The Ally Award is a distinguished recognition established in 2023, designed to celebrate and recognize the individuals and partners who consistently go above and beyond in their support of our work.
These are the people we turn to when challenges arise, those we can rely on to show up, offer thoughtful solutions, and stand with us in both the big moments and the behind-the-scenes efforts that make our work possible.
This award honors those who lend their time, expertise, and resources without hesitation.
The creation of the Ally Award reflects our deep appreciation for the power of collaboration and partnership. It is our way of recognizing the people who not only believe in what we do, but who actively contribute to making it happen.
Their commitment strengthens our impact, fuels our progress, and reminds us that we never do this work alone.
Your commitment is woven into everything we’ve accomplished. Thank you to our incredible Allies!
Ally Award recipients are announced and honored at our Annual Meeting.
Meet the GFDA Ally Award winners:
2025 Ally Award Winners
- Alisa Herodes of The Little Shell Tribe
- Brock Cherry of The City of Great Falls
- Carolyn Jones of the MT Dept of Commerce
- Chad Moore of The MT Dept of Commerce, SBDC
- Colleen T. Goad of Malmstrom AFB 341st Contracting Squadron
- Conn P. McKelvey of Malmstrom AFB 341st Contracting Squadron
- Ed Brown of Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
- Jason Seyler of Department of Environmental Quality
- Jesse Patton of the City of Great Falls
- John Goodnow of Benefis Health System
- Nate Weisenburg of AE2S
- Nathan Ohle of the International Economic Development Council
- Olivia Kettenring of MT Department of Commerce
- Quincie Jones of the Great Falls College
- Russ Fletcher of the Montana Associated Technology Roundtable
- Sandra Dufresne & Trevor Lewington of Economic Development Lethbridge
- Shane Adams of the Shelby Area Chamber of Commerce
- Shannon Hoiland of Bravera Bank
- Steve Zeier of Trinity Real Estate Advisors
- Tracy Jerman of Northrop Grumman
2024 Ally Award Winners
- Annie Banker of Stockman Bank
- Keith Cron of Hygienix
- Adrian Doucette of Stockman Bank
- Amber Gerber of Legacy Title of MT
- Herb Kulow Retired MT Board of Investment SSBCI Program
- Daniel Layton of USDA- Rural Development
- Karlee May of Urban Land Institute
- Lea McGiboney of USDA- Rural Development
- Matt McKamey of Opportunity Bank
- Becky Nelson of Great Falls Public Schools
- Claude Smith of Montana Manufacturing Extension Center
- Dave Smith of Sletten Construction
- Randy Williams of Stockman Bank
- Jim Wingerter of Montana Department of Transportation
- 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