20 Under 40: Class of 2025

Read 20 Under 40 Class of 2025 eEdition here.

Now in its ninth year, 20 Under 40 has become more than just recognition. It’s a reflection of the values we hold dear as a community: grit, innovation, service, and a deep commitment to something bigger than ourselves. Each honoree featured reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles - it’s about action, integrity, and heart. After learning about this year’s honorees, I am confident the future of our community is in excellent hands.

Since our first celebration in 2017, I have had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable contributions our young leaders make to our region. Every year, I am humbled and proud to live in a community filled with so many of these young professionals. With an annual nomination count of around 100, the task of our judges to narrow it to 20 is never easy. We appreciate their keen eye.

We’re incredibly proud to partner once again with our perennial sponsors who help us put on this community celebration: Whitefish Credit Union, Park Side Credit Union, and Stockman Bank. Joining us this year are Fidelity National Title, Vann Law Firm and Marsh McClennan Agency.  Also, special thanks to our expanded planning committee, which includes young leaders from Flathead Area Young Professionals, Flathead Building Association, Northwest Montana Association of REALTORS, and Daily Inter Lake. None of this could happen without their generosity and commitment to our community.

To the 2025 honorees: congratulations. You are doers and dreamers, changemakers and connectors — and your impact is being felt. Thank you for showing us what’s possible! And lastly, thanks to our readers for believing in the power of local stories and community celebration.

—  Anton Kaufer, Regional Publisher Daily Inter Lake / Hagadone Media Montana

LISTEN AS EACH NOMINATOR SHARES ABOUT THEIR 20 UNDER 40 NOMINEE

Kailey Armor – Co-owner, Compass Chiropractic, Whitefish

Dr. Kailey Armor, chiropractor and owner of Compass Chiropractic, has been voted among the Top 3 Chiropractors in Whitefish for seven consecutive years. In addition, her leadership helped Compass earn the Whitefish Chamber’s “Business of the Year”, and their expansion into Kalispell.  Her commitment to patient care is matched by her deep involvement in the community, with organizations such as Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, Whitefish Hockey Association, and more.  Kailey brings compassion and energy into every aspect of her work, blending professionalism with authentic care.

Community Superpower: Bringing a healing touch to both her patients and her community — while mentoring, volunteering, and uplifting local causes behind the scenes.

Sterling Bax – Executive Director, Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork

In her role with the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork, Sterling Bax is a trusted and influential leader. As their first Executive Director, she leads daily operations with integrity and drive – in addition to driving their capital campaign. With a strong nonprofit background, and local roots, she is a vital voice in discussions that shape the future of Bigfork.

Most Likely To: Write a grant, plan an event, and launch a new initiative — all before noon.

Tom Blattner – Certified Flight Instructor, Glacier View Aviation, Kalispell

Tom Blattner is a Certified Flight Instructor and founder of Glacier View Aviation. Since moving to the Flathead Valley in 2021, Tom has dedicated himself to training new pilots and promoting aviation careers among young people. His instruction is highly regarded, and his passion for aviation has inspired students across the region. Tom is also a registered pilot for Angel Flight West, which is an organization of volunteer pilots who fly people to their more distant, specialized medical appointments at no cost to the passenger.

Most Likely To: Inspire someone’s career from the pilot seat of a small plane.

Jackie Bullock – Owner, Glacier Peaks Physical Therapy, Columbia Falls/ mobile

Dr. Jackie Bullock is the founder of Glacier Peaks Physical Therapy, a practice that has grown from a one-woman mobile operation to a new physical location in Columbia Falls. Both Jackie and her practice have been widely recognized for their impact and quality of care. Jackie’s innovative mobile model broke down access barriers and built trust with an underserved population: new moms and women navigating pregnancy-related physical changes. Her civic life runs deep, including her involvement with DREAM Adaptive and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Glacier Country.

Community Superpower: Turning a living room, or gym floor into a fully functioning wellness space — wherever her patients need her most.

