Sustainable Business Council Missoula Montana
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SBC Board Members & Staff

Meet the SBC Board Members: 

 

Olan Lloyd Alsup – or Bubba – 

Image as most know him, has been a Missoula resident for over 15 years.  He married an awesome Missoula girl named Stephanie McAfee over 21 years ago and they have 3 busy teenage children.  When not busy with the children’s numerous activities, Bubba works for Western States Insurance and sells Health and Life insurance plans to small businesses.  Stephanie manages their retail store – ‘Pet Stop’ in Southgate Mall.  Bubba has been very active in volunteer work for organizations such as Sentinel Kiwanis, YMCA, Little Grizzly Football, Boy Scouts, Missoula Valley Church to name a few.  He has also previously sat on the Southgate Mall planning board, Chaired, and still serves, on the Chamber’s ‘Leadership High School’ program committee.   He has also served as president of National Association of Insurance and Financial advisors of Western Montana, and was a founding member and president of Missoula Christian Business Network. Bubba graduated from Harding University in 1988 and received a Masters in Education from Abilene Christian University in 1991.  Bubba has joined the SBC because he feels that business is starting to see sustainability as the ‘right thing to do’ and not a political issue.  “When we get past the politics, it is up to all of us to provide a better future for our children.”

 

Jobe Bernier

Jobe Bernier After growing up in Alaska and apprenticing in Anchorage, Jobe pursued further study of Architecture in Bozeman, Montana.  His Master’s Thesis, Entropic Phenomena Actuating Dynamic Space, focused on the future adaptive reuse of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline after the future event of terminus oil production (ie: what do we do with the 800 mile pipeline when there is no more oil in Alaska?)   He was lauded for his efforts with the top thesis award by his professors.  After achieving his academic goals in early 2008, Jobe relocated to Missoula and joined renowned A&E Architects.  This accomplishment augmented many prior years of architectural work in Alaska where he gained experience with arctic and industrial designs in tandem with educational, specialty retail, residential, and other typologies.

 

With A&E, Jobe manifests his love of architecture through thoughtful design, research, master planning, drawing, and model building.  His focus on entropy (energy transfers) and sustainability serves A&E Architects well as the built environment becomes increasingly damaged with time—an entropic process—and A&E has an important focus on historic preservation and high-performance new construction.  Additionally, Jobe serves A&E and the community at large as a LEED Building Design+Construction accredited professional.  A passion for the poetic human experience, a strong ambition, a utilization of context, a theoretical basis, and a respect for sustainability, preservation, and embodied energies contributes to his process in the reification of the architectural experience.

 

Awards - Best Thesis (Architectural) 2008; Alpha Rho Chi Medal 2008; Design Award-Montana Audubon

 

Affiliations - American Institute of Architects; National Council of Architectural Registration Boards; USGBC LEED Accredited Professional, Version 3; Sustainable Business Council

 

 

Bonnie Buckingham

ImageBonnie is the Community Food & Agriculture Coalition’s (CFAC) co-founder and first Executive Director.  She has over 15 years experience with food security and hunger reduction issues as Program Operations Manager of Missoula Food Bank, and Director of Women's Opportunity & Resource Development.  Bonnie is a strong advocate for the local food movement in Missoula.  She initiated Montana’s first Farmers Market EBT Food Stamp program in Missoula and actively participates in several coalitions associated with food security and non-profit organization and collaboration.  Bonnie has served as a member of the coordinating committee of the Finding Solutions to Food Insecurity project, exploring ways to overcome barriers to food security and access to social service programs; the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center Coordinating Council; and is currently the moderator of the cabinet at University Congregational Church.  A social worker by training, Bonnie has considerable experience with community development, strategic planning, Community-based Participatory Research, and group facilitation.  She received her Masters of Social Work from the University of Montana in 2007.  When not at work, Bonnie can be found skiing, hiking, biking, boating or playing hockey.  She enjoys the many seasons of play that Missoula has to offer and is happy to be a part of creating greater sustainability within the place she calls home.

 

 

Liz Dye

ImageLiz was born and raised in Missoula. She studied art at the University of Montana and then the Art Institute of Seattle where she received her degree.  She is a Realtor at the locally owned and operated, Portico Real Estate, where she is a Broker and has won awards for excellence in service. She is very involved in the local arts community, participating on the City of Missoula's Pubic Art Committee and volunteering at the Montana Museum of Art & Culture with cataloging their extensive art collection. She enjoys cooking and traveling with her husband Tom and their daughter Winnie. Two dogs, two cats, a chicken and an assortment of koi round out the household and help Liz with the gardening.

