FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

August 19, 2021

MCV Announces Additional New Hires

Kristin Cordingley and Mat Willey will help execute the organization’s mission and on-the-ground organizing efforts. 

(BILLINGS, Mont.) – Montana Conservation Voters and the MCV Education Fund today announced the hire of Kristin Cordingley as the Program Director, and Mat Willey as the Field Director.

Cordingley brings nearly a decade of political experience from Washington, DC, including time spent with Senator Max Baucus, both in his personal office and on the staff of the Senate Finance Committee while he was Chairman. Most recently, she led outreach and diversity policy efforts for Dropbox. A Helena native, Cordingley is a political science graduate of the University of Montana and delighted to be back in her hometown.

Cordingley will serve as MCV’s lead public policy advocate, support the Executive Director in designing and implementing strategic plans, annual organizational work plans and budgets to serve MCV’s and MCVEF’s missions.

“MCV is leading the fight for conservation in Montana and I’m thrilled to be part of such a great team,” said Cordingley. “I am eager to use my experience to keep our electeds accountable and working for Montanans, not politics.” 

Willey’s extensive background in field work includes a ballot initiative campaign, several Congressional and Senate races and two Presidential campaigns. Most recently, he served as a Community Organizer in Eastern Montana focused on oil and gas, agriculture, clean energy and conservation efforts around Yellowstone National Park. Prior, Willey spent seven years working in marketing, communications and sales. Originally from a farming community in rural Illinois, he earned a Master’s Degree from Illinois State University as a fellow through the Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development.

Willey will help lead MCV’s grassroots engagement efforts to further MCV’s mission by reaching out to Montanans across the state about the importance of climate action and place-based conservation.

“I’m truly ecstatic to join MCV,” said Willey. “This is a critical juncture for Montana and an incredible opportunity to be part of a top-notch team. I cannot wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work.” 

“We’re thrilled to have Kristin and Mat on the MCV team,” said MCV Executive Director Whitney Tawney. “Their backgrounds and passion for protecting Montana as the Last Best Place will serve MCV and our state; I’m excited for what we will accomplish together.”   

Cordingley will be based in Helena and can be contacted at kristin@mtvoters.org. Willey will be based in Billings and can be contacted at mat@mtvoters.org.

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