Citizens For A Better Flathead

Citizens For A Better Flathead
P.O. Box 771, 35 4th St. West, Kalispell, MT 59903
t. 406.756.8993 f. 406 756-8991

Staff

Executive Director Mayre Flowers has helped to shape and guide the work of the organization for the past fourteen years, both as a founding member and as part of the staff.
Mayre has a Masters degree in Education from the University of Montana and has lived in the Flathead Valley since 1977. Prior to working for Citizens, she spent numerous summers with the Glacier Institute, where she developed and instructed science field camp programs.
A quote by Mayre’s desk reads, “The best way to help predict the future is to help create it.” As program director, she enjoys helping neighborhood groups learn how to become actively involved in planning for the rapid growth currently found in the Flathead Valley. She is enthusiastic about using smart growth tools to help secure positive solutions for the valley's growth and hopeful that the Flathead will remain “the Last Great Place.”

Program Assistant: Megan McCrae recently earned her Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Montana. The work she did in the MPA program focused on public policy analysis and review. Her desire to get into land use planning advocacy work developed through her coursework focusing on environmental policy, or lack thereof, at both the state and federal level. Sustainable land use planning is crucial in preserving the natural resources that make communities, such the Flathead Valley, a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Citizens for a Better Flathead provided her with the opportunity to put to use the skills she acquired through academia and her passion for environmental policy/preservation. As a new member of the community, Megan looks forward to enjoying all the natural amenities the Flathead Valley has to offer.

Office Administrator: Cheryl Lee recently relocated to the Flathead Valley from the Seattle area. Cheryl was born in Kalispell and has deep roots in the Kalispell area. Two sets of great-grandparents on her mother's side settled here around the turn of last century and her grandparents farmed west of town. Cheryl's mother was raised here and Cheryl spent summers with her grandmother Miller and enjoyed picnicing, swimming and picking huckleberries. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Northern Montana College (now MSU-Nothern). Cheryl's background is in the media area--video, advertising, marketing, graphic design and layout, and copywriting and has worked in both educational and corporate environments.

2006 - 2007 Board of Directors

Mary Critchlow, Co-Chair, Kalispell - A teacher in Kalispell for the past 16 years. She teaches Health and P.E.. Recently she took a sabbatical and traveled around the world. This trip increased her appreciation for living in the Flathead Valley and motivated her to get involved in preserving the integrity of the valley. Board member since 2004.

Kris DeMeester, Columbia Falls - works in his family-owned print shop and is a computer wiz of many talents. Kris was born and raised here and has been involved in some small scale development projects. He is very interested in increasing out reach to young people. Board member 2006.

Alan McNeil, Kalispell - is a long-time member of our organization, and is a computer expert that has contributed countless hours of service to our organization before joining the board this year. He is an invaluable resource for our web development, and email capabilities, as well as an office efficiency resource. Board member 2006.

Diane Taylor, Secretary &Treasurer, Kailspell - is an elementary math teacher at the Helena Flats School in Evergreen. She is a long time resident of the valley and has been an active in the peace movement here as well as other social justice issues. Board member 2006.

Ed Myers, Co-Chair, Kalispell - is a retired community college administrator having worked at FVCC from 1982-86 and in California at West Valley College for 16 years prior to returning to the Flathead on a full-time basis. He is interested in working through the tough issues of growth and change with an eye to the future and preserving the quality of life that keeps us all here. This requires new ways to collaborate and relate to one another by finding common ground and respect for one another. Board member since 2005.

Rod McIver, Kalispell - is the newest member of our board and brings a lifetime of interest in natural history, ecology, forestry, and agriculture to our organization. He is excited to be involved in the board of directors and to contribute to the goals of CBF. Board Member since 2007.