 

 

   

Susan Estep

Susan Estep Ms. Susan Estep is the Senior Partner at Estep, Hope and Weber Capital Management, a majority women owned local Financial Management Company.   Susan has over 30 years in the securities industry. Her career began in 1981 on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange. In 1987 she joined JP Morgan as a Vice President of Institutional Trading and held that position until 1992 when she returned to Montana and joined AG Edwards in the Missoula, Montana branch. Susan was one of the founding brokers when Smith Barney opened a new branch in Missoula in 1998 and moved to Merrill Lynch in September 2005.   Estep, Hope and Weber was founded in early 2010 as an answer to clients demands for local accountability and transparency.  Estep, Hope and Weber Capital Management specializes  in Socially Responsible/Sustainable Knowledge Based Investing.

 

 

Elizabeth Harrison

Image Elizabeth grew up in the Deep South, and credits her conservation-focused school, leave-no-trace camping lessons at summer camp and her general love for the outdoors with informing a passion for sustainability. Her decision to move out West was a natural fit, and in 2009, Elizabeth graduated from the University of Montana with a master's degree in journalism focusing on the environment and natural resources. After reporting stints at the Flathead Beacon in Kalispell and the Great Falls Tribune, Elizabeth headed back to Missoula to begin a career in the non-profit world.

 

“Heart’s work” and “dream job” are two phrases Elizabeth often uses when people ask if she likes working in communications and fundraising at YWCA Missoula. Having a direct affect on women and children survivors of violence, homeless families and growing strong women leaders makes coming to work every day the easiest thing in the world. Elizabeth has also discovered a drive for social justice work and community involvement. She serves on the board for the National Coalition-Building Institute; on the Justice & Witness Team and as the clerk for the executive cabinet at the University Congregationalist United Church of Christ; volunteered with MUD’s Earth Day 2011 committee; and is collaborating with Social Justice Fund Northwest on the Montana Giving Project, awarding grants to organizations committed to social justice work.

 

In her down time, Elizabeth enjoys hikes with her furry canine companion, Izzy; cycling; yoga; and kayaking. She is very excited about this opportunity to volunteer for SBC, a non-profit that is consistent with her values.

 

 


Blake Ludwig
Blake is a longtime Missoula resident having relocated here from Chicago with his family in 1969.  He is a CPA and a graduate of the University of Montana School of Business.  He has worked a number of years in public accounting mostly with the firm of Galusha, Higgins & Galusha PC, and has spent the last fourteen years working as Controller for Sun Mountain Sports, Inc.  Blake has worked with and had exposure to a wide range of business issues, from operations, tax and auditing to import/export law, and network design.  Blake is married, has a daughter and a stepson, he and his wife Caryn enjoy the fine Montana quality of life, lots of outdoor activities and traveling.

   

 

Heather Phillips
Heather Phillips grew up in Missoula and graduated from the Art Institute of Seattle before returning to the area. Heather works in the field of graphic design with Missoula businesses through Go Two Gals, a marketing and design firm founded by Heather and her business partner in 2008. As the co-owner of a locally owned and operated business, Heather is dedicated to applying sustainable business practices in her day-to-day relationships with clients. When not developing the perfect logo for a client, Heather enjoys yoga, hiking with her Lab, Cache, and pouring herself a glass of wine.

 

 

 

 

Kristine Redli

ImageKristine is a Missoula native.  She attended our very own Hellgate Elementary and Big Sky High School, graduating from Big Sky in 2005.  She is married with two children and loves being a mother and spending time with her family.  Her entire family loves Montana and spends much of their free time outdoors.  She also enjoys photography and cooking - with the help of her kids.

 

Kristine started her professional career during her high school years excelling in customer service, clerical, Collection Agency Legal work, and as a legal secretary.  Since 2009 Kristine has been an Administrative Assistant for Alps Corporation.  She enjoys volunteering for great causes and this experience includes volunteer work at the United Way as the Team Captain for Day of Caring, CASA, Bowling for Kid’s Sake with Big Brother and Big Sisters, Adopt a Family for Christmas, and the Ronald McDonald House.  She’s excited to participate on the SBC Board and to continue the important work of the SBC, it’s missions and programs.

