Hello my friends,

I hope you all have enjoyed this fabulous Montana summer! By the time you read this, the weather may have changed, but I am writing it at the end of July after enjoying some of the best Montana weather I can remember for a summer.

Thank you to all of you who joined us for our 2025 Montana Independent Bankers Convention and Trade Show held at Big Sky Resort. We had outstanding attendance this year. And speaking of weather, we couldn’t have asked for better weather for the three days. Probably the only complaint was that we had to have the classes and meetings inside rather than outside, enjoying Big Sky’s weather and beauty! I heard nothing but fun and enjoyment was had on the rafting trip, the golfing event and from folks who just got out, hiked and explored the mountain and surrounding area. We had excellent sessions put on by a variety of topic experts. Everyone had a fabulous time interacting with each other at our PAC auction, gala, receptions, meals and other fun events. If you were there, you know what a valuable experience it was. If you missed it, I am sorry and I hope you will make it a point to join us next year!

An absolutely bittersweet moment for me during the convention gala was getting to recognize our outgoing executive director, Jim Brown. As I have shared in previous articles, Jim and I have absolutely no family relationship despite our shared last name. However, when I joined the board of the MIB in 2017, Jim welcomed me with open arms as if I were a family member, just like he has done for the other new board members I have seen join our organization’s leadership team. Jim was incredibly passionate about the MIB’s mission and purpose and shared that with me. He helped show me the ropes and explained what was expected of a board member and how I could be most effective for the organization and for the community banks in our state. 

Jim also encouraged me to attend my first ICBA LIVE, which was an absolutely eye-opening experience. I haven’t missed one since. Jim also encouraged me to attend my first-ever ICBA Capital Summit to interact with our elected officials in Washington, D.C., and share with them the importance of community banking. I was incredibly nervous about meeting with our congressional delegates and knowing what to say. Still, Jim supported me and the other Montana attendees and ensured our voices were heard in D.C. Today, I feel very comfortable and confident in sitting down with our representatives and senators, both at the state and federal levels, thanks to all the mentorship Jim gave me. When I was asked to become an officer of the MIB, Jim once again stepped up and explained to me what my duties would look like and helped guide me through fulfilling those duties. 

And finally, as I stepped into the role of president of the Montana Independent Bankers, he was again right there by my side, helping ensure I was set up for success! Even writing these letters is one of the many things that Jim has helped coach me in and support me over the past year. (He didn’t help write this one or know what I was writing about.) As a leader of a community bank, I know how important community banks are to my hometown, our state and our country, but I think Jim understands that role of our banks even better. 

I am sad to see Jim go as our executive director, but I am so excited for him and proud of him as he moves to the next chapter of his life. I know, even though he won’t be serving in the role of executive director, he will still be one of the biggest supporters of community banking in the country and in our great state. Thank you, Jim, for everything you have done for me and the Montana Independent Bankers!

I am also super excited to welcome Shane Scanlon as our new executive director! Shane has a fabulous background in helping get things done with state and federal politicians. He is incredibly organized and will help lead the MIB through continued success as we continue to champion community banking.

As we head into fall, we have more opportunities for all of our community bankers to continue networking and growing their knowledge through MIB offerings. I would encourage all our female readers to attend the Women in Banking Conference that will be held Oct. 8-9 at the Springhill Suites in Bozeman. We get nothing but rave reviews on this event every year! As always, if there is anything I can do to better serve you please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am thankful for all of my fellow community bankers and community bank supporters!