By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR
From mid-April until May 5, voters in the Big Sky community will submit mail-in ballots to decide numerous volunteer leadership positions for local special purpose districts. The various local districts across Gallatin and Madison counties include school, fire, water and sewer, hospital—i.e. wellness—and the Big Sky Resort Area District (Resort Tax).
On Tuesday, April 21, BSRAD has organized a candidate forum event at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center. The event will begin at 5 p.m. with a meet and greet, followed by a moderated forum at 5:30.
Big Sky Resort Area District
Three candidates for two seats—four-year term
Laynee Jones
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community:
- Civil engineer and planner working on transportation and mapping in Big Sky
- Advocate for clean rivers and wildlife corridors, invasive weed warrior
- Lone Peak Film Festival board member
- Active Transportation Committee
- Eagle Mount Horse Program volunteer
Reason for running for this position: Big Sky should be livable and affordable for locals, while maintaining a strong sense of place. Transportation is one piece of that, and it’s where my civil engineering background can make a real difference. I’ll focus on planning ahead, tracking development, and lining up infrastructure so we’re not playing catch-up—while giving our rivers and wild places a strong voice. You might know me from the Lone Peak Film Festival—homegrown and local at heart.
Michelle Kendziorski
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community:
- Executive Assistant, Big Sky Resort (2021 – present)
- Current BSRAD board member (appointed October 2024)
- Wellness in Action board member (2020 – present)
- Big Sky Softball League (2019 – 2024)
- Lone Peak Booster Club (2021 – 2023)
Reason for running for this position: I am running for this position because when my boys and I moved from Belgrade to Big Sky in 2018, we found a true community where we have thrived. Big Sky has given us so much, and I want to give back. I have extensive experience in philanthropy management, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and community development, and I am committed to ensuring Big Sky continues to thrive as a vibrant community for all who call it home.
Taylor Kissell
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community:
- Business owner and employer
- CAP Mentor
- Big Sky Christian Fellowship Elder Board
- Supporter of various education/teacher initiatives in Big Sky
Reason for running for this position: My wife, Steph and I have called Big Sky home for 20 years and are grateful to raise our family here. As the community has evolved, the Big Sky Resort Area District has played a vital role in strengthening it and building sustainable infrastructure. I’m running for the BSRAD board to support this important work and help ensure a positive future for our families, businesses and community.
Proposed Big Sky Wellness/Hospital District (Gallatin County)
Four candidates for three seats—initial term lengths vary
Marilyn Flint
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community:
- 20-plus-year Big Sky resident
- Board member, Wellness In Action (WIA)
- Advocate for accessible local wellness resources
- Contributor to a range of local community initiatives, programs and events
- Retired business software consultant (cross-industry strategy & operations)
Reason for running for this position: I understand firsthand how important local access to physical, mental and social health services can be. As a 20-plus-year Big Sky resident, I have relied on our health care network during life-changing health challenges and know how valuable stronger local support would be. Through my volunteer work supporting mental health and community giving, and my background as a business consultant, I bring thoughtful, data-informed decision-making to help strengthen resources for every stage of life.
Katie Grice
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community:
- Vice president of sales, Boyne Resorts
- Wellness in Action Board of Directors (2020 – present)
- Big Sky Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (2019 – 2026)
- Governor-appointed to the Tourism Advisory Council (2016 – 2022)
- Wellness District advocate and grassroots committee member from inception of initiative
Reason for running for this position: Ensuring Big Sky’s immediate and future access to high-quality health and wellness related services is why I became an early advocate to forming the district, and why I am running to serve as a trustee. I believe thoughtful planning to meet real needs is critical to everyone calling Big Sky home, and I bring a commitment to collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and transparent decision-making that equally reflects the strength and resilience of our community.
Laura Seyfang
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community:
- Officer with Big Sky Rotary Club
- Leader of Interact Youth Club
- Founding executive director of Big Sky Community Housing Trust
- Leader of Community Support Group for seasonal workers
- Board member for Big Sky Bandage
- President of All Saints Joint Council
Reason for running for this position: I feel I am a good candidate for the Big Sky Hospital/Wellness District Board because I have worked with and led many local nonprofits which aim to improve the health and wellness of our community. I have significant experience starting up new organizations and as an industrial engineer, my process focus will help the board develop efficient and transparent systems. I look forward to helping make strong decisions about funding critical services.
Sally Stilwill
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community:
- Palliative care and Wellness Big Sky Community and Big Sky Medical Center—volunteer
- Committee on Aging Well in Big Sky
- Facilitator of family room renovation at Big Sky Medical Center
- Health care worker—physical therapist
- Facilitator of Befriender program in Big Sky connecting seniors with “friends”
Reason for running for this position: I am running for this position as an advocate for Big Sky residents of all ages. I have a passion for making sure health and wellness needs are known and met. As a medical professional having lived in Big Sky for 25 years I have witnessed health needs of our community, and worked to promote opportunities for those living here. I want to be part of assuring awareness and accessibility to care in Big Sky.
Big Sky School District
Two candidates for one seat—three-year term
Matthew Dodd
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community:
- Morningstar Learning Center board member (2014 – 2018)
- Various HOAs (2015 – present)
- LPHS Mock Trial coach (2019 – present)
- Big Sky Public Education Support Fund founder, president (2022 – present)
- Big Sky School District trustee, current vice board chair (2023 – present)
Reason for running for this position: I am seeking re-election for the same reasons I ran in 2023—to use my knowledge, professional skills, and community connections to support the Big Sky School District. We have a duty to ensure our students, teachers, staff, and admin have what they need to be successful, in the classroom and out. As a long-time local lawyer with two kids in the District, I will continue to nurture the folks who are nurturing our children.
Jonathan Gans
Relevant involvement(s) in Big Sky community:
- Ophir Elementary teacher in fifth and fourth grades (7 years); 11 years prior to that with Miami-Dade County Public Schools
- Owner/operator of Rancho Picante Bison, participant in Big Sky Farmers Market since its inception
- Member of Navigator Network with Be Well Big Sky
- Active in Big Sky Community Theater productions
- As a development associate with Lone Mountain Land Company, played pivotal role in educating the community and generating support for the Cold Smoke Affordable Housing Project
Reason for running for this position: With 18 years of experience as a National Board Certified Teacher, I bring a strong foundation in education and a deep commitment to this District. As a community engagement liaison at LMLC, I collaborate on local initiatives alongside BSRAD and BSCHT. I’m running for the school board to extend my service and help navigate the financial, enrollment, and operational challenges facing our schools.
Ballot item: Creation of Wellness/Hospital District
All registered Big Sky voters will see a ballot item regarding the creation of a hospital or wellness district.
For Madison County voters, a “yes” vote is to complete the withdrawal process from the Madison Valley Hospital District, a process outlined in Senate Bill 260 which passed in 2025. Existing hospital district tax revenues would be redirected to a newly created district in Big Sky across an eight-year period.
For Gallatin County voters, a similar district would be created—no such district currently exists in Big Sky. Creation of this district would not enact any new taxes. Eventually, the board of trustees can ask voters for approval of potential tax structures.
Editor’s note: The following elections are acclaimed, meaning candidates will automatically earn a seat.
Big Sky County Water and Sewer District
Two candidates for two seats—four-year term
Al Malinowski
Peter Manka
Big Sky Fire District
One candidate for one seat—three-year term
Ryan Callan
Proposed Big Sky Wellness/Hospital District (Madison County)
Three candidates for three seats—initial term lengths vary
