By Kathy Juedeman
Staff and board bade farewell to Kathy (center) at a lunch in September.
This fall, I close out five years as MEIC board president, and my sixth year on the MEIC board. Looking at our progress, we will all benefit from the positive changes that MEIC has made to prepare for the next generation, and our grandchildren will, too.
During my time on the board, MEIC leadership shifted as long-time Executive Director Jim Jensen retired, and Cari Kimball (Executive Director) and Anne Hedges (Policy and Legislative Director) took up the mantle of Executive leadership, with Derf Johnson as Deputy Director. Jim had provided long-standing and visionary leadership. He hired brilliant and dedicated staff, who stepped up as he retired. The staff are so very effective in their individual contributions and as a collective; they really are a national treasure. This team, working with the board, has made “next generation” changes, which make MEIC stronger and more resilient.
For instance, MEIC has strengthened communications — I now see super-organized MEIC updates on Facebook and in my email inbox; I have used the Legislative Bill Tracker to contact my legislator on bills of interest (SO empowering); and have participated in MEIC learning events over Zoom. MEIC has worked to purposefully consider Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) in all choices. MEIC policy experts have continued to work on the hard topics: Smith River mining proposal, NorthWestern Energy’s choices, hardrock mining bad actors, air quality considerations, renewable energy, sustainable communities, and more. MEIC carefully strengthened financial investments, working with Adam McLane and board experts to ensure a clear eye on mission and vision. It is a crazy full plate.
Working on the board, I’ve had a chance to share board meeting time with national subject matter experts, environmental specialists, notable artists, and brilliant problem solvers — all in support of our shared dedication to MEIC. It is such a privilege to know some of our great Montana leaders who are strong MEIC supporters and to hear their advice on the important topics — here I will give a shout-out to Kim Wilson, Roger Sullivan, and Steve Gilbert. I hold MEIC board members in highest esteem and am so impressed by the supportive work between staff and board. In Fall 2024, Jessie Wiles will assume the board president role with a very strong board supporting her (please make sure you check out all the people running for our board on pg. 20 and vote!). She is dedicated to the mission and vision of MEIC, and her demonstrated leadership will serve MEIC well. Thank Jessie when you see her.
MEIC is described as “perhaps the most influential environmental organization in Montana” as we work for a healthier environment in our beautiful state. I always hope for a clean and healthful future, and I keep this close to my heart as I wander the hills of Montana. Keep it close to your heart too. See you soon.
Kathy Juedeman worked in the energy industry for 32 years and has been a supporter of MEIC since the 1990s, and has worked to be a strong advocate for advancing Montanans’ right to a clean and healthful environment.
This article was published in the October 2024 issue of Down To Earth.
