Our Leadership Team
Heather has served as our President and CEO since 2016, but has held many roles at HRDC since starting shortly after her graduation from MSU with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Modern Languages and Literature. Heather has been with HRDC for more than 18 years.
Heather believes that every person has value, and that we can create opportunities for everyone to succeed. She’s inspired most by the dedication of our team to our customers. Heather serves on the boards of Child Care Connections, LaMotte School Foundation, Montana Continuum of Care, and the Montana Housing Coalition.
Heather has previously served on the Montana Conservation Corps Board of Directors and remains actively involved with their organization. Heather loves to run in local races in Bozeman, and her favorite place is at Chico Hot Springs.
Heather is extremely grateful for our very dedicated Board of Directors, who make an impact behind the scenes and have supported the growth and expansion of our organization in an effort to meet rising community needs.
Mark was thrilled to join the HRDC team in 2022, and brings a variety of public financial management experience with him. He previously served in roles at Gallatin County and the City of Austin.
Mark has a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Masters of Public Affairs with a focus on Public Financial Management. After a long tenure in private sector management, volunteerism led Mark to search for a career with a primary focus on serving the community he lives in.
Mark enjoys adventuring outdoors with family, friends, and his dog Emmit. Connecting with nature and laughing with loved ones is his favorite way to spend an afternoon or a weekend.
Sara has spent more than eight years with us at HRDC, serving as our Early Childhood Education Director since 2017, an Associate Director since 2018, and Chief Operations Officer since 2024. Previously, Sara worked with Gallatin Valley Land Trust and with the Fund for Public Interest Research Group.
Sara holds a Bachelor’s of Public Policy and Social Change, as well as a Master’s of Public Administration. Sara feels a responsibility to make the world around her and her community a stronger place. Sara wants to give her neighbors the same blessings she’s been lucky enough to receive in her life. Sara is inspired working at HRDC because we are an innovative organization that is willing to look for creative solutions, ensuring that everyone in our community can have our support in addressing challenges and developing opportunities.
Sara loves to explore the natural world around us by spending time camping, hiking, or just wandering and appreciating the incredible environment we live in.
Margaret started as HRDC’s Senior Programs Director in 2012, and moved the role of Associate Director in 2018. After working six years as an Associate Director, Margaret was promoted to the Chief Development Officer in 2024. In addition to these roles, she has previously worked as HRDC’s RSVP Director, as well as with the Cozy Nest and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Gallatin County. Margaret holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in English from the University of South Carolina.
Margaret appreciates the many opportunities HRDC provides for our customers, volunteers, donors, and staff. She is inspired each day by our staff’s interactions with our customers, and values the respect and dignity our staff provides to each other and our customers. Margaret understands that each day we see perseverance as well as challenges, hope in addition to despair, and success alongside setbacks, but knows there is always opportunity for growth.
Margaret also serves on the Board of the Montana State Association of Senior Corps Directors. She volunteers with the Bridger Mountain High School Rodeo. In her free time, Margaret enjoys spending time with her family and friends, whether it be hiking, rafting, or attending barrel races!
Jill serves as HRDC’s Food and Nutrition Director, and has previously worked as the Operations Manager of our Gallatin Valley Food Bank, as a LIEAP Specialist with our Energy Programs, as well as a Forest Service Trail Crail Member, Eagle Mount Ski Program Director, and Assistant Director for Big Sky Kids. Jill has a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work.
Jill loves HRDC! She knows we get to provide creative solutions to tough problems, and we have the opportunity to make life just a little bit easier for those we encounter. We also utilize the skill of hundreds of volunteers, each one a key to making this world a better place. Jill knows our volunteers offer a unique perspective and fresh energy every day. When she’s not at work, Jill loves to explore the mountains and rivers of Montana. She enjoys hiking, skiing, camping, canoeing, and being outside.
Sunshine joined the team at HRDC in 2008 as a Transportation Accountant in our Fiscal Department. Since then, she’s done everything from dispatch, to marketing, to operations planning. Sunshine now serves as our Transportation Director, and has for the last year and a half. She graduated from MSU in 2002 with a Bachelor’s in Business-Accounting. Sunshine is also certified as the Safety and Security Officer by the Community Transportation Association of America.
