GVLT Board and Staff

Stephen Johnson - Outgoing Executive Director
As I work to support the transition of leadership at GVLT, I am thrilled to be able to work on some special projects, including writing a brief history of GVLT's first 20 years of trails and conservation.

Kelly Pohl is at the reins as Managing Director and the Board of Directors is engaged in setting a vision for the future, including the next executive director. I'm very pleased and excited about the skill and commitment that is being given to shaping the future success of GVLT.

On a personal note, I have been overwhelmed by how many of you have reached out with encouragement and of course questions about my next steps, personal and professional.

I have been awarded a Bullard Fellowship at Harvard for the coming academic year. I'll be living and studying at Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA near the Quabbin Reservoir from September 2010 through May 2011. This is quite an honor and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to focus my thinking on the future of private land conservation in America for the next year.

Gary Vodehnal - Trails Program Coordinator
My family and I thank our lucky stars for the Gallatin Valley Land Trust every time we transport ourselves along the "Main Street to the Mountains" trail system. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help build, maintain, and manage our community trail system. Growing up on a farm in Nebraska taught me to love the land and appreciate the hardships and joys of agrarian living. My two older brothers helped nurture my appreciation of mountains and trails by taking me on my first backpacking adventure to Glacier Park. Miraculously the farm boys survived their first hiking adventure and Gary was smitten by the lure of wild places. I headed for the mountains of Idaho and Montana after receiving a Bachelor's degree in wildlife management and resource conservation from the University of Nebraska. I kept busy working with the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service before settling permanently in Bozeman in 1985. I served as an intern with GVLT while completing my Masters degree in Land Reclamation from MSU and took the land trust bait - hook, line, and sinker, (that's Nebraska pond fishing talk). When I'm not working for GVLT, I spend my time trying to keep up with my two children Luka and Liam. I also spend an inordinate amount of time fixing up an old house and occasionally get to do fun stuff like canoeing, camping, swimming, reading, and gardening. Of course, our favorite family activity is hiking and biking on public trails.

Gro Aase Lunde - Finance Director
I first traveled to the US in 1986 primarily to ski for the University of Wyoming and secondly to earn a Bachelor’s degree in General Business. It was quite the culture shock for an 18 year old Norwegian girl to land in Laramie in the middle of the kind of western cowboy culture that I had only seen in movies. I was fortunate enough to qualify for NCAA all four years and in 1986 we even won the championship title right here in Bozeman. Ever since then I always envisioned coming back to the area which struck me as so beautiful.

After settling on the southwestern coast of Norway for 10 years, starting a career in accounting and having two daughters, my American husband was transferred to Houston, Texas. They OK’d living a day’s travel away and so I talked him into moving to Bozeman based on those Nordic ski trips while in college. I have since spent 10 years here in the Gallatin Valley, enjoying the surroundings through various outdoor pursuits, and working in accounting jobs at MSU and at the now non-profit Project WET for 5 years. In 2000, I received a Masters degree in Accounting from MSU and passed the CPA exam. I have been heavily involved in the Bridger Ski Foundation on the Nordic side as a coach for juniors and masters and also in administration during my time in Bozeman.

Last year, I brought my two daughters back to Norway for a year in order for them to experience life again in their mother’s land. They went to school and I got a job as an accountant in Oslo. Their language skills improved tremendously and I believe we accomplished our goal of feeling at home in Oslo as well as in the Gallatin Valley. Now back in Bozeman, I am truly thrilled to be part of the GVLT team. My goal is to contribute positively to the great work that GVLT does for our surrounding lands and inter-connecting trails used so extensively by this community.

Anne Tyler - Development and Events Coordinator
In May of 2002 I loaded my car and headed out west. I joined the Montana Conservation Corps (Bozeman region) and I have been calling Montana home ever since. Three years with MCC provided me the chance to explore the many public lands and open spaces that Montana has to offer. I fell in love with Yellowstone, the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, and the diversity of flora and fauna that create the micro and macro ecosystem(s). I feel blessed to be living and working in such a beautiful, inspiring part of the world. MCC is where I was first introduced to the Gallatin Valley Land Trust; my second week in town I was raking a trail up Petes Hill and have been utilizing the local trails ever since my initial introduction.