Hattie Ann Courtford – Birth Doula, Photographer, Executive Director, Postpartum Resource Group, Kalispell

Hattie works as the executive director for the Postpartum Resource Group (PRG) as well as being a birth/postpartum doula and a birth photographer. A little over a year ago she started Lazuli Naturals as a personal project to combine her doula training and her love for photography, especially as it pertained to birth and newborn/mothers.  While juggling all this, and two children of her own, Hattie also finds time to support youth at Flathead Lake Methodist Camp, and has worked with the Nurturing Center.

Community Superpower: Selflessly supporting moms through birth, recovery, and beyond — all while raising two kids and giving back to her community.

Julie Darrow – Co-owner, The Cabins at Blacktail, Lakeside

Julie Darrow is the founder and owner of The Cabins at Blacktail, a magical place in the mountains that she built from scratch with her husband George and their four kids. The Cabins at Blacktail was built from the ground up — a property that includes cabins, a sauna, cold plunges, fire pits, and event spaces that reflect Montana’s character and hospitality. Her platform connects guests with local vendors and brings visibility to Lakeside through her social media. Julie also co-founded the Lakeside Christmas Tree Lighting and actively volunteers at schools, sports, and youth events. 

Most Likely To: Host a wedding, plan a Christmas tree lighting, and uplift three local businesses in the same weekend.

Brycen Ek – Principal, Dayton Elementary School, Dayton

Since becoming principal of Dayton Elementary in 2022, Brycen Ek has implemented programs that reflect a deep commitment to students and families. Under his leadership, the school has launched a weekend snack pack program, created a school and community garden, introduced competitive archery, and become a food bank pick-up site. He also organized a program to provide families with prepped lunches for their children. Brycen leads with quiet determination and a heart for service.

Community Superpower: Creating programs that meet real needs while making every student feel seen and valued.

Doug Gilmore – Power Resources Manager, Flathead Electric Cooperative

Doug Gilmore is the Power Resources Manager at Flathead Electric Cooperative, where he is recognized for his technical leadership and community-focused mindset. Nicknamed “Download Doug.” by his coworkers, his knowledge, deep and shallow, of an ever-increasingly wide span of topics, and his enthusiasm about sharing that knowledge is inspiring. Throughout his life, Doug has strengthened the communities he’s inhabited by serving in a variety of leadership positions and using his diverse skills to improve those areas.  A former Eagle Scout, Doug has led service efforts from Habitat for Humanity projects in college to Rotary cleanups in West Glacier and Evergreen. He currently volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters and is an active member of Leadership Flathead. His team describes him as strategic, servant-hearted, and remarkably effective.

Three Words: Passionate. Visionary. Downloadable.

Scot Gladstone – Director of Broadcasting, Communications and Community Relations, Glacier Range Riders, Kalispell

As the Director of Broadcasting, Communications, and Community Relations for the Glacier Range Riders, Scot Gladstone has brought major-league polish to Flathead Valley baseball. Since stepping into this role in 2022, Scot has helped elevate the Range Riders' media presence, implementing social media strategies to boost audience engagement and deepen community connections. He manages all aspects of broadcast and in-game production and also calls games for Glacier High School and NCAA programs. Off the field, Scot engages the community through school visits, nonprofit support, and fundraising events like Dancing with the Stars.

Most Likely To: Hype the hometown team and raise $2,000 for a cause — all before the seventh inning stretch.

Amy Gwartney – Operations Lead, The Making Place, Columbia Falls

Amy Gwartney wears many hats — artist, event organizer, massage therapist, nonprofit leader — and wears them all with heart. As Operations Lead for The Making Place and co-founder of Montana Harvest Moon, Amy has hosted dozens of workshops and launched the Harvest Moon Festival in Columbia Falls. Over the past year Amy has brought together 100's of people in the Flathead Valley to take art workshops or attend creative events. In addition, Amy runs Earthen Rituals, where she is a licensed massage therapist and natural dye artist. The naturals dyes are created with plants tended and harvested from her organic garden. She and her husband Cooper also own Montana Harvest Moon Homestead. They offer an airBNB rental as well as art workshops at the property. She's committed to building community in the artist/makers spaces in the Flathead valley and expanding opportunities for artists and small business owners who make making a part of their life.

