Tom Jacobson Tom Jacobson joined Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Montana (CCCS) as President and Chief Executive Officer in September of 2003. His responsibilities include providing strategic direction for the development and administration of CCCS initiatives, programs, policy agendas, and public relations efforts. He has led this 40 year old non-profit agency into expanding its credit counseling programs to assist consumers as they move along an economic continuum from dependence to independence. CCCS is instrumental in helping individuals and communities across the Northern Plains region recognize a vision for personal and collective economic growth. As a reflection of the strategic direction under Tom’s leadership, CCCS has a new corporate name, Rural Dynamics Incorporated. Tom earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business administration from the University of Great Falls and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Wyoming. Most recently he serves on the Board of Directors for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, he is the Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Montana Nonprofit Association, and is a charter board member Montana Financial Education Coalition. Tom is an adjunct faculty member in the graduate studies program at the University of Great Falls. Karen Heisler Representative Shannon Augare Jolene Bach Jolene Bach has been with Rural Dynamics Incorporated since December 2006. She coordinates marketing and advertising. press releases and media contacts, state association partnerships, website development, intranet development including discussion boards, contact management program, publications, speaking engagements, and all communication and branding activities in support of the RDI/CCCS mission. Jolene graduated from the University of Montana in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communications and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing. Throughout college, she held an internship with the state-wide accounting firm of Junkermier, Clark, Campanella, Stevens, P.C. Upon graduation she was hired as their Marketing Coordinator. While at the accounting firm she oversaw newsletter publication and distribution in both print and electronic media, placed advertisements and submitted press releases to media across Montana, worked with state associations for conventions and speaking engagements, co-coordinated the Montana Profit Enhancement Symposium in both 2001 and 2002, and maintained the firm’s website. In 2003 Jolene was hired by the University of Great Falls as Director of Marketing and Communications. At UGF her duties included web development and maintenance; newsletters design and production for a variety of audiences including students, alumni, partners, faculty and staff which was distributed electronically through printed hard copy; brochure development; advertising and marketing; media relations and press releases; proposal development and other branding initiatives. Christina Barsky Christina Barsky is the program manager for Tax Help Montana and the Bridge to Benefits program.She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She received a BA from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York in English [concentration in poetry writing] and Political Science. She also studied abroad at Regents College in London and at Oxford University. Christina moved to Montana to become an AmeriCorps VISTA in 2006. Michelle C. DuBray Michelle C. DuBray was hired as the Community Liaison for the Northern Plains Initiative in October of 2007. Michelle joins RDI with a background of management and development work for Native non-profit organizations having worked for the InterTribal Bison Cooperative, Native American Fish & Wildlife Society, California Indian Legal Services, and the Native American Rights Fund. Adam Gill Lauri Abeyta Lauri Abeyta has been with Rural Dynamics Incorporated since February 2007. She assists in the coordination of marketing and advertising, press releases and media contacts, state association partnerships, website development, intranet development including discussion boards, contact management program, publications, and all communication and branding activities in support of the RDI/CCCS mission. Lauri graduated from the University of Great Falls in May 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Throughout college, she held an internship at the University of Great Falls Public Information and Marketing Department which developed into a position as the Communications Coordinator. At the University of Great Falls she oversaw a weekly student newsletter, placed media advertisements and press releases to media throughout Montana, assisted in maintaining the university website, database building and maintenance, and brochure development. Jennifer Crowe After years of being a business owner Jennifer went to work as WY State Director of CCCS. During this period she had the privilege of going through the Kellogg Leadership training and help to facilitate a number of the regions Plain's Talks. Jennifer believed strongly in the vision that was created during this process and eventually took the position as Community Liaison for the Northern Plains Initiative. Lynda Sowell Lynda Sowell joined the team at Rural Dynamics in June, 2008. She was hired for the new position of Individual Development Account Program Manager. Prior to joining RDI, Lynda worked in the field of social services for 16 years. During this time she developed innovative programs and services for youth and families involved with foster care. Lynda provided direct services for youth in Montana ages 16 to 21 in preparation for Independent Living. Lynda is a part-time student and will graduate next year from the University of Great Falls with a degree in Sociology. Liz Stuewe Liz Stuewe will be working with public policy for Rural Dynamics, focusing on issues of education, community infrastructure, the environment and housing. She is a 6th generation Kansan and graduated from the University of Kansas in 2008 with degrees in Political Science and American Studies and concentrations in Service Learning and Women’s Studies. Liz’s past experience includes 7 years on the Kids Voting Kansas state board, a non-profit dedicated to civic engagement and 2 years developing programming for the Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center at the University of Kansas.
Steve Davis Steve Davis is an AmeriCorps VISTA for 2008-2009. His work is focused on Indian Country Policy. Steve graduated from the University of Rochester in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Statistics. While at college, Steve had an internship with Metro Justice, a community advocacy organization in Rochester, N.Y. He organized campaigns for a number of social justice issues, such as more equitable economic development policies and a more democratic state government. Seth Lutter Seth Lutter is an Americorp VISTA working for Rural Dynamics Inc. his focus as a VISTA is on Montana’s heath care systems and to find better avenues of public and low-income service. In 2007 he received his BA in History, with a focus on Cold War politics, at the University of West Florida. Seth is a published novelist, and newspaper writer, and has a massive collection of 1970s clip-on ties. |