MISSOULA COUNTY FAIR EVENT COMMITTEE

The 7 member Missoula County Fair Event Committee (MCFEC) was created by the Missoula County Commissioners in April of 2017 to serve in an advisory capacity for the purpose of planning and implementing the annual fair event as directed by the Board and under the supervision of the Missoula County Fairgrounds Events & Operations Manager. To join the meeting or to be added to the agenda call 406-258-3238. Thank you! 

MCFEC ARCHIVE

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Meeting ID: 269 854 180 546 6

Passcode: Bu7Kj9YB

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+1 406-272-4824,,961260690# United States, Billings

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Phone conference ID: 961 260 690#

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Video ID: 111 603 747 5

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Fair Event Committee Bio

Jim Sadler, a proud 5th generation Montanan, has a passion for horticulture and local traditions. Since 1995, he has generously volunteered his time and expertise at the Western Montana Fair, where he currently holds the positions of Chair of the Fair Events Committee and Superintendent of the Floriculture Building. Jim's love for plants and flowers extends beyond the fairgrounds, as he actively participates in various gardening societies. He is an active member of the Missoula Iris Society, the Missoula Rose Society, the Five Valley Dahlia and Gladiolus Society, and the Missoula Garden Club. Currently, he serves as the Montana Federation of Garden Clubs State President, where he works to support and advocate for the interests of garden clubs throughout the state. Outside of his botanical endeavors, Jim dedicates his time as a trustee of the Museum at Fort Missoula. By preserving local history and promoting cultural heritage, he contributes to the community's collective memory and pride. Jim resides in the Target Range area with his wife Linda. Professionally, he serves as a Supervisor for a national company that administers tests in elementary schools. His role allows him to make a positive impact on education, ensuring fair and accurate assessments for young learners.

Dave Bell is a steady, longtime presence on the Missoula County Fair Event Committee - in fact, he’s been with the committee almost since the inception! Dave is a commercial photographer who thrives on engaging with his clients and delving into the stories behind each photograph. With a passion for building relationships and collaborating with partners, Dave is dedicated to understanding the vibrant Missoula community. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dave was honored with the Superintendent of the Year award by the Western Montana fair staff in 2018 for his exceptional work in the Photography and Arts Building. His role involved scouting for new talent and providing support throughout the week-long fair. Dave's favorite moments at the Western Montana Fair include selecting the annual fair theme, witnessing the enthusiastic engagement of young individuals in various artistic endeavors and the 4-H program, and volunteering alongside his daughter. When he's not busy with his photography and fair-related activities, Dave indulges in his love for outdoor adventures. Whether it's mountain biking, skiing down slopes, or enjoying the serenity of being near the water while fishing, he finds solace in nature.

Brooke Martin brings a sharp eye for detail and a variety of perspective to the Fair Event Committee. She is a founding member of the advisory committee, active since 2017. With a background in data interpretation, she brings an analytical perspective to the committee. Her valued connections to ice sports, fiber arts, Missoula's agricultural community, and 4-H means Brooke is always searching for ways to increase community involvement in the Western Montana Fair. On the Fair Event Committee, she reviews proposals, provides community contacts when requested, and generally asks a ton questions to be sure every fair attendee has a stellar experience. For Brooke, one big highlight is the expansion of Plein Air at the Fair. During her downtime, you can find her working with her small flock of Icelandic sheep, watching the Big Sky High School cross-country team compete, spending time with neighbors and family, and working with open-pollinated and heirloom produce in her market garden.

Jennipha-Laurén Nielsen Jennipha-Laurén Nielsen is a sixth-generation Montanan, with four generations of her family in Missoula. Her grandmother helped to found Soroptimist International of Missoula more than 66 years ago, and the club’s Soroptimist Bingo has been part of the Western Montana Fair for over 50 years. The fairgrounds hold personal history for Jennipha as well — she fondly remembers stories of her grandfather flying out of the grounds when they served as an airfield, a reminder of how deeply her family’s story intertwines with this community landmark. Today, Jennipha serves as President of Soroptimist Missoula while also carrying forward her family’s legacy of service. Beyond Montana, she has dedicated much of her career to international work with the United Nations, supporting programs on women in peacekeeping and humanitarian response. She has been deployed to Senegal, Uganda, India, and Thailand, and after Hurricane Maria, she worked in Puerto Rico helping deliver critical supplies to affected communities. She also founded the United Nations Association of Montana to connect her state to global initiatives. Locally, she is the Montana State Community Leader for Airbnb, and in her second term as member of the University District Leadership Team, also co-chair of the Missoula Community Television Advisory Committee and operates This Old Frat House, a historic bed-and-breakfast near the University of Montana. She and her husband, Mehrdad, live in Missoula with their two dogs, and she values the Western Montana Fair as both a living tradition and a focal point of community for the entire region.

