The Ally Award is a distinguished recognition established in 2023, designed to honor exceptional individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and support to our team’s efforts. It celebrates those who have gone above and beyond in their contributions, showcasing dedication not only to our collective objectives and clients but also to the advancement of our mission and the overall enhancement of our work.

This award reflects our appreciation for the support and commitment that these outstanding members bring to our organization, helping to drive forward our initiatives and strengthen the core of our mission.

The creation of the Ally Award marks a commitment to acknowledging the remarkable efforts of those who play a pivotal role in our success, serving as a testament to the power of collaboration and support within our community.

Ally Award recipients are announced and honored at our Annual Meeting.

2025 Ally Award Winners

Alisa Herodes of Little Shell Tribe
Brock Cherry of City of Great Falls
Carolyn Jones of Montana Department of Commerce
Chad Moore of Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Colleen T. Goad of Malmstrom Air Force Base 341st Contracting Squadron
Conn P. McKelvey of Malmstrom Air Force Base 341st Contracting Squadron
Ed Brown of Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
Jason Seyler of Montana Department of Environmental Equality (DEQ)
Jesse Patton of City of Great Falls
John Goodnow of Benefis Health System
Nate Weisenburger of AE2S
Nathan Ohle of International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Olivia Kettenring of Montana Department of Commerce
Quincie Jones of Great Falls College
Russ Fletcher of Montana Associated Technology Roundtable (MATR)
Tracy Houck Jerman of Northrop Grumman
Sandra Dufresne of Economic Development Lethbridge
Shane Adams of Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce
Shannon Hoiland of Bravera Bank
Steve Zeier of Trinity Real Estate Advisors
Trevor Lewington of Economic Development Lethbridge

2024 Ally Award Winners

Adrian Doucette of Stockman Bank
Amber Gerber of Legacy Title of MT
Annie Banker of Stockman Bank
Becky Nelson of Great Falls Public Schools
Claude Smith of Montana Manufacturing Extension Center
Daniel Layton of USDA- Rural Development
Dave Smith of Sletten Construction
Herb Kulow Retired MT Board of Investment SSBCI Program
Jim Wingerter of Montana Department of Transportation
Karlee May of Urban Land Institute
Keith Cron of Hygienix
Lea McGiboney of USDA- Rural Development
Matt McKamey of Opportunity Bank
Randy Williams of Stockman Bank
Spencer Woith of Woith Engineering

2023 Ally Award Winners

Brad Talcott of James Talcott Construction
Craig Raymond, former director of the City of Great Falls Planning and Community Development
Erin Townsend of Bravera Bank
Frederick Van Den Abbeel of the Montama Department of Commerce
Jon Boutillier of Stockman Bank
Kari Lewis of MSU Cut Bank
Kassy Buss of Bjornson Jones and Magnus
Katie Willcockson of the Montana Department of Commerce
Mako Sakaguchi of the Montana Department of Commerce Japan
Matt Harrington of the Native American Community Development
Nathan Reiff of First Interstate Bank
Rebecca Engum of Great Falls Montana Tourism
Robin Rude of Montana Department of Revenue
Steve Dogiakos of Choteau Chamber of Commerce