The full scope of my background starts with a young tomboy playing in the woods and along the streams in Virginia. After much growth and development I found myself playing in the mountains and along the rivers in North Carolina and attending college. I completed my studies in fine art at Appalachian State University. During the four years in Boone I became an active volunteer with High Country Conservancy, where I started to understand the many complexities to conservation, community, and development. After graduation, travels around the US, hunkering down in MT, completing terms with MCC; I had the chance to work with Youth Conservation Corps in YNP, and then put in a few years with Intrinsik Architecture, while attending classes up at Montana State University.

Now I am thrilled to be working for the Gallatin Valley Land Trust. I will be managing the office, lining up volunteers, and planning, organizing, and implementing events. But at any given moment I am ready to strap on boots, a backpack, and explore. Or you can fine me on my beautiful gang green Bianchi cross bike or in the swimming pool.

Ted Lange - Community Trails Planner
My family and I moved to the Gallatin Valley not only for the incredible landscape, but also because of the great sense of community we found here. GVLT's success is a reflection of this community's strong commitment to conserving important agricultural landsand wildlife habitat, and creating urban greenways for future generations. GVLT's impressive resume of accomplishments also reflects many years of hard work and dedication by a team of staff and volunteers that I am proud to be a part of.

Since joining the GVLT staff in 2002, I have worked with Gallatin Valley landowners to save a place for agriculture and wildlife in the face of rapid development; and I have worked with local government, developers, neighborhoods and many other partners to ensure that our community trails network grows to keep pace with development. I see our Land Conservation and Community Trails Programs as complementary and critically important to maintaining the quality of life we are so fortunate to enjoy. In my current position as Community Trails Planner, I am excited to play a role in GVLT’s many initiatives to build community by building trails.

Growing up in the suburbs of New York, I learned to deeply value urban greenways and preserved areas of undeveloped land. Later in the small rural town in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts where I went to college, I came to appreciate how protecting forests and agricultural land were critical to maintaining a sense of community and preserving the essential character of that region.

After earning my bachelors degree in geology with a concentration in environmental studies from Williams College, I spent nine years in Montana working for the Northern Plains Resource Council, a Billings-based conservation and family agriculture citizen's group. At Northern Plains, I worked with eastern Montana farmers and ranchers and gained an understanding of the economic struggles they face to keep their working lands working. Montana's agricultural producers face many challenges and I believe that agricultural land preservation is a critical piece of the solution.

Shortly after my wife, Christine, and I moved to Bozeman in 2000, our son Ian was born. We can't imagine a better place to raise a child, especially as a member of GVLT's family of urban and rural people dedicated to preserving the landscapes and quality of life that make Montana such a great place to live.

Kelly Pohl - Managing Director
As GVLT's Managing Director, I am honored and excited to help GVLT with a leadership transition as we work to make our next 20 years of private land conservation and community trails as successful as our first! I will continue my role collaborating with landowners to explore conservation options and to draft and negotiate conservation easements that protect open space, wildlife habitat, and agricultural landscapes.

My love for the Gallatin Valley not only stems from my personal roots as a Bozeman native, but also from my background in ecology and geography. I completed a B.S. in geography at MSU and a M.S. in geography at Portland State University. After working as a naturalist for Colorado State Parks, I spent three years as an ecologist with The Nature Conservancy working on conservation issues related to wildland fire. I'm thrilled to return to Bozeman-where the unique landscapes and diverse communities guided me to a career in conservation-and to contribute to the important work of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust in maintaining and protecting the region's exceptional ecology and quality of life.

Kate Burnaby Wright - Stewardship Coordinator
I'm excited to join the Gallatin Valley Land Trust, an organization I have long respected for its work to protect open space, wildlife habitat, and agricultural landscapes. I look forward to working with landowners and partners to support quality, enduring land stewardship and - building upon the excellent work of those who have come before me - to continue developing strong relationships that enhance stewardship and understanding of ecology throughout our community.

My roots are in the Pacific Northwest, where I grew up picking blackberries, exploring woods & mountains, and listening to family tales from Oregon territory days - such as the great-great-grandmother who "stared down a cougar." I moved to the Gallatin Valley in 1992, and have been thrilled to call the northern Rockies home ever since.

