It is once again time to vote for MEIC’s board members. Only MEIC members can vote in the MEIC board election. MEIC members are those who have contributed financially or with volunteerism within the last year. If you have questions or concerns about your ballot or the process of voting, contact Maghan at mstrachan[at]meic.org.
Please cast up to 9 votes at this link: https://tinyurl.com/MEICBoard2025
Learn more about the candidates here:
Jessie Big Knife
he/him, Havre
I have been honored to serve as a board member for MEIC. I was raised on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, located in Northcentral Montana, and am a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe. From an early age, I developed a strong connection to the environment and a deep bond to Montana’s landscapes and ecosystems. In 2019, I earned my Juris Doctorate from Arizona State University, along with a certificate in Federal Indian Law. I was appointed as the Attorney General of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, and during my tenure, I acquired a diverse array of experience in a variety of practice areas that included environmental law, tribal natural and cultural resources, Indian education law and policy, economic development, and the development of tribal codes and ordinances. I recently joined Dragonfly Law Group P.C. as an associate attorney. Inspired by the natural beauty of my home Rocky Boy and my deeply-rooted connection to the land, I’m committed to promoting a clean and healthful environment. I am passionate about helping Montanans address the challenges of climate change and believe in protecting one of life’s most vital aspects: the environment in which we all live.
Rob Farris-Olsen
he/him, Helena
I grew up in Helena before going away to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies – chemistry and a law degree from the University of Montana School of Law, with a certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources law. For the last 10 years, I’ve worked at Morrison Sherwood Wilson Deola, PLLP in Helena, where I handle a wide variety of cases including challenging subdivisions and gravel pits based on environmental concerns. I also served as a Helena City Commissioner and a State Representative for House District 79. Beyond that, I’m a proud father and husband, with two young kids. In each of these endeavors, and my private life, I’ve worked to make Montana a better place for my family and community. I’m excited to now be on the board of MEIC to help ensure that our fundamental right to a Clean and Healthful Environment is not degraded, and our landscapes are protected for generations to come.
Grace Gibson-Snyder
she/her, Missoula
I’m so grateful to have grown up in Montana. I want to be sure this wonderful place exists for my entire life and for future generations. Beginning in high school, I became involved with environmental work across the state, including lots of local projects in Missoula, working first as an intern with MEIC and now serving on the board, and serving as a plaintiff in the Held v. Montana constitutional lawsuit. Now that I’m nearing the end of college, I am grateful to continue contributing to MEIC’s work, a pillar of strength and consistency in Montana’s environmental protection. I’m doing my best to contribute a young perspective to the conversations and decisions that shape the organization’s direction. Perhaps more importantly, I am continually grateful for this opportunity to learn from incredible environmentalists, community members, and people who love our state.
Mary McNally
she/her, Billings
I grew up in New England and moved to Billings 38 years ago. My journey to Montana included years in the Midwest and three years on the Rosebud Reservation, where I fell in love with the Great Plains. I have degrees in Urban Studies, Business, and Economic Geography and taught for 29 years at MSU-Billings. My long-term professional and political interest has been to bridge the false dichotomy between a clean and healthy environment and economic well-being. I pursued that as a Professor, and it eventually led me to run for the Montana House in 2010. I served in the House and Senate until 2022. I am frankly in awe of the work the MEIC does, and has done, for the past 50 years. I relied on their expertise when I was in the legislature trying to decipher the chaos that is Montana energy politics. The more I learned, the more I was impressed by the organization, the focus on clean air and water and a livable climate, the incredible staff, and their effectiveness. It is frustrating to see Montana retreat on key environmental issues, and that makes MEIC more important than ever. My husband (Monte Smith) and I love living in this incredible place and are actively fighting to protect it. I would be honored to serve on the board of MEIC.
Jeremy Osborn
he/him, Helena
I came of age in the youth climate movement, engineering my studies at Middlebury College in Vermont to best suit a budding passion for activism. After graduating, I became a cofounder of the international climate advocacy organization 350.org, where I served as a co-coordinator and organizer, and then Operations Director and Director of Risk Management, for 14 years. Through that journey, I became intimately acquainted with both the campaigning side of environmental advocacy as well as the institutional tools that serve it, including nonprofit governance, operations, and organizational development. I moved to Montana in 2013 with my spouse, who grew up in Helena, to raise a family and enjoy nature’s bounty under the big sky. I currently spread my time between various projects in carpentry, political compliance work, and nonprofit consulting, as well as raising two rambunctious kiddos. MEIC was on my radar from the very beginning when I was studying organizations in coal country addressing climate change. I have been excited to dig deeper into their work more recently, supporting MEIC as a member, and a sometimes-consultant. It is crystal-clear to me that Montana would not be the place it is today were it not for MEIC’s dedicated work, and I’m thrilled to be considered for the board to continue supporting this invaluable organization.
Jim Sayer
he/him, Missoula
I’m excited and honored to be an MEIC board member. I support MEIC’s mission 1000% and want to ensure that this essential organization grows even stronger and better-resourced to protect our constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment. With all the new folks moving to our state, we need to advocate for policies and models that reduce the impacts of growth on Montana’s ecosystems and wildlife – and in the process, create good places for people to live.
Dr. Jesse Therien
he/him, Bozeman
I moved to Bozeman 20 years ago to pursue graduate studies, driven by a deep interest in many things including renewable energy — from its molecular foundations to practical, community-based production and use. My work has consistently focused on regionally sourced, sustainable energy solutions that minimize environmental impact and enable regional reliance. On a commercial scale, I designed and operated a biodiesel production facility that sourced feedstocks from across Montana and have since continued my passion into other renewable energy forms, including solar, electric vehicles, and renewable diesel. I think we all benefit from what nature offers and that our energy choices should be thoughtful and minimize our impact on the environment. Over the years, as part of Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities, I have crossed paths and worked with MEIC on issues as they relate to transportation in Montana and I know as part of the board, I will have a chance to learn from others and share some of what I’ve learned.
Meridian Wappett
she/her, Helena
I am a dedicated advocate for conservation and public lands in the American West. Growing up in the Northern Rockies, I developed a deep connection to wild rivers and the outdoors, fueling my passion for environmental protection. I hold a B.S. in Conservation-Restoration Ecology and Natural Resources Pre-Law from Utah State University, and recently graduated from the University of Montana School of Law with certificates in Natural Resources and Environmental Law and American Indian Law. I am currently an Attorney-Fellow on the Climate Team at the Western Environmental Law Center in Helena, where I work on both federal and state cases. During law school, I gained valuable experience with Advocates for the West, the Center for Biological Diversity’s Northern Rockies office, and the Department of Interior Solicitor’s Office, Public Lands division, all focused on protecting wild spaces in the Northern Rockies. Prior to my legal career, I worked with various environmental nonprofits, developing and lobbying for environmental legislation at state and federal levels, and leading community-based climate action groups. In my free time, I am a true “weekend warrior” and outdoor enthusiast. I spend my time rafting, skiing, summiting peaks, dreaming up crazy trail runs, and photographing sunrises and sunsets, often with my sweet pup and partner. My life is defined by my unwavering commitment to conserving public lands and wild places, and I am thrilled to contribute to this lifelong passion as a board member with MEIC.
