The Champions of Change Awards Luncheon
Who is a Champion of Change?
It's a volunteer who reads to kids. It's a donor who organizes a workplace campaign. It's someone who advocates for housing policies that help people find stable homes. It's someone who cares about helping people in our community, and turns those feelings into action.
We were thrilled to recognize people, businesses, and nonprofits who embody those qualities at our Champions of Change Awards Luncheon.
"Thank you for your leadership, your generosity, and your commitment to this community," United Way of Yellowstone County President and CEO Andrew Konkel told a crowd of more than 100 attendees. "Because the impact we celebrated today—it only happens because of you."
United in Service Award
The United in Service awards goes to an organization whose volunteer efforts strongly align with United Way of Yellowstone County’s mission. Nominees: Wells Fargo, Phillips 66 Billings Refinery, and Billings Federal Credit Union.
Winner: Wells Fargo
United Way Humble Hero Award
The United Way Humble Hero Award goes to an individual whose volunteer efforts have set a standard in our community. Nominees: Marlene Mauer, Jim Klanke, and Jan Ross.
Winner: Jan Ross
Spirit of Yellowstone Award
The Spirit of Yellowstone Award goes to an organization that demonstrated outstanding employee engagement and strong commitment to United Way of Yellowstone County’s mission. Nominees: BMO Harris, RBC Wealth, Valley Credit Union.
Winner: Valley Credit Union
Campaign Champions
Campaign Champions are the individuals that drive the workplace campaign forward at their company. They coordinate events, send out reminders, and make appeals to their co-workers about why investing in United Way of Yellowstone County makes our community a better place for everyone to live. Thank you to all our Champions:
Aurora Cosgriffe – Valley Credit Union
Brittany Minhas - BMO
Chris Olszewski – Billings Public Schools
Danielle Campanella – Billings Clinic
Dawn Kuper - CHS
Dominic Neameyer - Sanbell
Hailey Jacobs – RBC Wealth Management
Janet Hardy – Phillips 66
Kathy Greco – RBC Wealth Management
Kimberly Guy
LaToya Contreraz – Valley Credit Union
Lindsey Huntley – Marsh McLennan
Mark Vinger – Montana-Dakota Utilities
Molly Schwend – Northwestern Energy
Nathan Hirsch – First Interstate Bank
Piper Federico – BMO
Rhonda Laughman – Anvil Corp.
Sarah Schroefel -TDS
Shaye Skovgaard – Northwestern Energy
Taylor Stephens - TDS
Stephen Wimmler – Eide Bailly
Susan Espindola – Alternatives, Inc.
Tymber MacKenzie - Eide Bailly
Will Kent – Par Montana
Outstanding Campaign Champion
The Outstanding Campaign Champions goes to someone who lead an exceptional workplace campaign.
Winner: Alyson Songstad - Billings Federal Credit Union
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award goes to a company that demonstrated year-over-year growth in their workplace campaign and exhibits a growing passion for helping people in our community. Nominees: DOWL, TDS, RBC Wealth Management.
Winner: RBC Wealth Management
Champion of Change Award
The Champion of Change Award recognizes a company that embodies United Way of Yellowstone County’s vision through a year-round partnership and supports our efforts to lift up this community in numerous ways. Nominees: Family Service, Wells Fargo, Billings Chamber of Commerce.
Winner: Family Service
Community Impact Leader Award
This in our highest honor, recognizing a company that displays exceptional leadership, generosity, and partnership. Nominees: Par Montana, Phillips 66 Billings Refinery.
Winner: Phillips 66 Billings Refinery
