LEADERSHIP WITH PURPOSE – Board of Directors
The MCfA is led by a distinguished board of directors, uniting expertise from the arts, business, and community development. Their shared commitment: to create a world-class performing arts center that reflects Montana’s character while elevating the state as a cultural destination.
DR. ILSE-MARI LEE HASTINGS – CHAIR
Founder of Montana State University’s Honors College and the Montana Youth Symphony, Dr. Ilse-Mari Lee Hastings has been a driving force in Montana’s cultural and educational evolution for over 35 years. Cellist and an award-winning composer, she has inspired generations of musicians now performing nationwide. As Dean Emerita, her visionary leadership continues to shape the Montana Center for the Arts, fostering a legacy of creativity and excellence.
DOUG BADENOCH – VICE-CHAIR
A founding member and current Vice Chair of the Montana Center for the Arts, Doug Badenoch is a seasoned arts leader and former president of Opera Montana. A successful businessman and community leader, his deep roots in Montana and years of board service reflect his unwavering commitment to advancing the state’s cultural and performing arts infrastructure.
MARGARET PERRYMAN – SECRETARY
A transformative healthcare leader, Margaret Perryman served as CEO of a renowned children’s hospital for 28 years, spearheading capital campaigns that revolutionized pediatric care. With an MBA and extensive nonprofit governance experience, she blends strategic acumen with a lifelong commitment to Montana, where she champions initiatives that elevate community well-being and cultural vibrancy, including her current role as board chair of the Montana Ballet Company.
LARRY SPRINGER – TREASURER
A former engineer at Lockheed Martin in Palo Alto, Springer is a senior research engineer in solar physics at Montana State University and a long-time supporter of music in Bozeman.
DR. DENNIS K. WENTZ – FOUNDING CHAIR
A global authority in continuing medical education and author of the definitive history of the field, Dr. Wentz has led transformative initiatives at the American Medical Association. A passionate advocate for the arts as a foundation for community well-being, he has served in leadership roles with Opera Montana and the Montana Chamber Music Society, reflecting his lifelong devotion to cultural excellence and Montana’s artistic legacy.
CLYDE ASPEVIG
An acclaimed landscape painter and advocate for conservation, Clyde Aspevig has redefined contemporary Western art with his evocative depictions of Montana’s natural beauty. A recipient of the prestigious Gold Medal at the National Academy of Western Art, his work embodies the transformative power of art in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.
ROBYN L. ERLENBUSH
A Montana native and influential real estate leader, Robyn Erlenbush has spent decades championing the arts through her philanthropic efforts. From co-chairing major capital campaigns to supporting symphonies and opera, her philanthropic leadership highlights the performing arts as a cornerstone of community development and opportunity.
DR. ROBERT C. MAHER
A professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Montana State University, Dr. Robert Maher is a distinguished academic with a passion for community enrichment. His volunteer work with arts and science organizations like Baroque Music Montana and FIRST Robotics, exemplifies his commitment to education and the performing arts as cornerstones of innovation and inspiration.
TANYA REINHARDT
Community leader, veteran, former trustee for Bozeman Schools and advocate for arts in the Bozeman community, Tanya Reinhardt brings a vast net of connections, insights and wisdom to the board of Montana Center for the Arts.
MICHAEL REYNOLDS
Founding cellist of the Grammy-winning Muir String Quartet and Artistic Director of the Montana Chamber Music Society, Michael Reynolds has made an indelible mark on the global music scene. His directorship at Boston University’s School of Music and leadership with ArtsLive.org connect Montana’s performing arts to international acclaim.
CAROL SCHMIDT
Veteran writer, editor, educator and past board member of the Montana Ballet, Carol Schmidt brings a passion for the performing arts, an appreciation for the written arts and a dedication to the Bozeman community to the Montana Center for the Arts.
JEREMIAH SLOVARP
Winner of 12 Emmy Awards for Audio, Jeremiah Slovarp is the founder of Bozeman-based Jereco Studios. He also serves as a Music Technology faculty at the Montana State University School of Music. He is a Director on the Board of Governors for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
RICHARD WOLFF
Richard Wolff is the Gilhousen Telecommunications Chair emeritus and professor emeritus in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Montana State University. His experience in the telecommunications industry research spanned a wide range of technical and policy-related aspects of communications network design and evolution. A long-time lover of opera, he has served as the board president of Opera Montana, and he served as an opera board member. He has appeared on stage in numerous walk-on opera roles.
Montana Center for the Arts Advisory Council
Charter members
Lee Freeman
Donald Gimbel
Beth Ann Kennedy
Judith King
Iris Model
Ralph Steele, JD
Carter G. Walker
Renee Westlake
May Vaughan
Francesca Zambello
Chairman
Dennis K. Wentz MD