About MTFP

Montana Free Press is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit source for Montana news, information, and analysis.

We are dedicated to generating comprehensive public-service journalism that fosters positive transformations and contributes to advancing justice and equity within society.

MTFP is dedicated to unveiling the truth and shedding light on crucial news stories through the analysis of complex bureaucratic procedures, exploration of hidden areas within influential institutions, extensive research of data and documents, and ensuring that those in power are responsible and answerable to the public.

We operate both independently and in partnership with other news organizations to create impactful news stories that significantly influence the lives and well-being of local communities.

EIN: 47-5237719

Eric Dietrich

DEPUTY EDITOR

Eric Dietrich a journalist and data designer and the founder of the Long Streets economic reporting project. He has worked for the Great Falls Tribune, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, and Solutions Journalism Network. Contact Eric at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter.

Nick Ehli

MTFP LOCAL EDITOR

Nick Ehli is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism and has worked for Montana newspapers for more than 30 years, including a 14-year stint as editor of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. He was the founding editor-in-chief of Montana Quarterly magazine and currently teaches in the Honors College at Montana State University. Contact Nick at [email protected].

Stephanie Farmer

DIGITAL PRODUCTION EDITOR

Stephanie Farmer serves as the Digital Production Editor for Montana Free Press. Previously, she had a brief stint in Washington, D.C. where she worked in the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs at the National Science Foundation. When she’s not at the office you can find her in the mountains with her husband and their dog. Contact Stephanie at [email protected].

Amanda Eggert

REPORTER

Billings native Amanda Eggert is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism who has written for Outside magazine and Outlaw Partners. At Outlaw Partners she led coverage for the biweekly newspaper Explore Big Sky. Contact Amanda at [email protected].

Arren Kimbel-Sannit

REPORTER

Raised in Arizona, Arren is no stranger to the issues impacting Western states, having a keen interest in the politics of land, transportation and housing. Prior to moving to Montana, Arren was a statehouse reporter for the Arizona Capitol Times and covered agricultural and trade policy for Politico in Washington, D.C. In Montana, he has carved out a niche in shoe-leather heavy muckraking based on public documents and deep sourcing that keeps elected officials uncomfortable and the public better informed. Contact Arren at [email protected].

Alex Sakariassen

REPORTER

Alex Sakariassen has spent the past decade writing long-form narrative stories that spotlight the people, the politics, and the wilds of Montana. A North Dakota native, Sakariassen splits his free time between Missoula’s ski slopes and the quiet trout water of the Rocky Mountain Front. Contact Alex by email at [email protected].

Mara Silvers

REPORTER

Silvers returns to her home state from producing Slate’s daily news podcast What Next. Before that she worked as a producer and reporter in the WNYC/Gothamist newsroom at New York Public Radio. Her work has been featured on NPR, The United States of Anxiety, The Takeaway, Nancy, and Montana Public Radio. Contact Mara at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter.

Bowman Leigh

FIRE REPORTING INTERN

Bowman Leigh, a proud alumna of the University of Montana’s School of Journalism, holds the prestigious Crown Reporting Fellowship during her time as a graduate student. Prior to her current role as MTFP’s fire reporting intern for summer 2023, she showcased her skills by freelancing for Montana Free Press and Montana Public Radio, and honed her talents further through an enriching internship at Bugle Magazine.

Kristin Cordingley

DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS AND ADVANCEMENT

Kristin Cordingley is the Director of Partnerships and Advancement at Montana Free Press. Prior to joining MTFP, Kristin was the Program Director at Montana Conservation Voters and spent a decade in Washington, DC, working for Dropbox, Apple, and on the Hill for U.S. Senator Max Baucus and the Senate Finance Committee. Contact Kristin at [email protected].

Claire Overholt

MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS MANAGER

Overholt supports MTFP’s audience engagement work as the Membership and Events Manager. Originally from Colorado, her time in eastern Montana has included work in childhood literacy as an AmeriCorps volunteer, Tribal natural resources field work, environmental education, and, most recently, fundraising and event coordination for Montana nonprofits. Outside of her remote office, Claire can be found on a bike ride, at the library, or cooking something new. Contact Claire at [email protected].

Sarah Penix

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Sarah Penix is the Development Manager at Montana Free Press. Prior to joining MTFP, Sarah worked as a manager on the development team at the Poverello Center in Missoula and served as an Americorps VISTA at Montana Farm to School. She enjoys hiking, reading mystery novels and volunteering. Contact Sarah at [email protected].

Nate Schoenfelder

DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT

Nate Schoenfelder is an accomplished marketing and communications specialist serving Montana Free Press as Director of Audience Engagement. Prior to joining MTFP, Nate served on the leadership team of software solutions company Pingman Tools as Marketing and Communications Manager. An Idaho native, Nate brings his decade of professional experience to Montana in support of growing MTFP’s readership, recognition, and reach. Contact Nate at [email protected].

