People in the news

Gov. Greg Gianforte recently announced the following appointments:

Invasive Species Council

• Martin Charlo, Pablo: Serving in a variety of capacities over the last decade for the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, Charlo serves as treasurer for the CSKT Tribal Council. Charlo’s term will run through May 31, 2025.

Upper Columbia Conservation Commission

• Tom Ray, Whitefish: A senior executive in the forest products industry with over 30 years of experience, Ray has served as board chair of the Kalispell Regional Healthcare Foundation, chair of the board of directors for the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, and was named Montana Timberman of the Year for 2019. Ray’s term will run through May 31, 2025.

• Phil Matson, Columbia Falls: Matson has worked at the Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) since 2001. Most recently, he is the GIS database manager for the Crown Manager's Partnership and coordinates the Aquatic Invasive Species sampling efforts for FLBS. Matson’s will run through May 31, 2025.

• Rae Lynn Hayes, Eureka: Hayes works as the administrator for the Lincoln Conservation District, owns Spirit Canyon Herbals, and is the District 5 director for the Montana Barrel Horse Association. Hayes previously served as the MSU extension agent in Lincoln County. Hayes’ term will run through May 31, 2025.

• Bruce Vincent, Libby: A third generation logger, Vincent has given motivational speeches throughout the United States and the world, has testified on natural resource issues before Congress, and has appeared on several news programs such as “60 Minutes.” Vincent has been named Timberman of the Year in Montana, National Forest Activist of the Year, the Agri-Women’s 2007 Veritas Award Winner, and in 2004 received the inaugural Presidential Preserve America Award from President Bush. Vincent’s term will run through May 31, 2025.

Forest Land Taxation Advisory Committee

• Paul McKenzie, Columbia Falls: McKenzie is the general manager and vice president of F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company and has served as president of the Montana Wood Products Association, chairman of the Federal Timber Purchaser’s Committee, and a member of the Flathead County Resource Advisory Committee and West Valley Land Use Advisory Committee. McKenzie’s term will run through June 30, 2027.