A field ecologist by training, my drive to understand the land, the people, and the issues that impact our western landscapes has shaped my career. From green ranch-hand and hunting camp cook to forest carnivore researcher, from science coordination for an Aleut village to sustainability projects in northern Mongolia, I've had the honor of working with amazing people - people that approach the land, and conservation, from vastly different world views. I look forward to drawing from these experiences as I work with the incredible network of landowners and partners that help GVLT conserve, enhance and protect land in our rapidly-growing corner of the Northern Rockies.

When I'm not in the office or on a field visit, you'll likely find me - most often with my husband Peter - skiing, trail-running, exploring the backcountry, playing in the garden or kitchen, traveling, or (when I'm lucky) out riding horses with generous friends!

Micheline Bisaillon - President
Micheline has lived in Bozeman for 16 years and is the president and owner of Greenspace Landscaping, Inc., a Design/Build firm. She has a degree in English literature from Syracuse University and a degree in Landscape Design from Montana State University. Prior to moving to Bozeman, Micheline grew up in Guyana, Kenya and England where she kindled her passion for travel, culture and an understanding of the importance of land and animal conservation. She has volunteered for the Peregrine Fund, served on the City of Bozeman Beautification Board for six years and is a CAP Mentor in the Bozeman schools.

James Noel Smith - Vice President
Born and raised in western Montana. Jim graduated from the University of Montana, followed by a year of graduate study before moving to Washington, D.C. in 1960 as a staff assistant to Senator Lee Metcalf of Montana; and the beginning of a long career in Washington. Highlights include Executive Director of Lady Bird Johnson’s Beatification Commission, Director of two Legislative Study Commissions, Deputy Director of the National Commission on Water Quality, Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Senior Associate of the Conservation Foundation. Executive Director of a national association involved in municipal infrastructure financing and consultant and advisor to philanthropy, government, industry and the private sector on public policy and governmental affairs.

Jim returned to Montana in 2000, residing in Bozeman with my wife, Camie, also a Montana native and is active in several State and local organizations and occasional consulting. Jim and Camie have two children; a son Mark in Louisville, KY and a daughter, Terry Gallik in Bozeman.

Scott Dehlendorf - Treasurer
Scott's family association with Montana began in 1978 with the purchase of a cattle ranch near McLeod. While spending summers working the ranch, it became clear to him that someday he would call Montana home. In 1995 that wish became a reality for Scott, his wife, and two children. His career has been in management with various businesses ranging from film, ski resorts, coal mining, and most recently commercial real estate.

Dotty Ballantyne
Dotty received a BA from Sarah Lawrence College and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin. For 14 years she worked in the financial services industry managing market research, joint ventures, and a direct response distribution system for a large insurance company. Dotty also started a family of mutual funds, provided international business consulting, and started an educational exchange program with Vilnius University in Lithuania. She moved to Montana in 1995 and soon thereafter donated a conservation easement to GVLT on her Yellowstone River property. For the past 25 years Dotty has been involved in nonprofit organizations from social service agencies to educational institutions and has become increasingly involved in environmental organizations.

Valery Drake
Val is the Director of Finance and Administration for the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. Her formal education was in general business with a focus on accounting, and her passion is for healthy lands, rivers and wildlife. Her interest in land use planning lead her to serve on the Gallatin County Planning Board in the early 90's helping to develop the first County Land Use Plan, she has participated in the development of rural zoning districts (one which contains important mule deer winter range and another with a river network and riparian resources), and she served on a committee advising the Gallatin County Commissioners on how to do zoning. She and her husband enjoy doing wilderness river trips, and she floats, hikes or skis most weekends. She also enjoys sharing good food and wine with friends, walking her dog as the day begins, and reading.

Joe McCarty
After over 30 years of hiking and lately living in this magnificent place, I am still in awe of the beauty of this country. The incredible diversity of geography, wildlife and people make this part of Montana so special. One of my greatest joys is helping GVLT preserve this area for future generations.

I spent my early career practicing law in Memphis, Tennessee. I later moved to Federal Express where I lived and worked around the world as a senior executive. I have lived here for almost two years and now teach at the College of Business at Montana State University. I served as the Interim Executive Director of GVLT during 2005. I now chair the lands committee.

