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Five western Montana civic leaders appointed to public policy council
By DONNA SYVERTSON of the Missoulian

Five western Montana nonprofit and civic leaders are among 15 appointed to serve on the Montana Nonprofit Association's Public Policy Council.

The council will provide advice and direction to the Montana Nonprofit Association board regarding public policy issues of critical importance to Montana's nonprofits.

The five people from western Montana include one from Bigfork - Ned Cooney, a consultant with Ascent Strategic Development - and four from Missoula: Geoff Birnbaum, executive director of Youth Homes; Bob Brown, a senior fellow with the O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West; Barb Riley, a consultant in training, grants and technical assistance; and Andrea Vernon, director of the Office for Civic Engagement. Vernon also is an Montana Nonprofit Association board member.

“Our membership has indicated that public policy work is one of the most important priorities for MNA,” said Joy McGrath, MNA's board chair. “Establishing the Public Policy Council is a very important step toward building a voice for our membership and Montana's nonproft sector in the public policy arena.”

MNA plans to announce its long-term agenda by the 2007 Montana Legislative session and will urge members and policymakers to help it move forward.

Founded in 2001, the Montana Nonprofit Association is a membership organization for nonprofits that promotes a stronger nonprofit sector, a supportive public climate and the ability of nonprofits to accomplish their missions.

Visit www.mtnonprofit.org for more information on MNA programs and services.

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