Kim Gardner, NASW Montana Chapter’s outgoing Secretary, and Tamara Tolleson-Knee, Chair of the Chapter’s Nominations and Leadership Committee, have announced the results of the 2011 Board election. Assuming new Board positions as of July 1, 2011 are Michael Hagenlock of Belgrade (elected in 2010), who moves from President-Elect to President; Kelly Downing of Helena, who comes on the Board as Secretary; Meegan Bryce of Missoula, who comes on as University of Montana Student Representative; Gary Woodcock of Ronan, who comes on as Salish Kootenai College Student Representative; and Katelyn Harlow of Missoula, who comes on as Walla Walla University Student Representative. Re-elected to his position on the Board was Dennis Muri of Billings, Eastern Region Representative. The Montana Chapter congratulates each of these new and returning Board members.

Of our 505 active members who received ballots, 63 members cast their votes – a 12.5% response (slightly down from last year’s voting participation). Board President Michael Hagenlock hopes to increase participation of members and candidates in the election of 2012.

NASW Montana Board Extends heartfelt thank you to departing board members and our Nominations and Leadership Committee Chair

The NASW Montana Board of Directors voted to extend a heartfelt thank you to those Board members who have left after serving their terms on the Board: Margaret Watson, President, 2009-2011; Kim Gardner, Secretary, 2009-2011; Shirley Howell, Northwest Region Representative, 2010-2011; and Megan Lavin, Walla Walla University Student Representative, 2010-2011. The NASW Montana Board of Directors also wishes to thank our Nominations and Leadership Committee chair and member, Tammy Tolleson-Knee and Diane Haddon. Thank you, Margaret, Kim, Shirley and Megan along with Tammy and Diane!

Board and Nominations and Leadership Committee Applicants Sought

The Nominations & Leadership Committee is now seeking applicants for the Northwest Region Representative Board position. Regional Representatives serve a 2 year term, and our North West Region encompasses all of the north west corner of Montana from Kalispell, north and west and the Flathead Lake area down to Ronan.

Interested members of the NASW Montana Chapter should contact John Wilkinson @ 406 449-6208, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or Tammy Tolleson-Knee (406) 721-6416, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) . Application forms can be completed on line or printed from the chapter website, www.naswmt.org.

Position descriptions for Chapter officers and Board positions are available through this link: Chapter Board Position Descriptions.