Stuart Jennings
Stuart moved to Bozeman in 1968 ultimately earning two degrees from MSU, one in Geology and the other in Land Rehabilitation. He worked for MSU for 17 years as a researcher and in 2006 was a founder of the Reclamation Research Group, a Bozeman-based business specializing in restoration of degraded land. He has supported GVLT over many years as a trails enthusiast including a ten year campaign to rebuild and restore the M Recreation Area. Stuart is a passionate Nordic skier and has groomed the Bridger Creek Golf Course ski trails since 2001 as a community service. Stuart was formerly a member of the US Biathlon Team and competed nationally and internationally. His wife Karin was the first employee of GVLT after founder Chris Boyd.

Benjamin Pierce
Ben was born and raised in Maine, has 3 children and is married to Penelope. He graduated from Dartmouth College and the University of Washington (Masters). Ben worked for The Nature Conservancy(TNC) for 25 years as Wyoming Director, Conservation Buyer Program Director and Montana Associate Director and he retired in 2008. Prior to TNC, Ben was in banking and investment management in Boston and NYC and he spent three years as a fishing guide in Alaska. Loves to ski, fish, hunt and fly his Cessna 206. Serves on the Board of Lighthawk.

Mike Riley
Mike moved to the Gallatin Valley in 1981 to attend graduate school at M.S.U. He has been a partner in On Site Management, Inc., a general contracting company, since 1987 and is the current general manager. Mike is a graduate of the University of Delaware and holds a Master's Degree from Montana State University. His is a former board member and president of the Bridger Bowl Association, and has also served on the board of Big Brothers and Sisters of Gallatin County. When Mike is not skiing or fishing he is probably riding a bike. He and his wife, Jackie, have two children in college.

Sally Sands
Sally received a Masters Degree in Social work and a Masters Degree in Counseling from Washington University in St. Louis, MO and a PhD. from the University of Minnesota. She has taught clinical psychology, educational psychology and supervised student teachers. Sally also worked as Director of Special Events and Community Relations for Dayton -Hudson Department Store Co. and as an independent management consultant specializing in organizational development. She moved to Montana with her husband Bob in 1995 and has tremendous respect and appreciation for the work of GVLT.

Steve Schnee
Steve, along with his wife Jean, located to Bozeman in 1974. They opened their original business, the Cobbler's Corner Shoe Repair, in July '74. Developing and expanding, the business evolved into Schnee's Boots & Shoes - a retail, mail order, internet, and manufacturing enterprise. After operating their business for 32 years the Schnees sold the company and retired in 2005. Steve has been active the Bozeman community for over 30 years serving in a variety of capacities for numerous non-profits in the Gallatin Valley; including the Downtown Bozeman Association BOD, Business Improvement District BOD, Tax Increment Financing BOD, Bozeman Parking Commission, and Bridger Bowl BOD. Additionally Steve has a 25+ year relationship with Reach Inc. currently serving on Reach's Business Advisory board. The Schnees have been longtime supporters of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust and are one of the founding sponsors of the Bozeman area National Trails Day celebration. Steve looks forward to contributing his efforts on trails and the Main Street to the Mountains program. Steve's personal interests include backpacking, snowshoeing, skiing, bicycling, and enjoying his two new grandsons.

Mike Wheat
Mike is a native Montanan. He is married to Debby (Craig), a Helena native, and has three sons and a daughter. Mike and Debby have lived in Bozeman since 1981.

Mike received a law degree from the University of Montana School of Law in 1978. After graduation, he worked as a Deputy County Attorney in Butte, Montana until 1981, at which time he moved to Bozeman and established a private law practice where he worked until 2009. Mike was appointed to the Montana Supreme Court by Governor Brian Schweitzer and took office on January 5, 2010.

Mike has served on the Board of Directors of Child Care Connections (a local non-profit), the Bozeman Public Library, and the Montana Trial Lawyers Association.

He was elected to the Montana State Senate in 2002 and served through the 2003 and 2005 legislative sessions. During that time, he served on the Judiciary Committee (Chairman, 2005), as well as Local Government, State Administration &Veteran Affairs, and Natural Resources Committees. He also served on the Environmental Quality Counsel.

Mike and his family are avid outdoor people who love hiking, skiing, fishing and spending time at the family cabin in the Tobacco Root Mountains.