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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

Fifteen emerging and current leaders from across Broadwater County celebrated their graduation from the Big Sky, Big Leadership program on Friday, May 8. These individuals—Todd Beatty, Andrea Dabling, Grace Davison, Denise Donnelly, Angela Janacaro, Diane Letendre, Shawna McCauley, Bobbie McCauley, Barbara Mock, Connie Myles, Michele Rauser, Karee Reiman, Elaine Roy, Anna Shearer, and Maggie Tiska —spent the previous 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, 64 participants in Broadwater County alone have completed the program. The 2026 cohort was the largest cohort to date.

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 creating gracious spaces. The most highly rated topics from this year were personality types, conflict management, values, leadership styles, generations, volunteer engagement, and emotional intelligence.

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, Bruce Seed Farm, GT Vintage Trailer Service, Graymont Western, Townsend Mercantile and Goosebay Glass.

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:

• McCarthy Park Concession Stands: Insulated the concession stands to allow for longer or earlier use of the stands.

• Memorial Park Blue Star Memorial: Assisted with raising funds and labor to replace plants and improve landscaping.

• Care Closet: Partnered with Townsend Schools to organize, clean, stock and raise funds for the care closet for homeless students.

The program’s impact speaks for itself. On the final program evaluation, 83.3 percent of the respondents felt the class had helped them become a better leader at home, work or in the community. Seventy-five percent also said the class helped to improve the effectiveness of organizations or groups they are a member of. Since completing the course, several alumni have stepped into leadership roles—joining boards, mentoring others, and being involved in new efforts.

If you're ready to grow as a leader and make a meaningful difference, now’s the time to step up. The next Big Sky, Big Leadership will begin in the fall of 2027. 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
Image 1 Caption: Pat Hughes, Founder and CEO of Trillium Leadership Consulting from Seattle, WA, discusses gracious space. Photo Credit: Allison Kosto
Image 2 Caption: Jason Kool with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks discusses local hunting land access. Photo Credit: Allison Kosto
Image 3 Caption: Participants in Big Sky, Big Leadership, Broadwater County 2025-2026. Photo Credit: Allison Kosto