- MSSF Board
MSSF Board
Montana School Services Foundation enjoys the endorsement of the three most prominent associations in Montana’s education community, the MFPE, MTSBA, and SAM. The leaders of these three organizations serve as directors, overseeing the Foundation’s focus on service and cost savings for plan participants.
Amanda Curtis is President of MFPE. Before being elected president, Amanda taught math and biology for fifteen years. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Montana and is a Montana Tech Distinguished Alumna. Amanda served in the 2013 and 2015 sessions of the Montana Legislature and was the second woman in Montana’s history to run for United States Senate following a Special Nominating Convention in August 2014.
In July 2019, Dr. Watson was selected to serve as the Superintendent of Missoula County Public Schools, a role that he held for Bozeman Public Schools for 7 years. Other leadership experience has included principal of Bozeman High School (2009-2012) and middle and high school principal in Missoula County Public Schools (2001-2009). Rob began his education career as a math and science teacher in Anchorage, Alaska.
Rob Watson, Ed.D.Recently, Rob was selected to serve as the next Executive Director at School Administrators of Montana, to start in July 2022. After 29 years in public education, it will be difficult to leave. However, Rob is excited for the opportunity to become an advocate for all Montana educators in his new role.
Rob holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Montana State University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Alaska, and received his Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Montana in 2009.
Rob served the State of Montana as a member of the Certifications, Standards and Practices Council for the Board of Public Ed. In addition, he served as a practitioner on the Technical Advisory Committee for the assessment division of the Office of Public Instruction. At the local level, Rob served the Missoula community on the board for the Missoula Economic Partnership and the YMCA Board.
In 2015, Rob was in the inaugural group, joining 27 fellow superintendents from around the country, to achieve National Superintendent Certification. In 2016, Rob was recognized by the School Administrators of Montana with the GV Erickson Award - the highest recognition given to a school administrator for notable service and dedication. In 2018, Rob was named as the Superintendent of the Year by his superintendent colleagues from around Montana.
Rob believes in the power of education to change lives, a fact that motivates him each day towards a goal of helping all children experience success.
Lance Melton has been MTSBA's Executive Director since March 2000. He first began working for MTSBA in 1996 as Director of Governmental Relations and staff attorney and was promoted in 1997 as the Association's General Counsel. Lance graduated with high honors from the University of Montana with a bachelor's degree in political science, and received his J.D. from the University of Montana School of Law where he wrote for the Public Land Law Review. Before joining MTSBA, Lance served as an attorney for the Montana Dept. of Commerce.-
Andy Holmlund Chief Executive Officer
(406)457-4400 x401
(406)250-5999
aholmlund@ms-sf.orgAndy Holmlund has been part of the Montana’s public school system for over 30 years, serving in the capacities of coach, teacher, principal, and superintendent. Prior to joining MSSF in 2016, Andy served as Superintendent of Schools in Wolf Point for three years; he then returned to his home town of Ronan in 2003, where he served as Superintendent of Schools until his retirement July 5, 2016.
Throughout his administrative career, Andy has been involved with many state and national organizations, including Montana School Group Insurance Authority (MSGIA), School Administrators of Montana, (SAM), Montana Association of School Superintendents (MASS), Indian Impact Schools of Montana (IISM), American Association of School Administrators (AASA), and the Federal Legislation Insurance Committee (FLIC) relating to School Leaders Risk Management Association ((SLRMA). Andy has also served as the director of the Montana Quality Education Coalition (MQEC) since inception in 2001.
Andy holds a B.S. in Education from Montana State University and a M.A. in School Administration from Heritage College in Washington. Andy is very active in the Ronan community with Parks and Recreation, Mission Valley Heritage Association, and the Chamber of Commerce. Andy is very proud of his two children, Kara and Drew, who are the lights of his life.
Andy Holmlund Chief Executive Officer- Finance
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Dena Gormely Chief Financial Officer
(406)457-4400 x402
dgormely@ms-sf.orgDena Gormely joined the MSSF team in July 2002. She is a CPA and earned a bachelor’s degree from Carroll College, majoring in accounting, business administration and finance. Dena brings over 35 years’ accounting experience to her position with MSSF, helping to ensure the business is run as efficiently as possible.
Dena and her husband, Glen, are both Montana natives. They live near Canyon Ferry and enjoy boating, camping, hiking and other family activities with their two children, Krista and Jason.
Dena Gormely Chief Financial Officer-
Deannie Higgins Accounting Specialist
(406)457-4400 x403
dhiggins@ms-sf.orgDeannie Higgins joined MSSF in August 2018 after a fifteen-year career with Montana Bankers Association. Deannie has a background in the health industry as a Certified Insurance Service Representative along with administrative assistant. She is also a licensed Producer. Before Montana Bankers Association, she worked in Check Operations and Human Resources of the Federal Reserve of Minneapolis (Helena Branch) for nine years.