Community Superpower:  Transforming ordinary spaces into joyful celebrations of creativity, community, and craft.

Leo Kelly – VP of Business Operations, Glacier Range Riders, Kalispell

As Vice President of Business Operations for the Glacier Range Riders, Leo Kelly helped bring Glacier Bank Park to life. He helped oversee the construction of Glacier Bank Park from the ground up, a feat that has brought world-class entertainment, jobs, and tourism to the Valley. In just four seasons, he has helped attract nearly 350,000 fans, solidified partnerships with Glacier Bank and Logan Health, and turned professional sports into a vibrant part of the local economy. His leadership combines vision, logistics, and a deep appreciation for the community.

Three Words That Describe Him: Visionary. Tactical. Community-driven.

Dana Labuda-Viola – Mortgage Loan Officer, Farmers State Bank, Kalispell

Dana Labuda-Viola is a Mortgage Loan Officer at Farmers State Bank and a deeply engaged community leader. She is Chair of the Flathead Area Young Professionals Committee, working to spearhead a new, independent group. She also serves on the Flathead Builders Association Education Committee and the Flathead Youth Home Advisory Committee. Dana was a Kalispell Chamber Ambassador for many years and she was very involved with Leadership Flathead. (Class of 2023) She continued to support Leadership Flathead programs after her graduation.  Even though she is a new mom with a toddler, she still makes time to volunteer and serve.

Most Likely To: Bring the right people together — and make it look easy.

Lauren Markle  – Branch Manager, Park Side Credit Union, Kalispell/ Evergreen

As Branch Manager of two of the busiest branches in the Flathead for Park Side Credit Union, Lauren Markle has taken on substantial leadership responsibilities while continuing her personal and professional growth as a Leadership Flathead participant and MBA student.  Lauren is also on the leadership team for the Park Side Charitable Foundation. She is involved in her community in many different ways. She volunteers as a long serving board member and treasurer for the Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country. If she isn't volunteering, she is encouraging her staff to participate in non-profit opportunities to help our community. Lauren brings a steady, value-driven presence to both her workplace and her community service.

Community Superpower: Balancing bold leadership with quiet consistency — and earning trust through every action.

Jordan Nelson  – Owner, Express Employment Professionals, Kalispell

Jordan Nelson is the franchise owner of Express Employment Professionals in Kalispell, where he plays a pivotal role in workforce development across the Flathead Valley. A past chair of the Flathead Area Young Professionals and Flathead Chamber Ambassador Committee, Jordan is deeply engaged in community-building. Jordan is also the past char of JSEC, a Leadership Flathead alum, and wrestling coach at Glacier High and Kalispell Middle School and volunteers at his church. He’s known for encouraging young leaders and youth -- creating opportunities for others to grow in business and service.  

Most Likely To: Fuel five careers and three committees before lunch — all with a handshake and a smile.

Isaac Neumann  – Director of Operations, Neumann Manufacturing, LLC, Kalispell

Isaac Neumann is the co-founder and Director of Operations at Neumann Manufacturing, LLC, which specializes in plastic injection molding and machines parts for a variety of industries including semiconductor, auto, firearms and more. Under his leadership, the business has expanded its services and built a reputation for quality. His community involvement includes coaching soccer for Kalispell Parks & Rec, volunteering at his church and helping out his friends and neighbors in the community. Isaac also led a three-day seminar at his facility in Kalispell for SCS high school students to be able to see everything involved in manufacturing.

Community Superpower: Building both high-precision equipment and high-trust community relationships.

