Becky Franks, The Montana Institute
Becky Franks, M.A., brings over two decades of experience in prevention, wellness, and leadership to her role at The Montana Institute. With a background in Corporate & Community Wellness and Organizational Leadership, Becky began her career in Minnesota, where she applied asset-based approaches to strengthen youth, families, and communities.
After relocating to Montana, she was inspired by Dr. Jeff Linkenbach’s “Most of Us” campaign—a spark that deepened her commitment to public health during 18 years as a nonprofit CEO. She also developed and taught leadership curriculum at Montana State University and has served her community on the Gallatin County Board of Health, Bozeman Health Board of Directors and as a member of the City of Bozeman Study Commission.
Today, Becky is thrilled to champion the Science of the Positive, a framework she first encountered in the 1990s and believes is a powerful force for community and personal transformation. Outside of work, she enjoys group fitness, mountain adventures, international travel, and time with her grandchildren.
Melissa Stephens, International Survey Associates
Melissa Stephens brings over 20 years of multifaceted experience in operations and project management across both for-profit and non-profit sectors. She holds a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Central Florida, with expertise in research, analytics, and grant writing. As Director of Survey Services and Operations at International Survey Associates, Melissa leads the seamless execution of daily operations, manages all state contracts as the primary liaison and key point of contact, and ensures exceptional customer satisfaction across all service areas.
In addition to her operational leadership, Melissa is a respected professional speaker, consultant, and coach. She brings insight and influence to leadership development, community relationship building, and organizational strategy helping teams and entities strengthen internal dynamics and achieve sustainable success. Her broad expertise and commitment to excellence continue to drive impactful results for both clients and colleagues.Greg Holzman, MT Public Health Training Center
Dr. Greg Holzman moved to Montana from Michigan to become the State Medical Officer for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. In 2021, he decided to step down from this position and started working as a consultant. Greg has worked in medical and residency education, clinical care, research, and public health. Dr. Holzman is board-certified in both family medicine and preventive medicine. A graduate of the University of Florida's College of Medicine, he completed his family medicine residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, and his preventive medicine residency at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington.
Todd Harwell, MT Public Health Training Center
Originally from Akron, Ohio, Todd Harwell came to Montana in 1997 to work in public health at the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). In his 27-year career at DPHHS he worked in a number of roles, most recently in leadership as the Administrator of the Public Health and Safety Division. He received his master’s degree in Public Health (Epidemiology) from the University of Pittsburgh and Undergraduate degree from The University of Akron (Biology/Microbiology). He has three sons and enjoys hiking/backpacking, fishing and playing music.
Kristen Cram, MT Public Health Training Center
Kristen Cram grew up in Missoula, MT and pursued her higher education at Montana State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology in 2020. She furthered her studies at the University of Montana, obtaining a dual master’s degrees in public health and public administration by 2023. Upon graduating, Kristen accepted a position as a program manager for the University of Montana’s Research Education on Air and Climate Change Health (REACH) program. Recently, June of 2025, Kristen accepted a new position as a Prevention Specialist Technical Assistance Manager with the Regional Technical Assistance Center located at the University of Montana’s School of Public and Community Health. She will be transitioning into this role in October 2025.
Emily Weiler, MT Prevention Certification Board
Emily Weiler is a long-time Missoula resident with a long history in environmental Public Health. She was heavily involved in the creation of the MT Prevention Certification Board and has functioned as the Board Administrator since its inauguration. She currently works for the Rocky Mountain Public Health Training Center (Denver, CO).
Karen Sylvester, MT Prevention Certification Board
Karen Sylvester has worked in the field of prevention for over 30 years. She has provided community prevention to small communities, larger communities and facilitated prevention efforts statewide. Initially IC&RC Certified in Wyoming, she moved to Montana to find no certification available and joined up with the folks looking to make that happen. She has been a member of the MPCB as Chairman and now Vice-Chair.
Les Left Hand, Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council
Les Left Hand (Usshiite Aapiia - Robin's Necklace) is a proud enrolled member of the Crow Tribe born and raised in Lodge Grass, Montana. His role as the project coordinator at the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council sees him tirelessly work to assist the people he serves as a cultural leader, program outreach facilitator, adult and youth educator and life coach for recovery groups.
Deeply passionate about helping, caring for and teaching others, Les works directly with those in recovery programs both on and off tribal lands, forging the path for the healing journey ahead with focuses on personal empowerment, leadership and family preservation. He acts as an engine for personal growth in the communities he serves, striving to help people find their purpose in life with a helping hand.
Les originally joined the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council as its All-Nations Youth Partnerships for Success Program director and does his part to assist in building up the next generation of tribal leaders. He was previously the executive director of the Crow Tribe Head Start Program and still facilitates and helps with various youth groups and camps.
Les graduated from Lodge Grass High School before earning his business degree at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana, also completing schoolwork at Chief Dull Knife College in Lame Deer, Montana and Haskell Indian Nationa University in Lawrence, Kansas. A former forestry wildland firefighter and avid outdoorsman, Les hunts, fishes and hikes in his free time.
Courtney Blaskovich, MT Tobacco Use Prevention Program
Courtney Blaskovich is the County Contract Liaison and Youth Engagement Specialist for the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program within the Chronic Disease Prevention Bureau. In her position she provides support to Tobacco Education Specialists (TES) at the county level, provides training to TES and Youth Advisors and oversees the statewide youth ReACt program. Courtney grew up in Montana City, Montana and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Promotion at Montana State University (Go Cats!). She recently completed her Certificate in Public Health through University of Montana. She started her professional career with 10 years of non-profit work and began working at DPHHS in the Fall 2020. Courtney enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, and spending time with her husband, daughter and 2 dogs.
