MCVEF Board of Directors
President Bob Adams, Helena, is a former lawyer in both private and government practice, and a former high school history teacher, where he was a several-time recipient of a Distinguished Educator Award. Bob continues to work in his 37th summer as a seasonal Park Ranger in Glacier National Park, providing bear management, emergency medical and search and rescue services. Bob has extensive environmental and social justice involvements, as a former president of Montana Environmental Information Center, director of the Montana Wilderness Association’s Legal and Educational Fund, and a current a board member of The Angel Fund, providing charitable assistance and college scholarships to Helena public school students. Bob has been active in Montana Conservation Voters, and most recently has represented MCV at several state legislative and state land board hearings.
Vice President Janet Ellis, Helena, is a founder of Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund and Montana Conservation Voters, and is the Program Director of Montana Audubon. One of the most respected environmental advocates in Montana, Janet has thirty years of public policy and advocacy experience in habitat protection, water quality and public lands management. Janet most recently was part of a trio of leaders working successfully to stop a devastating “takings” ballot measure. Janet is a champion bird watcher, and in her spare time works politically for environmental candidates.
Treasurer Julia Page, Gardiner, is the former owner of the Yellowstone Raft Company, and an experienced conservation and environmental advocate. Julia a member of the Northern Plains Resource Council Board, a former Greater Yellowstone Coalition board member, a leader in the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce, and an active member of local conservation groups working to protect the Yellowstone eco system. Julia is a founder of MCVEF and MCV, and served on the Montana Conservation Voters Board of Directors. She is the first recipient of Montana Conservation Voters’ Distinguished Service Award.
Secretary Carol Haverlandt,Ulm, (near Great Falls) has been an MCV member for several years and has participated in various MCV legislative and candidate endorsement interviews activities. She works for the Montana Education Association - Montana Federation of Teachers as a field consultant serving north central area, including Great Falls. Carol retired from teaching after 28 years and was a finalist for Montana Teacher of the Year in 2005. She is involved in Montana Wilderness Association and has volunteered for Montana Women Vote. She loves hiking, skiing, gardening, reading and playing with her dog Murphy.
Director Matt Leow, Missoula, is a program associate with M & R Strategic Services, and an expert on renewable energy policy in Montana. He has extensive experience in door to door and phone canvassing, public policy advocacy on energy conservation and global warming, and public health protection. Matt was part of the team that successfully defended Montana’s citizen-approved ban on new cyanide leach mines, and is an expert on Montana’s ballot measure process. Prior to his work with M & R, Matt was a community organizer with Northern Plains Resource Council and directed Montana Public Interest Research Group. In his spare time, Matt works on an organic farm.
Director Daryl Beam, Billings, has been on the MCVEF Board for three years, and brings extensive non-profit fundraising experience. He is a realtor and small business man. An avid hiker, Daryl formerly chaired the local Montana Wilderness Association chapter and served on its statewide Board. Daryl and his wife Carol are also advocates of locally grown and produced food and household products. He has been active in the MCV/EF Yellowstone chapter on local conservation campaigns.
Director Michelle Stearns, Arlee, is a school counselor and community volunteer. She has been involved in doing MCVEF letters to the editor and public official meetings, as well as fundraising. She and her husband, Pat Smith, share a passion for the Montana outdoors. Michelle grew up on the headwaters of the Musselshell River. She received her graduate degree in counseling from MSU and began her counseling career in Missoula, where she has served on other community boards. Michelle also serves on the MCV Board of Directors.
Director Rich Day, Butte, worked for Montana Wildlife Federation as its Teaming with Wildlife Coordinator,was a founding member and leader of the Gallatin Wildlife Association, past president of MWF’s Board, and he also served on the National Wildlife Federation Board. He is also a leader of Trout Unlimited’s Butte chapter. Rich is also Vice Chairperson of the MCV Board of Directors, and has testified frequently before the legislature and state land board on a range of conservation and environmental issues.