Deannie and her husband, Alan (AJ) are Montana natives. She enjoys spending time with her family, and loves being an aunt to her numerous nephews and nieces.
Deannie Higgins Accounting Specialist -
Kelli Hargreaves Accounting Specialist
(406)457-4400 x404
khargreaves@ms-sf.orgKelli Hargreaves joined MSSF in April 2006. She has over eight years experience in accounting in State government, including three years with the Teachers’ Retirement System. She earned an associate’s degree in accounting from the University of Montana – Helena College of Technology in May of 2000, and she is currently working toward a medical coding certificate from the Great Falls College of Technology. Kelli is a native of Helena, and she enjoys golfing, camping, and boating in her spare time.
Kelli Hargreaves Accounting Specialist
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- Marketing
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Jeff Goody Marketing & Sales Director
(406)457-4400 x415
(406)475-1045
jgoody@ms-sf.orgJeff Goody was born and raised in southwest Montana, where he grew up fly fishing the Big Hole River with his father. In addition to his sales and marketing experience, Jeff brings over 8 years of experience in the health insurance industry. He comes to us from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana where he most recently served as the Lead Appeals Specialist.
Jeff received his B.A. in Business Administration from The University of Montana – Western.
Jeff and his wife Hollee, a teacher in Helena, have lived in Helena for 9 years, along with their children. They enjoy fishing, camping, U of M football games, and Duke basketball.
Jeff Goody Marketing & Sales Director-
DeAnna Anderson Marketing & Service Representative South Central Region
(406)457-4400 x416
(406)459-9027
danderson@ms-sf.orgDeAnna Anderson joined the MSSF marketing team in November 2018 and has 16 years combined experience in the health insurance and employee benefits industry. DeAnna has worked in many different areas of the health insurance industry, including claims processing, hosting benefit meetings, handling quote requests, and implementing wellness programs.
As a Marketing and Service Representative, DeAnna uses her experience to foster meaningful and productive relationships with MUST plan members, agents, and employer groups. Year after year, DeAnna looks forward to growing the membership at MUST for the South Central Montana region by providing superior customer service with exceptional follow-through. DeAnna holds a seat on the Montana CE Advisory Board to help ensure course materials are appropriate and approved in a timely fashion.
DeAnna loves spending time raising her two children and getting lost, outside, in the beauty of Montana. “The road to your school or place of business is my office, and I’m always happy to help!”
DeAnna Anderson Marketing & Service Representative South Central Region -
Fabian Deneault Marketing/ Field Services Representative Western Montana
(406)270-8320
fdeneault@ms-sf.orgFabian Deneault joined the MSSF marketing team in May 2017 and has over 30 years of marketing, customer service, and management experience. Fabian brings a unique skill set to MUST with his knowledge of school budgeting and business knowledge. He understands how to work through difficult issues to achieve the best possible results.
Before joining MSSF, he was the CEO of an international Environmental Technology Company working to improve global environmental issues. Throughout his life, he has been involved as a School District Trustee and MTSBA School Unemployment Board Trustee. He coached girls’ softball and boys’ baseball. During his six years in Las Vegas and was a member of the Nevada Oil Association and volunteered at a local boys and girls club.
Fabian Deneault Marketing/ Field Services Representative Western Montana -
Jarett Laden Marketing & Service Representative Eastern/ Northeast Region
(406)366-3252
jladen@ms-sf.orgJarett Laden joined the MSSF marketing team in December 2019, and has over 14 years of experience in the insurance sales and service industry. Jarett has spent the last 6 years offering group health insurance benefits to employers throughout the state of Montana. His experience includes marketing and sales directly to employers or through an agent/broker. Working for a new health insurance company in the state in prior years, he has a vast knowledge of the administration of health insurance.
Jarett received his BS in Business Technology and Minor in Marketing from MSU Northern in 2005.
Jarett is a Native Montanan and enjoys spending time camping and in the outdoor with his wife, three kids and their beloved great danes! Jarett looks forward to representing MUST in Eastern Montana.
Jarett Laden Marketing & Service Representative Eastern/ Northeast Region -
Jim Mepham Marketing & Sales Representative Northcentral Montana
(406)217-1188
jmepham@ms-sf.orgJim Mepham comes from 39 years in Montana Public Education. During his tenure he was a teacher, coach, and school administrator. Most recently Jim spent the last 15 years as Superintendent of Eureka Public Schools. Before that Jim spent time in Brady where he was a science teacher, volleyball coach and school superintendent. Jim started his teaching career in Browning as a high school science teacher and coach. He also spent time in Conrad as a coach. He was a key player in the consolidation of the Brady/Dutton School District.
