Montanans are proud that the Treasure State will be the first destination of Pride Foundation’s brand-new Executive Director, Kris Hermanns; who arrives in Missoula January 25thbefore heading to Red Lodge via Bozeman and Billings. Kris comes to Pride Foundation from the National Center for Lesbian Rights, where she was the deputy director, and has extensive experience in the foundation world. She grew up on a farm in rural Wisconsin, so she’s excited to experience LGBTQ life outside of the regional hubs of Seattle and Portland.
“I’ve been very impressed by the energy and momentum coming out of Montana,” said Hermanns. “It was also important to me send a strong message that Pride Foundation is committed to building the LGBTQ equality movement in all five states.”
Since the regional expansion last January, LGBTQ and allied Montanans have risen to the task of building Pride Foundation’s donor base, visibility, and reviewing applications for grants and scholarships. Pride Foundation gave away over $25,000 in Montana grants, scholarships, and sponsorships this year.
Coming to Montana will help Kris understand just how big Montana really is as she drives from Missoula to Red Lodge meeting with donors and volunteers. Thirteen Leadership Action Team volunteers will convene at the Medicine Flower Lodge in Red Lodge January 27 – 29 for a retreat facilitated by Kris, Amy White, and Caitlin Copple to help set goals for the coming year. Other events planned include a community celebration hosted by Jim Royan at Missoula’s downtown Loft on Wednesday, January 25 from 5:30 – 7:30pm, a donor luncheon in Bozeman on Friday, January 27, and a house party hosted by supporter Aaron Kampfe in Red Lodge on Saturday, Jan. 28. Stay tuned for evites to events happening in your area or email Caitlin@pridefoundation.org for more details.