Posted on by Luca Battistotti

MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni announces new Board of Directors members

MSU BILLINGS FOUNDATION & ALUMNI NEWS—The Montana State University Billings Foundation & Alumni Board of Directors recently welcomed four new members who began their term July 1, 2024, and who will each serve a three year term. All newly appointed directors are graduates of Montana State University Billings: Becky Anderson, Janiel Begger and Ken Lutton will serve as Voting Directors and assistant professor of management Jessie Perius, Ph.D., will serve as an Ex Officio Director.

The Board of Directors oversee the MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni, including managing the investment of a $38 million endowment that supports the long-term strength and stability of MSUB and its students. Directors advocate for MSUB and advance the Foundation’s mission to support and grow MSUB through philanthropy, stewardship, and engagement. They champion higher education for a better tomorrow by seeking and securing private support to advance MSUB’s mission of delivering a transformative education that empowers students from diverse backgrounds to succeed.

“The board is proud to have Krista Montague leading the way towards tremendous growth of scholarship and programming funds to provide opportunities for students to obtain a degree and make a positive impact on their lives and the communities in which we serve,” says Tom Potter, Chairman of the Board. “I want to welcome and thank our new and returning board members for dedicating their time and efforts to achieve our goal of student success.”   

 “I am excited to welcome the new board of directors and look forward to working with them as well as our returning members this upcoming year,” shares MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni CEO Krista Montague. “This last year has been full of growth, positive changes, and success – and the future is looking bright.  We are looking forward to continuing our work with Chancellor Hicswa and her team with our new strategic vision in place.  Our goal is to make a positive impact on as many students as possible through the support of many generous donors as we look towards the centennial celebration of MSUB in 2027.”

New Board of Directors elected include:

  • Becky Anderson
    Head Basketball Coach, Shepherd High School, Class of 2002
  • Janiel Begger
    Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Class of 2015 and 2017
  • Ken Lutton, Treasurer, President/CEO, Technology By Design, Class of 2006
  • Jessie Perious, PhD (Ex-Officio), Assistant Professor Management, MSUB, Business Administration Internship Coordinator, Class of 2012

Returning Board of Directors (including appointed officers) include: 

  • Tom Potter, Chair, Business Banking Officer, Bravera Bank
  • Mike Monson, Vice Chair, Attorney, Billstein, Monson, & Small, Class of 2003
  • Brittany Cremer, MSPR, Secretary, Strategic Communications Advisor, HDR, Class of 2006
  • Kay Berry, Retired, SD2 Educator, Class of 1983
  • William Henry, Business Consultant, Be Better World, LLC
  • Don Roberts, DMD, Retired, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon/Former State Legislator
  • Dave Wanzenried, Consultant/Professor/Former State Legislator
  • Buddy Windy Boy, Product Improvement Engineer, Mark Rite Lines Equipment Co., Class of 2006
  • Karen Moses, Retired, SD2 Support and former SD2 School Board member
  • Anne Cole (Ex Officio), Instructor of General Education/Writing/Psychology, MSUB City College
  • Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D. (Ex Officio), Chancellor, MSUB
  • Krista Montague (Ex Officio), CEO, MSUB Foundation & Alumni, Class of 1999 and 2018