Governor Announces New Members of the Community Service Commission

Governor Announces New Members of the Community Service Commission

(HELENA) - Governor Brian Schweitzer today appointed new members to the Community Service Commission.

"One of the best ways we can all help move Montana forward, help the last and the least, or improve our own communities is to volunteer or work for services that help those who need it," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. "This group of people are committed to service and to improving the lives of Montana families."

Tracy King, Harlem - Tracy is the Assiniboine Tribal Representative to the Ft. Belknap Tribal Council. He also has a long history of advocacy and direct service with at-risk youth in his community. Tracy fulfills the qualification as a Tribal government member.

Sheila Rice, Great Falls - Sheila is director of the Neighborhood Housing Services, a nonprofit housing agency, promoting fairness and access to affordable housing. She is a former legislator. Sheila serves as a representative of volunteer agencies.

Johnel Barcus, Browning - Johnel is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe. She holds a doctorate in education from MSU and is the Executive Director of the Browning Community Development Corporation. Johnel serves as a representative from the public sector.

Robert E. "Bob" Harris, Great Falls - Bob is retired from the U.S. Air Force in Great Falls where he operates a small gravel hauling business. He is very active in youth-related and community activities, including Boy Scouts, United Way, Red Cross, and Safe Communities Coalition. Bob has been active with the NAACP. He serves as a public member to the commission.

Pat Murphy, Hamilton - Pat recently retired as a staff member of Literacy Corps, she also worked for Kids First in Hamilton, and has long ties to community and volunteer services for youth and to the University of Montana's early work on civic engagement. Pat serves as the representative for youth services.

Amy Busch, Broadview - Amy has served as a Senior Corps program director in both Ravalli and Richland Counties, and also led the Richland County Citizens Corps. Amy serves as a representative in senior services.

Lindsey Rehder, Missoula - Lindsey is a VISTA member working with the Montana Literacy Corps in Missoula. Lindsey serves as the youth representative to the commission.

John Ilgenfritz, Helena - John works for Disaster and Emergency Services at the Dept. of Military Affairs on Homeland Security Grants; he is also a former VISTA. John fulfills the qualification as a representative of disaster and emergency services.

Keith Kelly, Helena - Keith is the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry, his long and distinguished career in public service includes a Directorship of the Montana Dept. of Agriculture, and the USDA Farmers Home Administration in Washington, DC. Keith serves as a representative from the Montana Department of Labor.

John Allen, Helena - John serves as the representative of the National Service Corporation.

County Commissioner, Mike McGinley of Dillon and Bob Maffit with Montana Independent Living Project in Helena were re-appointed to the commission.

http://governor.mt.gov/news/pr.asp?ID=213