MEET OUR FABULOUS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
To reach our Board of Directors, please contact us at boardchairs@lgbtmontana.org
Your input is valuable as we continue working toward our mission.
Mel Brittner-Wells
Board Member
She/Her
Mel Brittner Wells is a writer, nonprofit administrator, and the founder of Beefcake Swimwear, which makes gender-neutral swimsuits with inclusive sizing and sustainable practices. She grew up just five hours south of Missoula but took the long road to living here—through central California, Utah, Belgium, and Oregon. After getting a master’s degree in book publishing, Mel has spent about 15 years working at two very entrepreneurial nonprofits. She appreciates the creativity and courage required to sustain and grow small community-based organizations. In her free time, Mel enjoys learning new skills (especially related to house projects), reading (especially queer authors), and spending time with her wife, Ashley.
Jacqueline Shrader
Chair
She/Her
Jacqueline is from Spokane originally but spent most summers growing up in Seeley Lake and Missoula. She works in international development and has been fortunate to have spent several years living in Latin America and West Africa. Jacqueline cares deeply about the influence of policy and public discourse on our society, especially how that impacts minority groups. You'll find Jacqueline paddle boarding down the Bitterroot, at a brewery, playing softball, flailing on skis, or hanging out at the farmers' market. Jacqueline and her partner are the proud humans of two cats.
Brock Flynn
Secretary
He/Him
Brock is a native Montanan who is proud to call Lolo and the Missoula area home. Brock is quite busy as a law student at the University of Montana. Brock cares deeply about legal aid work-assisting low income folks by providing high quality legal services. When not busy with law stuff, Brock enjoys kayaking and shopping at the farmers’ market.
Jeri Barta
Board Member
She/Her
Jeri Barta is a REALTOR® with ERA Lambros in Missoula, Montana, licensed since April 2019. She serves Missoula and the surrounding communities, representing buyers and sellers across residential, luxury, commercial, land, ranch, and industrial properties. As a solo agent, Jeri is consistently recognized among leading agents for her buyer advocacy, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations.
In addition to her real estate work, Jeri volunteers with local non-profit organizations, reflecting a long-standing commitment to community involvement. She frequently assists first-time buyers, relocating clients, investors, and business owners navigating complex real estate decisions, and emphasizes clear communication, informed guidance, and accountability throughout the transaction process. Her client-focused approach is reflected in positive public reviews on Zillow.
Slaven Lee
Vice Chair
She/They
Slaven Lee is the Executive Director of the Missoula Public Library. Slaven has held leadership roles in library systems serving rural and urban communities, including the King County Library System (Washington), Queens Public Library (New York City), and the Austin Public Library (Texas). Slaven has drawn upon equity and inclusion frameworks to deliver exceptional patron experiences, build meaningful community relationships, and develop innovative services in public libraries. Slaven has served as Board President on the White Center Food Bank board in Seattle and as Chair of the Missoula Food Bank and Community Center board. Slaven has a background in promoting large-scale DJ events and celebrations for queer community members in Seattle, including co-creating one of the longest running monthly dance nights from 2005-2017.
Kate Strauss
Treasurer
She/Her
Kate grew up in Virginia and eventually impulsively dropped out of university to join the Navy when she was 21. She lived in Florida, Illinois, Maine and spent her final seven years in a glorious affair with Sicily. Upon discharge, she earned her RN license and a bachelor's of science degree in psychology. Life finally introduced her to the West, where she and her spouse fell in love with Missoula and settled in 2018. Kate cares deeply about equity, inclusion and community and has a long history of volunteerism dating back to her early naval career. When she isn't traveling, you can find her on the hiking trails, skiing when the conditions are "just right", lifting with her favorite folks at the gym, or tucked into a corner catching up with the latest magazine issues at the world's best public library. As a board member, Kate seeks to strengthen her allyship and support of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
THE CENTER
500 N Higgins Ave, Ste 105 (Main door on Spruce)
Missoula, MT 59802 | 406 543 2224
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