremely difficult for me, AND I wouldn’t change one thing about either experience, it was all worth every single step. And while I know I have to descend, I think I’ll stay up here for a while and enjoy the view.
Wishing you all a wonderful Montana summer with all the amazing views!
Remembering Sharon Peterson: A Pillar of Leadership Montana
It is with profound sadness that we inform our Leadership Montana family of the passing of Sharon Peterson, an important visionary in our organization.
Sharon’s journey with Leadership Montana began as a member of the original organizing committee, formed by Tom Scott, our primary founder. She then served as Associate Director from 2003 to 2010 and as Co-Executive Director, with Bruce Whittenberg, from 2010 to 2011. She and Bruce laid the foundation and her dedication and vision were instrumental in shaping the growth of Leadership Montana, significantly contributing to the betterment of our state.
There will be a Memorial Service held for Sharon on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 1:30PM at Hilands Golf Club in Billings, MT. You can view her obituary here.
In this photo, Sharon (far right) had just shared her invaluable insights as a panelist at the 2023 Confluence in Billings, reflecting on her impactful experiences with Leadership Montana and her legacy as a leader in our community. Also pictured left to right are Don Sterhan, Mary Hernandez, and Mike Halligan.
Membership Dues Update!
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.
Events
LMT Live: All Types of Leadership – LGBTQ+
Join Leadership Montana on National Coming Out Day, Friday, October 11th, for a virtual event exploring LGBTQIA+ leadership as part of our “All Types of Leadership” series. In this conversation, Aaron Kampfe (Flagship 2009), Kim Spurzem (Flagship 2024), and Lester Bracey (Flagship 2025) will share their leadership journeys, touching on the challenges they’ve faced, their sources of inspiration, and the role diversity plays in shaping their teams. The event will provide valuable insights into leadership growth, authenticity, and collaboration. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community, an ally, or interested in leadership, this discussion is designed to inspire and connect.
WHEN: Friday, October 11th from 12-1:30 PM
WHERE: Zoom!
COST: FREE
LMT Lives for 2024-2025
Excited to announce the 2024-2025 LMT Live Schedule! Join us for a year of inspiring and informative virtual programming from Leadership Montana, featuring a diverse range of topics and leaders.
Have any ideas for the next LMT Live? Submit them by CLICKING HERE.
- LMT Live: All Types of Leadership – LGBTQ+ with Aaron Kampfe, Kim Spurzem, & Lester Bracey!
- October 11th from 12-1:30 PM
- Zoom
- LMT Live: A Conversation about Property Tax with Josh Slotnick live from the Flagship Classroom
- November 20th from 12-1:30 PM
- Zoom
- State of the World Conversation with Katie Dasinger & Roubie Younkin
- January 9th from 12-1:30 PM
- Zoom
- LMT Live: A Community Conversation about the Sandfire Black Butte Copper Mine Project with Nancy Schlepp, Cassie Coburn, Katie Boedecker, & Munya Majongwe
- February 5th from 12-1:30 PM
- Zoom
- LMT Live: All Types of Leadership – Manufacturing with Travis Yuzik & more!
- March 5th from 12-1 PM
- Zoom
- State of the World Conversation with Katie Dasinger & Courtney McKee
- April 3rd from 12-1:30 PM
- Zoom
- LMT Live: All Types of Leadership – Indigenous Leaders with Jim Swan, Shelly Fyant, Tommy Robinson, & more!
- April 17th from 12-1 PM
- Zoom
- LMT Live: All Types of Leadership – Technology with Terri Cheff, Chris Dahl, Eric Franzon, & more!
- May 13th from 12-1 PM
- Zoom
Please reach out to casey@leadershipmontana.org if you are interested in speaking on one of these panels.
2024 Women’s Leadership Forum: December 4-5
Link to register! Open to LMT Alumni or Current Class Members Only!
The room block rate is $189.00 + fees. That cost includes access to the hot springs. Instructions on booking rooms will be sent to registered participants.
- 30 days or less before: no refund
- 31 or more days before: 50% refund minus the refund fees
Gracious Space Mastery
If you are interested in:
- Deepening your practice of Gracious Space,
- teaching this practice to others,
- or using in a strategic way with your team, we invite you to consider training to be a certified facilitator.
Patricia Hughes offers mastery trainings in Seattle and virtually every year. In-person trainings are two days long, virtual courses occur in 4 separate multi-hour sessions. Several deliverables are required to complete the certification.
If you are interested in this training, please complete this interest form. For more information, please contact Hatton Littman at 406-600-6076 or hatton@leadershipmontana.org.
This training is available to alumni of the Leadership Montana Flagship programs.
New Executive Director
Leadership Montana is proud to announce the hiring of our next Executive Director, Kelly Heaton of Red Lodge. Kelly joined the team on June 1.
Read more about Kelly here and connect with her by email kelly@leadershipmontana.org.
LMT Live Archive
Disclaimer: We are not professional Zoomers. Please forgive any chunkiness.
As a reminder, some of these are educational sessions and do not reflect the views or opinions of LMT as an organization. We remain nonpartisan and encourage everyone to listen, learn, lead, invite the stranger/difference and learn in public.
Have any ideas for the next LMT Live? Submit them by CLICKING HERE.
Alumni Connection Call – Reflection & Looking Forward
Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship (only last 20 minutes)
Higher Education Demographic Cliff in Montana
Power & Energy Resources in Montana
Youth Leadership Development in Sports
Gracious Space with Patricia Hughes
Ethics and Social Responsibility with Dr. Gerald Evans
Personal and Professional Resilience with Aaron Pratt
Human Trafficking in Montana with Paula Eberling
Situational Leadership with Shannon Stober
Coping with Stress in a Pandemic with Diane Conti
Budget and Federal Stimulus with Llew Jones
Leading in Crisis with Frank Garner
Public Service and Leadership with Kyle Waterman
Building Context for Effective Leadership with Shannon Stober
INTENTIONAL CIVILITY SPECIAL SERIES
Listen Deeply with Courtney McKee
Smile with Amy Kellogg Unfortunately this recording only has the audio, which is ironic we know since we’re talking about “Smile”. We’re sorry.
Show Concern for Others with Leonard Malin
Empower Others with Anne Hughes
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