Sunshine works at HRDC because playing even a small part in making a difference in our community feels good. She recognizes that HRDC is diverse, and covers many areas of need, and enjoys the challenges that can come with that.
In her free time, Sunshine enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with her family. Her favorite place is at Burke Park, where the trail overlooks the city and much of the valley.
Dean joined our team at HRDC in November 2020 as our Economic Development Director. Previously, he has worked mainly as a teacher and a farmer. Dean taught at Bozeman High School and Montana State University, and was a vegetable farmer for many years (he started and ran Three Hearts Farm). Dean has an expansive education, including a degree in creative writing and a doctorate in Native American studies.
Dean is a long-time fan and admirer of HRDC. He feels genuinely lucky to be working here! Dean firmly believes in the dignity of people, our friends and neighbors, and in the power we each have to live the lives we dream of, and feels that we all could use a hand getting there, which is where HRDC comes in. Dean is inspired by the years of work that have gone on before him, he is dedicated to supporting our beautiful community and region.
In his free time, Dean takes advantage of the outdoors by skiing, backpacking, paddling, and biking. Some of his favorite spots include the Beartooths, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and Yellowstone National Park!
Kristin began working for HRDC in 1995, starting in our housing programs. With a background in Public Relations and Marketing, Kristin eventually moved into her role with HRDC to educate the community on our mission, later focusing on donor relations and fundraising as our Development Director.
Prior to her start at HRDC, Kristin was on the Public Relations and Fundraising Team for LaRabida Children’s Hospital and Research Center in Chicago. Graduating from Winona State University in 1991, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, and Marketing.
When Kristin moved to Bozeman and learned about HRDC, she knew she had to work here. Kristin continues to be inspired by the impact HRDC has on the lives of thousands of people each year. As HRDC’s Development Director, Kristin often sees the generosity of our community, witnessing acts of kindness every day from our partners, donors, Board, and volunteers.
Kristin also serves as the Chair of the CASA of Gallatin County Board of Directors, as well as the Secretary of the Bozeman Policy Foundation Board. When she has a chance to volunteer, it’s always with HRDC. Her favorite volunteer assignment is serving our Kids’ Summer Lunch at our MSU site.
In her spare time, Kristin likes to take advantage of the outdoor opportunities in Bozeman, especially running or walking on trails with her favorite Golden Retriever, Cash.
Sue started as HRDC’s Human Resource Director in 2015. Sue has a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and a Certificate in French from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. She has also spent roughly eight years as an HR Director in the medical industry, with additional experience in office management, medical sales, marketing, and bookkeeping.
Sue enjoys being a part of a team that assists our neighbors in creating life altering difference in their own lives. Sue loves to watch people grow, and shares in their happiness when they reach a new goal.
As a longtime resident of the Gallatin Valley, Sue has volunteered for many local non profit organizations helping them reach their goals of service.
Sonja currently serves as HRDC’s Energy Efficiency Director. Prior to this role, she was the Office Manager/Outreach Coordinator and later the Operations Manager in Livingston. Her background includes over twenty years of experience in the customer service and finance industry. Before moving to Montana, Sonja was a successful real estate broker in the state of Washington and previously worked in commercial banking in Germany. Sonja graduated from the AKAD University in Germany in 2003 with a degree in Business Administration.
Sonja loves helping people and connecting with her community. For her, HRDC is a perfect fit. She also volunteers at the Livingston Food Resource Center, Loaves and Fishes, and Park County Search and Rescue. Sonja is in awe of our community and how everyone has stepped up to help their neighbors in need since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
When she’s not at work, Sonja loves to enjoy almost everything outdoors, including climbing/ice climbing, hiking, fly fishing, and mountain biking. Her favorite place is Yellowstone National Park in the winter.
Thomas started his role as HRDC’s Risk Manager in February 2019, previously serving in the United States Air Force. Thomas has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington, as well as a Master’s in Organizational Management from Troy University.