Shane Parks – Owner, RadioActive, Kalispell

Shane Parks is the owner of RadioActive, where he has built a career rooted in innovation and commitment. His professional trajectory demonstrates both ambition and substance—earning his MBA while simultaneously working in advanced IT roles, managing technical operations at the University of Montana School of Business, and later contributing to national-level engineering projects at Nomad GCS.  His leadership style is hands-on and heart-led, contributing his talents wherever they’re needed most. In parallel with his professional achievements, Shane has consistently demonstrated civic responsibility. He served as Board President and interim CEO for the Boys & Girls Club of Glacier Country, offering steady leadership during a time of transition. His additional volunteer efforts with Code Girls, Habitat for Humanity, highway cleanup initiatives, and youth sports coaching reflect a deep and ongoing commitment to the Flathead community.

Most Likely To: Use creativity and innovation to bring community ideas to life.

Madyson Rigg – Director of Development, Glacier Institute

A Kalispell native, “Mady” Rigg is a dedicated nonprofit leader and advocate for the Flathead Valley. As the Glacier Institute’s first Marketing Manager, she led a digital overhaul that significantly boosted the organization’s reach. Promoted to Development Director within her first year, she raised over $1.5 million to renovate the historic Big Creek Ranger Station and helped secure a 141-acre conservation property. She also helped launch the Lumberjack Ball, which raised over $100,000 in its second year, and helped connect more than 6,000 people to outdoor education in 2024.

Madyson’s impact extends beyond her role. She is a Leadership Flathead graduate and class officer, Kalispell Chamber Ambassador, Rotarian, and former Flathead Area Young Professionals committee member. She volunteers with Girls on the Run, mentors college students, judges community events, and raised $22,000 for the Flathead Warming Center. As Miss Montana 2023 and Miss Teen Montana 2014, she uses her platform to inspire young leaders and advocate for inclusive, community-driven change.

Community Superpower: Turning vision into momentum — and momentum into meaningful, measurable change.

Spenser Ryan – Firefighter, Bigfork Fire

Spenser Ryan is known as someone who consistently shows up — whether in professional, civic, or volunteer roles. By day, he’s a firefighter with Bigfork Fire and a volunteer firefighter with Ferndale Fire.  What makes Spenser stand out isn’t one big moment—it’s the way he carries himself in all the little ones.  Spencer doesn’t seek the spotlight but earns recognition for his dependable presence and team-oriented mindset.  He simply helps to make Bigfork better. They just don’t make people like Spenser Ryan anymore. He’s humble, steady, and the kind of person you can count on—every single time.

Three Words That Describe Him: Loyal. Humble. Consistent.

Carli Seymour – Founder, Montana Bar Fairies, Columbia Falls

Carli Seymour is the founder of Montana Bar Fairies, a community-focused project that began after she lost her brother to a drunk driver. Early on weekend mornings, Montana Bar Fairies place coffee gift cards on vehicles left overnight at bars and restaurants—a simple thank you for choosing not to drive drunk. A positive reward for a what could be a lifesaving decision! A born leader, Carli was sent to Washington, DC as a representative for Montana in the 5th grade for "Future Leaders of America".  She has worked with government officials to help pass laws for stricter drunk driving laws.  Carli is making a real difference and saving lives across Montana.

Community Superpower:  Turning personal loss into tangible and lifesaving love for others — one encouraging coffee hard at a time.

Stephen Walter – Commercial Relationship Manager, First Interstate Bank, Whitefish

Stephen Walter is a rockstar not only in his job, but in the community as well. Stephen  is a Commercial Relationship Manager at First Interstate Bank in Whitefish. He began his banking career at Wells Fargo in 2016 and has built strong professional relationships through excellent customer service and strategic problem-solving. Stephen is passionate about helping others and helping them grow their careers. In his civic capacity, he currently serves at the President of the Columbia Falls Chamber and Treasurer of Housing Whitefish. He previously served numerous non-profits across Indiana and Montana. 

Most Likely To:  Find the win-win for his clients and his community.