May newsmakers

Museum and greenway improvements recognized in engineering competition  

DJ&A of Missoula has earned a National Recognition Award for exemplary engineering achievement in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ 58th annual Engineering Excellence Awards.  

The award comes for the Montana Museum of Art & Culture and Campus Drive/Memorial Greenway Improvements project in Missoula. DJ&A partnered with the University of Montana and A&E Design to develop a comprehensive site plan for the area, including urban planning; parking and roadway design; ADA-compliant pathways; and water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. The project transformed a parking lot into a multi-modal corridor, connecting South Sixth Street with Campus Drive.  

Balancing functionality and aesthetics, the improvements include multi-modal bike lanes, a Grizzly mascot-themed crosswalk design, and custom bollards. A rectangular rapi flashing beacon further improves safety during high-traffic events. 

Design challenges included conserving parking space and protecting Memorial Row, a walkway lined with stately Ponderosa pine trees that serves as a living tribute to those who died in World War I and the 1918 influenza pandemic. DJ&A’s thoughtful and creative approach yielded no net loss of parking and enhanced the visitor experience. The project was completed on time and within budget while also preserving pedestrian access during construction. 

Two join KLJ Engineering team   

Kim Geiss and Cameron Smith are the latest new hires at KLJ Engineering in Montana.  

Geiss joins KLJ’s Administrative team in Billings as a business administration specialist. She has more than 20 years of experience in executive administrative support, specializing in scheduling, coordination, and organizational practices. Geiss has worked across multiple industries, including healthcare, real estate, and mining. She earned her associate’s degree in healthcare from Montana State University-Billings.  

Smith joins the construction group as a field engineer in Bozeman. He has a strong background in civil engineering with specialized expertise in hydraulics and hydrology. He has experience conducting comprehensive hydraulic assessments, developing floodplain use permits, and implementing hydraulic and hydrologic impact mitigation strategies. Smith earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Montana State University.  

Chuck Olson Real Estate joins Coldwell Banker  

For over 53 years, Chuck Olson Real Estate has been an integral part of the Flathead Valley community, helping clients achieve their real estate goals with dedication, integrity, and personalized service. Now, Chuck Olson is joining the Coldwell Banker family.  

As part of Coldwell Banker, a company with more than 118 years of experience and a global presence, Chuck Olson Real Estate will have access to an expanded suite of innovative tools, cutting-edge marketing capabilities, and unparalleled support.  

Hader joins Stockman Bank 

Abby Hader recently joined Stockman Bank as a real estate loan officer.  She will develop and service real estate loans while assisting clients in becoming homeowners, consolidating debt, lowering monthly payments, or utilizing their home as an investment tool. 

Hader, a Columbia Falls native, has more than 15 years of experience in mortgage lending. Her expertise will assist Stockman Bank in deepening client relationships and expanding its real estate loan portfolio in the Flathead Valley. She is active in the community volunteering at her kid’s school and as an owner of Ruis Wrestling Academy where they coach more than 100 youth wrestlers. 

Her office is located at 6588 U.S. 93 South in Whitefish, and she may be reached at (406) 261-5844. Stockman Bank is Montana’s largest, family-owned, community bank with locations across the state.  

Boys & Girls Clubs adds new board members  

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Glacier Country has expanded its board of directors by adding four new board members.  

The organization has added the following members: Andy Armor, owner and chiropractor at Compass Chiropractic; Keith Clawson, commercial relationship manager at First Interstate Bank; Justin Lovitt, at Stockman Bank; and Mellody Sharpton, vice president of marketing and communications at Logan Health. 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Glacier Country has been in the Flathead Valley for over 20 years serving youth between the ages of kindergarten through seniors in high school. With the primary location being in Columbia Falls the reach of the club extends across the valley into Evergreen. Between the two locations over 100 youth are served every day after school. 

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