WHO WE ARE
Leadership Montana is the premier leadership development program and alumni organization in our state.
About Leadership Montana
Through our unique educational programming, we gather some of the most accomplished minds to deeply discuss current issues facing Montana. At the same time, participants enhance their own leadership skills through our curriculum, Leading in Montana, designed specifically around our class members’ interests and needs.
Once participants complete the program, they join our esteemed alumni network consisting of the state’s most influential professionals. With an increased awareness and a commitment to service, our alumni shape Montana’s future with enhanced leadership skills and a deepened knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing Montana.
Honored and treasured alumna Barbara Braided Hair
Learning from alumni.
Learning from community leaders.
Our Mission
Leadership Montana exists to develop leaders committed to building a better Montana through knowledge, collaboration, and civility.
Our Leadership Team
Click on photo for full biography.
Kelly Heaton
Executive Director
Red Lodge
Core Values: Hope, Honesty/Integrity, Love, Trust, Curiosity
kelly@leadershipmontana.org
Heather Collins
Development Director
Bozeman
Core Values: Family, Love, Empathy, Respect, Happiness
heather@leadershipmontana.org
Kass Thompson
Program Manager
Bozeman
Core Values: Connection, Curiosity, Growth, Health, Gratitude
kass@leadershipmontana.org
Our Trainers and Consultants
Click on photo for full biography.
Carmen McSpadden
Flagship Class Trainer
Bozeman
Core Values: Family, Curiosity, Trust, Authenticity, Joy
Hatton Littman
Gracious Space Director
Missoula
Core Values: Wisdom, Love, Beauty, Honesty/Integrity, Family
Laurence (Lanny) Hubbard
Associate Trainer
Helena
Core Values: Family, Happiness, Competence, Open-mindedness, Honesty/Integrity
Board of Governors
Darrell Hirsch (2020, Masters 2026)
Commercial Loan Manager, First Interstate Bank, Chair
Terri Cheff (2020, Masters 2023)
Senior Manager – Applications, Washington Corporations, Vice Chair
Kacie Tollefson (2024, Masters 2026)
Executive VP of Finance & Administration, Montana Community Foundation, Treasurer
Julie Jenkinson (2015, Masters 2020)
Senior VP Insurance Services, State Compensation Insurance Fund, Past Chair
Barb Cestero (2015, Masters 2020, III 2023)
Montana State Director, The Wilderness Society
Anthony (Tony) Flynn (2015, Masters 2022)
Supervisor – Credit, Collections and Remittance, Northwestern Energy
Aimee Grmoljez (2012, Masters 2022)
Partner Lawyer/Lobbyist, Crowley Fleck
Anne Hughes (2012, Masters 2022)
Chief Operating Officer, Missoula County
Courtney McKee (2019, Masters 2020)
Operations Manager, Headwaters Tech Hub
Josh Pallister (2021, Masters 2023)
Senior Security Specialist, Montana State Fund
Camila (Cami) Skinner (2015, Masters 2023)
Principal, Seitz Insurance Agency
Jim Swan (2021, Masters 2023, III 2023)
CEO, RJS & Associates, INC.
Kurt Toenjes (2024)
Dean of the College of Health Professions and Science (CHPS), Montana State University Billings
Ben Thiem (2023, Masters 2024)
Director of Development and Partnerships, Montana West Economic Development
Travis Yuzik (2023)
Custodian in Fabrication, Atomic Industries
Leadership Montana Board of Governor Applications are OPEN!
Each year, we have multiple positions open at the end of our fiscal year as board terms expire. Please consider joining our fun group of engaged professionals working to advance our shared mission! Board terms are three years with a maximum of 2 terms. You can review the Board of Governors job description here. If you are interested in serving, please click on this link to fill out our Board Application. Applications are always open, interviews begin in February, selections are made in May, and terms begin July 1. If you have any questions, please email kelly@leadershipmontana.org
Gracious Space
A spirit and a setting where we invite the “stranger” and learn in public.
Gracious Space is an integral aspect of Leadership Montana curriculum. For Montana to move forward we need to know how to learn the perspective of all groups so we can all continue to live and thrive in the last best place. The Gracious Space curriculum developed by the Center for Ethical Leadership in Seattle, WA, is a framework to work better together around critical issues. Gracious Space creates a container that can hold your hardest conversations and most challenging issues. Gracious Space is most powerful and most needed when conflict is present.
Want to learn more about Gracious Space? Would you like to introduce Gracious Space to your business or organization? You can contact the Leadership Montana office or one of the Leadership Montana Alumni that have been certified as Gracious Space facilitators.
