Staff | Montana Conservation Voters

Ben Super

Executive Director | Missoula

Ben was born in Rapid City, South Dakota and raised in the northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. In 1997 he bought a one-way ticket to Missoula to attend the University of Montana, where he received an Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps scholarship and majored in forestry. After graduating, he spent five years as an active duty Army officer and served two tours in Iraq, including assignments with the 101st Airborne Division and the Multi-National Corps-Iraq.

Ben moved back to Missoula in 2006 and worked primarily for the Montana Department of Natural Resources before joining the University of Montana Foundation as the Director of Development for the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. For Ben, serving as the Montana Conservation Voters executive director is an honor. Montana’s public lands heritage, right to a clean and healthful environment, and democratic values are worth fighting for. Ben and his partner Shyra have a son who all love touring the west in their campervan with a raft in tow while they explore all of the special places we strive to protect.

Renee Kelley

Operations Director | Helena

Renee Kelley has served as Team MCV’s Operations Director since May 2022, guiding administrative, financial and operational processes from the Helena office. With more than a decade of experience in Montana’s public sector, Renee previously held roles with the Montana Board of Land Commissioners, Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, Holter Museum of Art, and Montana Historical Society. She earned undergraduate degrees in History and Music from the University of Portland and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Montana. After hours, Renee enjoys long, rambling walks around Helena’s historic neighborhoods with her family.

Molly Bell

Political Director | Billings

Molly is based out of MCV’s Billings office, where she serves as MCV’s political director. Prior to joining MCV in 2022, Molly served on numerous electoral and issue advocacy campaigns in Montana and around the country. Most recently, Molly served as Senator Jon Tester’s Billings Regional Director for his district Senate office. Molly holds her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Furman University and holds a master’s degree in Philosophy and Public Policy from the London School of Economics. In her free time, Molly enjoys reading, traveling, and being outside with her toddler, Jack.

Madeline Forbis

Outreach and Advocacy Director | Helena

Madeline is based in Helena and serves as MCV’s Outreach and Advocacy Director. A fifth-generation Montanan, she brings a strong background in communications, advocacy, and public affairs to Team MCV. Before joining MCV, Madeline served as Director of Communications at Helena Area Habitat for Humanity and as a Principal at Hilltop Public Solutions, where she designed and executed public engagement and advocacy campaigns for nonprofit, corporate, and public affairs clients. Earlier in her career, she worked in public service, including on the Senate Finance Committee under former U.S. Senator and Ambassador Max Baucus and for former Senator Jon Tester in both Washington, D.C., and his Missoula office.

Madeline holds a bachelor’s degree in Modern History and Global Political Science from the University of Montana Western and a master’s degree in International Public Policy from the University of East Anglia. Outside of work, she loves exploring Montana with her partner, Brad, and their dog, Hugo.

Jessica Lillie

Development Director | Billings

Jessica Lillie is based in Billings and serves as MCV’s Development Director. Jessica has over 12 years experience working in the nonprofit sector in both Washington D.C. and Montana. Most recently, she worked as the Executive Director for the US-Mexico Foundation for Science. Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Montana. In her free time, she loves spending time with her Husband Chad and their boys Carter and Hudson.

Anna Shaffer

Communications Manager | Bozeman

Anna comes to MCV after eight years as a journalist at the Casper Star-Tribune, Wyoming’s largest news organization. She worked her way up from a part-time sports clerk to interim editor-in-chief. She had a hand in every part of the newsroom from reporting and editing to design and production. Growing up in Wyoming grew her passion for all things outdoors, instilled a desire to be a good steward of this world and to leverage her skills as a journalist to further conservation efforts. In her off time she can be found fishing, skiing, hiking or anything else that gets her in the mountain air.

Jen Gross

Field Coordinator | Billings

Jen Gross is MCV’s Field Coordinator, born and raised in Billings. She connected with MCV in 2008 as a volunteer canvasser and environmental studies student at MSU Billings. She later organized for Planned Parenthood of Montana, worked on campaigns across the state, and served two terms in the Montana State Senate. After leaving the Legislature, Jen returned to the service industry and to creative work, including A Thousand Stars Studio. She shares her life with her partner, Ben, and their dog, Callie. Along the Yellowstone River, she collects rocks, listens to the water, and finds the presence, connection, and inspiration that shape her art and advocacy.

Nathaniel Carter

Lead Canvasser | Billings

I have been canvassing since 2019, leading teams and working with environmental nonprofits across Montana. Over the years, I’ve knocked on doors throughout south-central Montana, talking with people about environmental issues and the candidates who will protect our state’s natural value. From Lame Deer to Bozeman, I’ve had the opportunity to meet Montanans from all walks of life, and I’m excited to bring the skills and experience I’ve gained to MCV.

When I’m not canvassing, you’ll find me wandering Montana’s remote wilderness in my signature oversized sunhat and a writing journal full of mostly illegible notes that I hope will eventually become a science fantasy novel. I live with my partner, Jackie, and our two rescued cats, Squinton and Sekiro.

Suny Ballou

Canvasser | Billings

I’m Suny, I’m a young artist and musician who cares deeply about our aces to public lands, our state constitution, and our rights as Montanans. I sincerely believe canvassing is the best way to get our message out.

Will Ryerson

Canvasser | Billings

Will is a multi-talented, experienced and fearless canvasser based in Billings. He previously worked on campaigns with Western Organization of Resource Councils, Montana Rural Voters, and volunteer canvassed for mayoral and city council campaigns in Baltimore before moving to Montana in 2023.

He has also worked as an educator, events person, and musician. He is a life-long songwriter, music producer and multi-instrumentalist, and has recorded and performed in many bands over the years!

Sayge Felker

Regional Organizer | Bozeman

My name is Sayge Felker and I am the regional organizer for Bozeman! I attend Montana State University and am graduating in December with a degree in political science. In my free time, I love anything outdoors, including skiing, running, climbing, hiking and rafting. I try to be outside as much as possible and that is what drew me to working for MCV!

I love being an organizer for Bozeman because it allows me to connect with the greater community in Bozeman as well as be apart of the difference for conservation and environmental matters. I strive to protect the things I love, so I am excited to work with others who share that same passion and interests!

Henry Groseclose

Canvasser | Bozeman

Henry has been working in sustainable agriculture and conservation ecology for several years. From mushroom farming in New York City to habitat restoration in Eastern Montana, he loves working with the vegetation, substrate, and food systems that shape a region. His relationship with natural landscapes led him to Montana Conservation Voters where he takes pride in working to protect our public lands. In his free time he enjoys backpacking, reading, and has been getting into floating and climbing.

Haylie Wood

Canvasser | Bozeman

My name is Haylie Wood, and I am a Canvasser in Bozeman with Montana Conservation Voters and a senior at Montana State University studying Political Science. Growing up in Joliet, Montana, public lands and local politics have always been a significant part of my life. I am passionate about outdoor recreation and enjoy skiing, hiking, and fishing whenever I can. Working as a canvasser for MCV gives me the opportunity to help protect the public lands I care so deeply about while also educating others on how they can get involved and make a difference in their communities. My favorite part of the job is getting out and talking to people about the public lands that we all care so much about!