   

 

Lisa Swallow, CPA CMA
Lisa Swallow Lisa Swallow teaches sustainable business and accounting courses at the University of Montana between two campuses - the College of Technology and the Davidson Honors College.  She recently published Green Business Practices for Dummies and co-writes a monthly column for the Missoulian In Business  section.  She is involved in sustainability literacy and is particularly interested in faculty development to build confidence in integrating climate change issues into general curriculum.   Lisa is married with one college age son (studying green building) and another than is a senior in high school. Her interests include international travel, running, yoga, time at the lake, skiing, music and hanging out in the woods with the family's golden retriever, Meiko. Her license plates say it all.  Pura Vida!  

 

Brandy Sularz

Brandy Sularz Born and raised in Missoula, Brandy made her return home from her most recent adventure, teaching English in South Korea and traveling around Asia with her faithful backpack.  She graduated with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Civil Engineering and spent several years working in Portland, Oregon, planning and designing sustainable transportation solutions and utilizing technology to measure and reduce vehicular carbon footprints.  She is thrilled to be back in Missoula and is committed to raising awareness and educating the community about sustainable living.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, soaking in the great outdoors, traveling and cooking.

 

Emese Vitális, Ph.D.

Image Emese was born and raised in Hungary and has lived in Germany and the Netherlands. She completed her doctorate in Psychology at Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Nine years ago she moved to the United States. She has spent most of her working life teaching psychology in colleges and universities. After moving to Missoula, Emese developed a passion for start-up companies. She had the opportunity to work with several of them, among them Rivertop Renewables, located in Missoula, Montana developing the technology and production of bio-degradable carbochemicals. Emese is currently enrolled in the University of Montana’s MBA program. She and her business partner won the 2011 Ruffato Business plan competition. Emese loves traveling, skiing, reading, and spending time with friends. Emese has a husband and lovely daughter.

 

Ryan Weisser
Ryan Weisser Ryan Weisser has been a Business and Technology Professional since 1992.  After receiving his degree at the University of Montana in Computer Science he used and developed his skills in structured programming, system analysis, system integration, relational databases and project management.  In 2001 Ryan and his 3 partners started AXIOM IT Solutions which specializes in custom software solutions for private companies and government agencies.  Ryan is President of the company and is primarily responsible for business development and operations.  Since joining the Sustainable Business Council (SBC) in 2009 Ryan’s knowledge and passion of sustainability has grown.  He has served as Fundraising Committee Chair, Board Development Committee chair and is currently heading up important technology initiatives for the Organization.  He regularly practices sustainability measures learned through the many events and programs the SBC hosts for its members and the community.  Ryan also enjoys travel, downhill skiing, football, hiking and anything else that gets him into nature and the world.

 

 

 

Meet the SBC Staff Members: 

 

 

Susan Anderson - Administrative Coordinator

Susan Anderson graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Montana in 1983 and an MBA with concentrations in Finance and Decision Science from the University of Oregon in 1989.  She holds a Certified Public Accountants license in Oregon and practiced accounting for 4 years in a firm that specialized in auditing, tax work and consulting for small business.  Susan is part owner of BalanceTech, LLC, a family-owned and operated software development company specializing in decision management software and consulting.  Her primary roles with the company include accounting, business management, and sustainability educator/trainer.  Susan has taught classes in accounting, environmental issues in business, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and the impacts of energy choices on society as an adjunct instructor at University of Oregon, Linfield College in Oregon, and the University of Montana on a part-time basis over the past 20 years. 

 

 

Drew Little - Program Coordinator

Image Drew Little is the Education, Outreach, and Volunteer Coordinator for the Sustainable Business Council and has been working for the SBC since the fall of 2010, after completing an eight month AmeriCorps internship as the Education Program Development Intern. She currently sits on the Business Education and Community Outreach committees and co-chairs the Membership Outreach and Communication committee.  After growing up in a small mountain town south of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, and a stint attending Reed College in Portland, OR, Drew established a home base in 2006 in the woods just north of Victor. Selected by the Environmental Studies faculty as 2010's Outstanding Senior in the area of Sustainability Studies, Drew's undergraduate focus was Sustainable Business Management. Her passions include biomimicry, true cost accounting, and the power of informed dialogue and collaboration. When not managing interns, implementing SBC programs, or merchandising produce at the local grocery store, Drew enjoys hiking, disc-golfing, slack-lining, photography, and in general enjoying the natural splendor of the Bitterroot Valley.