Kristin Tessman

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Kristin Tessman is the Deputy Director at Montana Free Press. Before joining MTFP, Kristin was the Executive Director of AJAY MT and brings with her fundraising, program development and nonprofit management experience. Kristin was born and raised in the southeast and earned her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia. In 2015 she moved to Montana with her husband and two daughters. Contact Kristin at [email protected].

Victoria Eavis

Victoria Eavis is a reporter based in Bozeman. Originally from New York, she made her way to Montana by way of Wyoming where she worked as a politics reporter for the Casper Star-Tribune. Before that, she worked at NPR. Contact Victoria at [email protected] or on Twitter.

Cameron Evans

Cameron Evans, a resident of Missoula, is a self-employed journalist. She obtained her degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri and gained professional experience at the Missoulian. Her articles have been featured in various publications including USA Today, Kaiser Health News, Business Insider, and INSIDER. For more information, visit cameronevans.me.

Justin Franz

Justin Franz is a writer, photographer and editor based in the Flathead Valley. Originally from Maine, he is a graduate of the University of Montana’s School of Journalism and worked for the Flathead Beacon for nine years before becoming associate editor of Railfan & Railroad Magazine in 2020. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, Seattle Times and New York Times. Find him at justinfranz.com or follow him on Twitter.

Johnathan Hettinger

Johnathan Hettinger is based in Livingston. Originally from Central Illinois and a graduate of the University of Illinois, he has worked at the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting, the Livingston Enterprise and the (Champaign-Urbana) News-Gazette. Contact Johnathan at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter.

Max Savage Levenson

Max Savage Levenson, the author of “The Sit-Down” column for Montana Free Press, is not only a writer but also the creator of Big Sky Chat House, a newsletter that conducts in-depth interviews with influential individuals in Montana. His articles on music and cannabis policy have been published in reputable outlets such as Pitchfork, NPR’s All Songs Considered, the San Francisco Chronicle, and Reason.

Anna Paige

Anna Paige is an arts journalist and co-host of “Resounds: Arts and Culture on the High Plains” on Yellowstone Public Radio, residing in Montana. With over 17 years of experience in the newspaper and publishing industry, she has served as an arts and entertainment journalist for the Billings Gazette. Additionally, Anna is recognized as the co-founder of Young Poets, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching poetry in elementary schools within the region. Her exceptional contributions to literacy have earned her the prestigious 2021 Library of Congress Award.

Skylar Rispens

Skylar Rispens, a Missoula-based freelance journalist, hails from Helena. She completed her journalism studies at the University of Montana and has garnered experience as a reporter for the Seeley Swan Pathfinder, the Great Falls Tribune, and the Missoulian. Connect with her on social media @skylar_rispens.

Matt Standal

Matt Standal is a multimedia journalist residing in Montana. With a strong background in filmmaking and outdoor education, he has produced stories for various local news broadcasters in Minnesota and Idaho. However, his true passion lies in leading backcountry ski tours in Yellowstone National Park. In addition to his journalism pursuits, Matt has also worked as a PADI scuba instructor, emergency medical technician, and is an avid book enthusiast. When not busy working with film crews or immersing himself in stories, you can find him teaching avalanche safety classes.

Emily Stifler Wolfe

An independent writer based in Bozeman, Emily Stifler Wolfe has reported hundreds of stories for publications including Esquire, Outside, Powder, and National Geographic Adventure. She was the founding editor of Explore Big Sky newspaper and Mountain Outlaw magazine, and before that, a professional ski patroller at Moonlight Basin. She has two young children and a spotted donkey named Jack. Find her at emilystiflerwolfe.com.

Skylar Browning, Interim Board Chair— Skylar is an award-winning writer and editor, published author, and communications director for one of the nation’s leading multifamily real estate firms. His work has been honored by the Montana Newspaper Association and the Society of Professional Journalists, and he received an NEA fellowship from the Arts Journalism Institute at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. “Montana Baseball History,” his first book, co-authored by Jeremy Watterson, was published in 2015.

Mark Huber, Board Treasurer — Mark grew up in Kalispell, graduated from Northwestern University and received a master’s degree with majors from John Hopkins University in International Economics, European Studies and American Foreign Policy. Mark’s career in banking began at Chase Manhattan, where he moved from New York City to Hong Kong, spending 23 years with Chase and one year with Citibank before returning to Montana to serve as Market President for US Bank in Helena. Now in retirement, Mark splits his time between Helena and Redmond, Oregon, where his wife, Christina, is a nurse practitioner. He has two grown children — a software engineer in Chicago and an American History teacher in New Jersey.