Jim’s background in health insurance is limited to serving on the Board of a self-funded cooperative, but is quickly learning. Jim’s wife Sue has worked in Montana public education for 28 years as a social studies teacher and librarian. Jim’s oldest son is the Director of Bands at Great Falls High School and his youngest is a Senior at the University of Montana. Jim’s dogs and cat do absolutely nothing to earn a living.
Jim Mepham Marketing & Sales Representative Northcentral Montana
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- Operations
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Roxy Wallis Administrative & Operations Officer
(406)457-4400 x406
rwallis@ms-sf.orgRoxy Wallis joined the MSSF team in July 2022. Roxy was born and raised in Montana and loves living in Big Sky Country. She is a SHRM-CP and has a degree in Accounting and Business from Helena College University of MT. Roxy brings over 12 years’ experience working in Non-Profits and brings a wealth of operational and benefits experience to the Enrollment & Eligibility Team.
Roxy and her husband, John also a Montana native enjoy spending time with their four kids, family and three dogs. She also loves working out, reading and spending time with her girlfriends.
Roxy Wallis Administrative & Operations Officer-
Missy Smith Project Manager/ Trainer
(406)457-4400 x504
msmith@ms-sf.orgFlorence “Missy” Smith has over 20 years of experience in the health-insurance industry. Previously, she was a trainer for BCBSMT. In addition, Missy retired from the Montana Army National Guard honorably in 2004. Missy uses her training experience to present exceptional training to our staff and members. She also uses her military background to successfully manage projects for MSSF/MUST.
Missy lives in Helena with her husband. They enjoy Montana-living by hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking every chance they get with family and friends.
Missy Smith Project Manager/ Trainer -
Mandi Hinman Enrollment & Eligibility Specialist
(406)457-4400 x502
mhinman@ms-sf.orgMandi Shulund Hinman began work with MSSF in July 2021. Mandi worked in Montana State Government for 25 years, in roles of Office Manager, Administrative Officer, and Division Administrator, before retiring in June 2021. Mandi’s background is in Administrative Operations and Policy, and prior to working in State Government, she was a Certified Veterinary Technician for 10 years in her hometown of Havre, Montana.
Mandi graduated from Kinman Business University in Spokane, Washington in 1986, and currently has her own pet care business.
Mandi and her husband Roy were both born and raised in Montana and met in 1996. After 11 years together, they married in 2008. Mandi enjoys reading, playing the piano, traveling with Roy, caring for their ‘children’ (cats), and spending time with friends and family.
Mandi Hinman Enrollment & Eligibility Specialist -
Mark Reese Enrollment & Eligibility Specialist
(406)457-4400 x408
mreese@ms-sf.orgMark Reese has 14 years of experience in the health-insurance industry, with experience in enrollment/eligibility, provider contracting and credentialing, and creation of Summary Plan Documents. In addition to his insurance experience, he has over 15 years of retail sales and management experience where he developed a strong customer service background. Mark is very excited to utilize my insurance and customer service background to assist members.
Born and raised in Helena, he enjoys everything that the surrounding area has to offer. When they are not busy with home projects, his family enjoys spending time in the outdoors, driving the back roads of Montana, and attending sporting events.
Mark Reese Enrollment & Eligibility Specialist -
Abbee Gardner Administrative & Operations Associate
(406)457-4400 x400
agardner@ms-sf.orgAbbee began working with MSSF in December 2021. She worked at Lithia as an accountant and assistant office manager. Prior to Lithia, Abbee worked at Mountain Country Distributing for over 4 years, in the roles of administrative associate, graphic designer and accounts receivables.
Abbee is a Montana native. Her and her husband, Erik, live on the outskirts of Helena. Abbee enjoys camping, paddle boarding, cooking, and helping raise her stepson, Jaxon.
Abbee Gardner Administrative & Operations Associate
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- Finance
- MUST Trustees
MUST Trustees
Appointed representatives from MSSF’s three sponsor organizations (MFPE, SAM, and MTSBA) serve as trustees for the Montana Unified School Trust (MUST). These trustees provide policy direction for the health benefits plan offered by MUST. The Board is required to make plan amendments and authorize the contractual relationships with the providers of the program’s specialized needs such as underwriting, actuarial, legal, and claims services. It generally comprises eleven members: three voting members from each of the three sponsoring organizations and two non-voting members who offer additional expertise.
MFPE
Mark Roesler-Begalke
Patricia Toavs
Sarah Piper
SAM
Brad Moore
Dan Grabowska
Wade Sundby
MTSBA
Shawn Bubb
Tom McLaughlin
Gayle Venturelli
Non-Voting
Don Malerk
Terri Hogan
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