Thomas believes that working at HRDC is an incredible opportunity to serve others, and that it’s a reward to be making a difference in our community. In his free time, Thomas enjoys many of the outdoor activities and great restaurants available in Bozeman.
Lila Fleishman is a passionate problem solver. Her career focuses on building strong, resilient communities where everyone can access opportunities to thrive. As a Community Development Director for the Human Resource Development Council, District IX, Lila works to meet community needs along the entire housing continuum through new development, preservation, policy, and partnerships.
Lila holds a BA in Human Geography with a focus on urban planning and sustainability from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is working towards completing a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Colorado State University by 2024.
Brian has served as HRDC’s Emergency and Supportive Housing Director since 2020. Prior to working as a director, Brian worked for multiple years as the Community Development Program Manager. Before joining HRDC, he worked for an affordable housing non-profit in Park City, Utah. Brian has a degree in Political Science from Baldwin-Wallace University in Ohio.
Brian works at HRDC because he believes housing is a human right, and being part of providing it for our community is very fulfilling to him. Brian feels he has been given many opportunities and privileges in his life, and feels a responsibility to return those opportunities to people who didn’t get them.
Alongside his work at HRDC, Brian serves on the Board of Trust Montana, as well as the City of Bozeman Affordable Housing Advisory Board (CAHAB). Outside of HRDC, he likes to support the arts and believes art has the ability to bring communities together. When he’s not at work, Brian enjoys skiing and perusing estate sales.
Hannah started as a Warming Center volunteer in 2016. Since then, she has worked in several HRDC housing programs and served as the Housing & Youth Services Director. In 2024, Hannah became HRDC’s Compliance Director. Hannah’s belief in the power of community and commitment to housing as a fundamental human right drives her daily work.
Before moving to Montana, she worked in permanent supportive housing in Iowa City. Hannah holds a BA double major in sociology and women’s studies from Cornell College reflecting her dedication to understanding societal structures and advocating for equitable solutions. She strives to bring inclusivity and compassion to her role to create positive change in the lives of our neighbors. Hannah loves working at HRDC because of the incredible team members who collectively champion innovative and solution-oriented mindsets while actively providing crucial services.
When not at HRDC, Hannah serves as Board President of the Montana Abortion Access Program. She enjoys exploring all the beauty Montana offers in her free time with her husband and two dogs.
Bio coming soon.
Vanessa Palmer has been with HRDC since 2019, beginning her journey as an AmeriCorps VISTA before transitioning to the role of Transportation Program Manager. She now brings her leadership and passion for public service to her role as Communications Director.
Vanessa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and a Master’s degree in Public Administration, both from Brigham Young University. Her experience in local government, including her time with the City of Orem, has shaped her approach to community engagement and strategic communication.
Having grown up living in affordable housing in Jackson, Wyoming, Vanessa knows firsthand how difficult it can be for working-class families to thrive in an expensive town. Her personal experience motivates her to communicate the shared challenges and aspirations that connect us all.
Bio coming soon.
Since 2015, Brooke has been working with Allergan Aesthetics, Body Contouring. In 2018, Brooke began her role as Senior Manager of Training. Brooke graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Commercial Photography from Appalachian State University in 2011.
Brooke began her role on our Board in 2019. However, she feels it’s more fitting to say that she gets to serve on our Board. For Brooke, an evening at our Fork & Spoon was her first glance into our organization’s powerful work. As Brooke states, joining the Board has only expanded her appreciation for the caliber of people leading our mission and the impact of our vast ecosystem of services. While metrics alone are impressive, Brooke likes to visualize each number as an individual example of support – an extension of a helping hand, a moment of relief – given to one of our neighbors. She is grateful for the opportunity to participate in shaping HRDC’s future.
Although Brooke spends most of her volunteer time with HRDC, she was fortunate enough to build with Habitat for Humanity over the course of the summer in 2020. Her favorite place to spend time is anywhere under the Big Sky, although Hyalite may be her favorite place on Earth.
