MCV Education Fund Staff
Hannah Chessin, Eastern Montana Organizer
Hannah grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho and moved to Missoula in 2007 to attend the University of Montana. She has just finished her undergraduate in Political Science, and plans to continue to law school where she will study environmental law. Hannah discovered her love of politics from her many years of debate, and her desire to protect the environment from her time spent camping and hiking in the Tetons and the City of the Rocks.
Sarah Cobler, Program Associate
Sarah works half-time for MCVEF out of its Missoula office, providing outreach and public education to the University of Montana student community, and the Flathead Conservation Roundtable. She is completing her masters in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana, and is an active volunteer with a sustainable agriculture community group “Grow Montana.” Cobler also coordinates MCVEF’s Civic Engagement and Voter Participation Program and Government Accountability Project in the western third of Montana.
Eric Halstvedt, Database Administrator
Eric is responsible for the List Enhancement Project, data base management, coordinates direct mails and volunteers, and provides administrative support to the MCVEF board, committees and staff. Eric also undertakes design and layout for several MCVEF publications and web site. He has extensive computer data base experience and is trained in international business.
Theresa Keaveny, Executive Director
Theresa is responsible for program development, budget development and fundraising, and coordinates the MCVEF’s Citizens Media and Message Program.
She has been a community organizer and director of rural environmental organizations in the Dakotas and high plains since 1982. Keaveny also has extensive political experience, having worked on several legislative and statewide political campaigns and ballot measures pertaining to out-of-state waste, tax reform and sustainable agriculture.
She is an active member of two local conservation groups and the local food co-op, and is the Co-Chairperson of the Federation of State Conservation Voter Leagues, serving on its Board since 2000.
Ross Prosperi, Community Organizer
Ross is MCVEF’s newest staff member working out of the Missoula office. He started as the Western Montana Canvass Director for the 2006 mid-term elections when MCV helped elect Jon Tester to the U.S. Senate.
He received his undergraduate degree in international business management with a minor in environmental studies and is certified in non-profit administration from the University of Montana. Most of his political and non-profit experience was gained from his work with Montana Public Interest Research Group and serving two terms as a student body Senator for the Associated Students of the University of Montana.
Trish Schertz, Bookkeeper
Trish works part time and is responsible for managing MCV and MCVEF's accounts receivables and payables, data base entry, gift acknowledgments, assisting with compliance reports, and office supplies.
Joe Splinter, Development Director
Joe has been on the board of directors for Not In Our Town and Bike Net since 2009 and worked for Community Organizations in Action in Billings before joining MCV. Previously, Joe was a Grants Administrator with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,a board member with Therapeutic Health Services in Seattle and a Peace Corp Volunteer. Joe has a BS in Psychology from Carroll College in Waukesha, WI.
Jeanne Marie Souvigney, Consultant
Jeanne is MCVEF's liaison with The Heat Is On Campaign which encourages national elected officials to lead America to a new energy future. The Heat Is On has staff in 13 states, from coast to coast, all working to make strong federal global warming legislation a reality.
