Big Sky, Big Leadership Graduates Celebrate Success And Community Impact
 | Author:
Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent |
Allison Kosto
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
Twelve emerging and current leaders from across Broadwater County celebrated their graduation from the Big Sky, Big Leadership program on Friday, May 9. These individuals—Kasee Clark, Rebecca Conners, Brittany Des Chene, Katie Erb, John Ferrat, Jenna Frazier, Lauren McLaughlin, Gord Pearse, Meagan Poe, Alex Potter, Tayla Snapp, and Liz Wishman—spent the past nine months building skills, exploring local issues, and making a difference in their communities.
Launched in Broadwater County in 2021, Big Sky, Big Leadership is part of a statewide initiative developed by MSU Extension to build strong, engaged, and forward-thinking leaders in rural Montana. Rural communities face significant challenges that range from struggling economic conditions to changing demographics to quality of life. These complex issues cannot be easily solved and require innovative leaders to look and think in new ways. Since its inception, 49 participants in Broadwater County alone have completed the program.
Over the course of the program, participants attended monthly sessions focused on leadership development and community experiences. Leadership training covered everything from understanding personality types to managing conflict, motivating others, and leading effective meetings. The most highly rated topics from this year were personality types, volunteer engagement, conflict management, exploring effective leadership, asset mapping and motivation.
But the experience extended beyond the classroom. Each session also included community tours and/or guest speakers, offering participants a deeper understanding of local industries, resources, and challenges. Memorable visits included Hamilton Honey, Goosebay Glass, Broadwater County Museum, GT Vintage Trailer Service, Graymont Western, and Toston Dam.
Participants didn’t just learn—they acted. As part of the program, participants worked in small groups to plan and implement community projects. This year’s class delivered three impressive initiatives:
• Meet Your Community Event: Connected 32 nonprofits with local residents to promote volunteerism.
• Townsend Tennis Courts & McCarthy Park Project: Raised over $35,000 in grants and donations and secured over $80,000 in in-kind support to revitalize public recreational spaces.
• Big Sky Little Pantry: Installed an anonymous food pantry behind the Townsend Fire Station to support community members in need.
The program’s impact speaks for itself. On the final program evaluation, 75 percent of the respondents felt the class had helped them become better leaders at home, work or in the community. Seventy-five percent also said they are now better at leading effective meetings. Since completing the course, several alumni have stepped into leadership roles—joining boards, mentoring others, and even committing to run for public office.
“Networking and hearing from community members on needs, opportunities, and how to get involved [are benefits from the class]. I can’t think of another way to get connected to all the speakers and classmates to learn more about Broadwater County.” - Big Sky Big Leadership Graduate, Class of 2024
If you're ready to grow as a leader and make a meaningful difference, now’s the time to step up. Applications for the 2025–2026 Big Sky, Big Leadership program will be available in July. For more information, contact MSU Extension in Broadwater County at 406-266-9242 or allison.kosto@montana.edu. Be part of the next class of leaders. Together, we can build a stronger Broadwater County.
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PhotoCredit: Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
Image 1 Caption: “It [Big Sky Big Leadership] has given me the tools and expanded my experience to better read a room or group and adapt the conversation to be more productive for all.” - Big Sky Big Leadership Graduate, Class of 2025.
Photo Credit: Allison Kosto
Image 2 Caption: Eric Hamilton of Hamilton Honey discusses processing honey during a tour.
Photo Credit: Allison Kosto
Image 3 Caption: Class participants tour Graymont Western
Photo Credit: Allison Kosto