Alexis Bonogofsky, Interim Board Secretary — Alexis is a rancher, organizer and freelance writer and photographer who lives and works along the Yellowstone River in southeastern Montana on her family’s ranch. For eleven years, she managed the Tribal Lands Partnership Program, where she worked with Montana tribes and inter-tribal organizations on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, bison restoration to tribal lands, protection of sacred and historical sites and wildlife conservation. In 2014 Alexis was awarded a Cultural Freedom Fellowship from the Lannan Foundation.

Anne Avis, Board Member — Anne is an experienced board leader in independent nonprofit journalism. She co-chairs the boards of Internews, a global media development organization, and KQED, public media in the Bay Area. She also serves on the board of Tinworks Art in Bozeman. Since 1994, Anne and her husband, Greg, have split their time between the Bay Area and Clyde Park, MT.

John Brueggeman, Board Member — John is a successful businessman and entrepreneur with extensive experience in the public and private sectors. John is a Montana-based executive vice president of the Motor Vehicle Software Corporation. Before that, he served for 10 years as a Republican in the Montana Legislature. He was first elected to the House at age 21 and went on to serve in the state Senate, where he chaired the Transportation Committee.

Drew Geiger, Board Member — Drew is a consultant specializing in human resource management and governmental affairs, focusing on local and state government. He has more than 25 years of experience working with private and public sector organizations. Drew is a former policy analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures and served as communications director for the Montana Department of Commerce. Drew was also the former lead staff to the Montana Legislature’s Economic Affairs Committee.

Susan Fox, Board Member — Susan grew up in Billings and recently retired from the Montana Legislative Services Division.  She retired after 16 years as executive director. Prior to that, she worked 14 years as a research analyst and spent the 1989 and 1991 sessions working for the Senate and House, respectively. She also worked for the Department of Institutions and Board of Crime Control from 1987-1991. A University of Montana graduate with a master’s degree in sociology, Fox lives in Helena and enjoys time with her family on the Stillwater River.

Tresa V. Smith, Board Member — Tresa comes from a Montana pioneer ranching family, and her career spans the political, not-for-profit, and business worlds. She received her PhD in government from Georgetown University and worked in the White House under the Johnson and Carter administrations. Tresa specialized in press, scheduling and advance, and fundraising on seven presidential campaigns, including Joe Biden’s first presidential bid, and worked in numerous gubernatorial and senatorial races, including Max Baucus’ first Senate campaign. In the not-for-profit world, Tresa was the director of development for The League of Conservation Voters, the international foundation Ashoka, and The Nature Conservancy of Montana. In business, she was among the initial U.S. importers of the Brazilian Mangalarga Marchador horse, the first to introduce the breed to Montana, and a co-founder and president of the U.S. Mangalarga Marchador Association. She lives on her family’s cattle ranch in Boulder, Montana.

We subscribe to standards of editorial independence adopted by the Institute for Nonprofit News:

MTFP receives support from individuals and organizations that appreciate comprehensive and in-depth news reporting and analysis. We are an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that exercises complete control over our editorial content to safeguard the journalistic and business interests of our organization. We strictly separate our news coverage decisions from any sources of revenue. Receiving financial support does not imply or indicate any endorsement of donors, their products, services, or viewpoints.

While MTFP appreciates contributions in the form of gifts, grants, and sponsorships from individuals and organizations to support our activities, it is important to note that our news judgments remain unbiased and independent, unaffected by any donor support.

While MTFP may entertain donations to support the coverage of specific topics, our organization retains full editorial control. We will not compromise on our right to review or be influenced by any editorial content, nor will we allow unauthorized distribution of such content.

Montana Free Press is dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals, without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status. This commitment extends to all aspects of our operations, including the hiring and termination of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We value the diversity of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients and strive to ensure equal opportunities for everyone involved in our activities.

At Montana Free Press, we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all individuals. We firmly stand against any form of discrimination and will actively take steps to prevent it in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, advertising, compensation, termination, promotions, and other employment conditions. We ensure that no employee or job applicant will face discrimination based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

We take great pride in being active members of multiple professional associations and industry groups.

Montana Free Press reserves the right to accept or decline any advertisement or sponsorship it is offered.

Montana Free Press will decline to accept advertising that it knows or believes to be misleading, inaccurate, fraudulent, or illegal, or that fails to comply, in Montana Free Press’ sole determination, with its standards of decency, taste, or dignity.

Montana Free Press, just like all reputable publishers of original journalism, upholds a strict division between news and advertising content. Any advertisements that aim to obscure this distinction in a way that may confuse readers, as determined by Montana Free Press, will be declined.