Beth Dominicis, Office of Public Instruction
Dr. Beth Dominicis is a chiropractic physician with a distinguished 30-year career. She blends her knowledge of the human body with a passion for teaching and community service. She has dedicated her life to both healing and educating others. Beth has shared her expertise by teaching a variety of subjects; from inspiring young minds in elementary and high school science classes to mentoring future professionals through doctorate-level courses in neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment and visiting Montana schools in the capacity of a Tobacco Use Prevention Education Specialist for the Coordinated School Health Unit of the Montana Office of Public Instruction. She is a “garage-artist” who finds inspiration in nature. As a volunteer with the Humane Society, she channels her creativity and compassion into helping animals in need. Whether she’s exploring nature, guiding students, or caring for her patients, she brings passion and dedication. Beth lives in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley.
Michael Rohd, UM Co-Lab for Civic Imagination
Michael Rohd is a theater-maker who has spent 35 years leading process and facilitating conversation around complex public issues across the nation, as well as supporting and training arts, municipal and non-profit staff in designing effective community programs, convenings and public engagement work. He’s been a founder and co-leader with three organizations- Hope Is Vital (theatre-based HIV Prevention work in DC and nationwide in the ‘90s); Sojourn Theatre (ensemble theatre company1999-2023, Portland Or and nationwide) and Center for Performance and Civic Practice (artist collective consulting on institutional and system change work nationwide 2012- present). He co-founded/co-led Art-Train, a national technical assistance program with Springboard for the Arts; he just finished four years as Civic Collaborations Director with One Nation One Project, a national arts and health initiative; he is lead process-designer and facilitation trainer for national Veteran led bridge-building organization More Perfect Union; and in 2022, he founded Co-Lab for Civic Imagination at University of Montana, where as a tenured Professor he serves as Co-Lab Director and as a University-Wide System Dramaturg/Artist-in-Residence.
www.michaelrohd.com
Andrew Yedinak, MT Department of Justice
Andrew Yedinak is a seasoned law enforcement professional with a career spanning over two decades. Beginning his journey in 2004 in Illinois, he honed his skills across various domains including patrol, major case investigations, SWAT, and undercover narcotics operations. In 2017, he brought his expertise to the Montana Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, where he delved into combating some of the most pressing issues of our time. From undercover narcotics work to combating internet crimes against children, Andrew's commitment to justice has been unwavering. Currently, Andrew is the Supervisory Agent in charge of the Human Trafficking Unit of the Montana Department of Justice focused on combating human trafficking. Andrew not only works tirelessly on the front lines but also shares his wealth of knowledge through training and consultation for law enforcement agencies across Montana and the United States.
Steve Crawford, MT Department of Justice
Steve Crawford is the Narcotics Bureau Chief for the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) at the Montana Department of Justice. He has 31 years in law enforcement including 26 years at the Bozeman Police Department where he retired after serving as the Chief of Police for the last 5 1/2 years of his career. Steve has served in a number of different areas of law enforcement during his career including patrol, investigations, first line supervision, administration, as well as the tactical team. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Tasha Cameron, Butte-Silver Bow Health Department
Tasha Cameron is the Family Health Manager at the Butte-Silver Bow Health Department. Tasha's extensive experience, both lived and professional, in Harm Reduction includes Overdose Education & Naloxone Distribution, training frontline staff and community members in opioid overdose response and expanding access to life-saving interventions. Her programs aim at reducing stigma, building community partnerships, and equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge to act during an overdose emergency.
Susan Brurud, Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line
Susan Brurud is passionate about promoting a holistic approach to strong communities, from mental health to economic development. Currently, Susan is the Senior Community Outreach Coordinator for Water & Environmental Technologies in Butte. Susan also trained as Prevention Specialist under the Partnership for Success (PFS) grant and served Hill and Blaine County through the Boys & Girls Club/HELP Committee in Havre. During this time Suan identified a reoccurring need for additional community leaders to advocate for their rural community’s health and infrastructure needs. Susan graduated from MSU-Northern in May 2023 and received her degree in Community Leadership with a minor in Criminal Justice. She was proud to be accepted as a member of the 2021 Montana NEW Leadership cohort and was a recipient of the 2022 George M Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship. In May of 2024 Susan became a proud graduate of the Leadership Montana Class of 2024. She continues to contribute to strong communities through her work as the coordinator of Havre Community Heart & Soul and as a consultant on the Let’s Face It Montana project.
Susan lives with her husband Tim, two dogs and a varying number of horses in Havre, MT. where she loves to spend time camping in her 18 ft. 1970 Airstream with her family and friends in the beautiful Bear Paws mountains.Vern Brown, Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line
Vern Brown is the Compliance Program Director for the HELP Committee. He has been with HELP for 17 years specializing in Tobacco and Alcohol educational and enforcement programs. He has extensive field experience conducting surveys and inspections. In addition to this he has 14 years’ experience in public speaking and teaching, over 20 years in various retail management positions, an ever-expanding Gourmet Flavored Popcorn business, and holds a bachelor’s in theology. He thinks databases are fun and enjoys plants, computers, building and remodeling. He lives in Havre, MT with his wife of 35 years, 4 kids, 8 grandkids, 4 dogs and a fluctuating number of cats.
Kari Finley, Center for Health & Safety Culture, MSU
Kari Finley, PhD, is co-director of the Center for Health and Safety Culture at Montana State University. She has approximately eight years of experience as a research scientist focusing on conducting basic and applied research on a variety of health and safety issues. Dr. Finley has been the principal investigator on multiple projects with specific interests in behavior change, stigma reduction, understanding motivation and intention, and measuring culture. Dr. Finley is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twelve years of experience treating people with mental health and substance use disorders, conducting behavioral health evaluations, and implementing behavior change strategies and brief interventions.