Tester Launches #Montennial Advisory Council

Council to Advise Senator on Issues Impacting Montana Millennials

(U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today he is launching a #Montennial Advisory Council that will provide him perspectives on priorities and issues important to young Montanans across the state.

Tester’s #Montennial Advisory Council will consist of students, small business owners, farmers, and community leaders, and will offer input and insight on how to address the unique challenges facing their generation.

“Millennials are Montana’s next generation of leaders, and it’s high time for us in Congress to start listening to what they have to say,” Tester said. “That’s why I’m launching this council-so young people have a seat at the table when it comes to the issues that motivate them and the roadblocks they face as they build careers and families.”

Tester will meet with the Council to discuss issues that will impact #Montennials lives in the years and decades to come, like net neutrality, access to affordable health care, education, and the economy.

“Washington could learn a thing or two from these young folks,” Tester said. “They’re smart, driven, and engaged, and the challenges they face are tough. Working together, I look forward to discussing these issues with them and finding Montana solutions to build a better future for our state and our nation.”

Tester’s #Montennial Advisory Council will include the following #Montennials:

Chair

Rep. Zach Brown, Bozeman Legislator

Zach first ran for a seat in the Montana House of Representatives in 2014 at age 23. He now serves in the Legislature (House District 63, which includes Montana State University’s campus and university district), where his committee work focuses on taxation, wildlife management, and water policy. Zach also works a day job at One Montana on a team of community organizers and facilitators that tackle tough issues facing Montanans across the rural – urban divide. He focused his undergraduate studies at the University of Montana on fisheries management, water policy and climate change, and his background includes leading a research project at Georgetown University focused on U.S. immigration policy reform. Zach loves to work on water issues, and he is happiest when fishing for cutthroat trout or whitefish somewhere in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, or hunting the badlands of eastern Montana.

Members

Grace Johnson, MSU Student

Grace attended high school in Billings and is currently a Junior in the Political Science program at Montana State University, pursuing a degree in International Relations. She interned in Senator Tester’s office, and is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve on this council and excited to learn more about decision making and policy in Montana.

Elle Fettig, UM Student

Elle graduated from the University of Montana in May 2018, where she studied political science and computer science. While at UM, Elle served as an ASUM Senator, and focused primarily on transportation and sustainability issues, and worked with Montana NEW Leadership. She currently works for a tech firm in Missoula.

Adam Sklar, Owner and Operator of Sklar Bikes in Bozeman

Adam grew up on bicycles, and eventually turned his hobby into a full-time profession. Sklar came to Bozeman to study mechanical engineering at Montana State University, and formed his business while still in school. Located in Bozeman, each Sklar bike is hand built by Sklar personally, and his design won Best Mountain Bike at the annual North American Handmade Bicycle Show in 2017.

Erica Braig, High School Student

Erica graduated from Glacier High School in Kalispell in June. She enjoys being involved in her community, competing on the girls’ soccer team, and participating in the Wolfpack leadership club and Leaders of tomorrow. She also enjoys skiing, hiking and spending time with family. She’s excited to work with Senator Tester and to get a better look at what goes on in our government.

Dara Deines, Social Worker

A lifelong Montanan, Dara was born and raised on a farm in Glendive and currently resides in Miles City. Dara went to college at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN where she received her bachelor’s degree in Communications and Political Science. During her time at Concordia she excelled in Speech and Debate which fueled her passion for speaking out on social issues. As a Child Protection Specialist for the Department of Health and Human Services, Dara is committed to the safety and well-being of Montana’s children for the coming generation.

Adam Carney, Farmer in Scobey

Adam is a fourth generation farmer on both sides of his family. Along with farming, Adam also ranches in Scobey. A graduate of the University of Montana, Adam enjoys hunting, fishing and traveling.

Riley Tubbs, Owner of Ten Mile Brewery in Helena

A native Montanan, Riley was born in raised in Helena. He graduated from the University of Montana, 2014, with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management. Riley is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Ten Mile Creek Brewing Company and a board member of Helena Downtown Incorporated. He is a proud husband and father of two.