Tonya Robert brings a spark of positive energy to the Fair Event Committee. She has lived in Missoula for 40 years and joined the Fair Event Committee in 2018. During her tenure, she’s enjoyed getting to know more about the Western Montana Fair. As a member of the committee, she guides events for the upcoming year and help review the proposals for activities going on throughout the Fair. She’s a big supporter of local businesses and loves to help pick the Best of Fair Food awards from a variety of local vendors. She also volunteers her time with Missoula Chicks n Chaps. She joined Missoula Chicks n Chaps in 2013 as a volunteer. She loved seeing the way this organization helped the community. The organization is close to her heart as her Mother in Law went through breast cancer twice and it was a very difficult process to endure. She knew that she was in the right place helping as many community members as they could with the funds that they raise at their events. She looks forward to many more years with Missoula Chicks n Chaps. Her husband Tracy and she have 3 beautiful children Ashleigh, Brittnee and Douglas. She enjoys spending time with family and going to Football games, Basketball games, Hockey games (Go Griz!), and they love to support Paddleheads baseball.

Jane Kelly is a dedicated public servant with a diverse professional background and a passion for community service. With almost 18 years of experience working for the City of Missoula, Jane has made significant contributions in various roles. She initially served as the Coordinator of Volunteers in the Missoula Police Department and a significant portion of her career was dedicated to being a neighborhood coordinator. Outside of her city responsibilities, Jane has been actively involved in volunteering at the local fair for many years. She has taken on key leadership roles, such as serving as the Superintendent of the 4-H exhibit building, where she oversaw the successful execution of exhibits and programs. Jane even took on the role of interim 4-H extension agent for a year, demonstrating her commitment to empowering and supporting youth in their personal and professional development. Jane's professional journey began with a background in culinary arts, but she later pursued her interest in business management. She graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Her culinary career took her to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, where she became the first female chef. Jane finds joy in spending time gardening and caring for her two horses, two geese, two cats, two goats, and over 20 chickens, creating a lively and diverse animal sanctuary. Jane also serves as the vice president for the Backcountry Horsemen of Missoula.

Debbie Polsin grew up in Missoula, and fondly remembers the Missoula County Fair as the highlight of every summer.  She has a passion in event planning and project management, and revels bringing joy to community members through community involvement and events.   After 25 years in corporate America working in Marketing, Product Management, and Operations, Debbie has recently retired and looks forward to bringing her planning skills to the Missoula County Fair Event Committee.  In her spare time, Debbie and her husband, Andy, love to travel and explore, having visited 35+ countries.  They also love hanging out with their daughter, Jillian.

Katrina A. Shull is a lifelong Montanan with a passion for storytelling, aviation, and community building. With over 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, and media, she has directed high-impact campaigns for organizations such as Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Habitat for Humanity, and Partners in Home Care. Katrina is also the founder of Amplify Film Group, where she produced films and campaigns that elevated local voices and brands. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Montana, is certified in Event Management, and is a licensed private pilot. Deeply rooted in Montana’s nonprofit and creative communities, Katrina has led teams, rebranded organizations, and built partnerships that strengthen both local businesses and community outreach. She brings her leadership, creativity, and love for aviation to every project. Outside of her professional work, Katrina enjoys the outdoors, spending time with her son, and supporting Missoula’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Marlene Hendrickson was born and raised in Butte, Montana, and has carried her Montana roots with her throughout a dynamic and varied career. She graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Organizational Communication and also pursued studies in accounting, a skillset that became the foundation of her professional journey. After college, Marlene spent three years in Los Angeles working for a CPA firm specializing in business management for A-list entertainers. That experience introduced her to the fast-paced world of entertainment finance before she relocated to New York. There, she dedicated 12 years to applying her accounting expertise across diverse organizations, including yacht clubs, an FM radio consortium, and a venture capital group. In 1990, Marlene returned to Missoula to raise her family and began a distinguished 30-year career at the University of Montana. She served as the ASUM Accountant and, for two decades, also held the role of Advisor to UM Productions. In that capacity, she oversaw the production of more than 800 shows, ranging from up-and-coming comics to international superstars, including The Rolling Stones. Her dual roles highlighted both her financial acumen and her exceptional ability to bring large-scale events to life. Marlene retired from the University of Montana in 2021 but continues to share her expertise with the community. She looks forward to contributing to her organizational, financial and event-planning skills as a volunteer on the Fair Event Committee.