Our organization’s professional, dedicated and enthusiastic staff loves working to ensure economic sustainability for the region while preserving the quality of life for residents and quality of place for visitors. We understand how important the travel economy is to not only the state of Montana but to every vibrant community and the businesses and people who call these places home.
Western Montana's Glacier Country Staff
Racene Friede, President CEO
Racene's unwavering commitment to her work stems from her personal connection to the land she calls home. Growing up on a cattle ranch in the breathtaking Blackfoot Valley, she developed an inherent love for Big Sky Country and a deep-rooted desire to cultivate a diverse and thriving economy that benefits the entire state. Racene holds a B.A. from Montana State University, where she specialized in speech communication, equipping her with the skills to articulate her vision and advocate for the needs of the state. She has since dedicated more than two decades to promoting travel and tourism to Montana. Her leadership and dedication have contributed to the travel industry’s growth, ranking among the top two industries in the state. Her commitment is not just professional but deeply personal, as she strives to showcase all the beauty and opportunities our cherished state has to offer.
Debbie Picard, Director of Sales
Debbie has called Montana home for over a decade. She was born and raised just north of Seattle in the scenic town of Edmonds, Washington. Her love of travel was firmly established at a young age as an exchange student to Germany. After completing her B.S. in visual communications from Western Washington University, she began promoting Washington State as a travel destination and later as a meetings destination at a regional convention & visitors bureau. While working in Washington she would vacation with her family in Montana, and Debbie soon fell in love with Montana’s way of life along with its natural beauty, outdoor activities and people. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the travel industry to Western Montana's Glacier Country, in a role that seamlessly blends her communications and sales experience with her love of Western Montana, as she promotes its destination offerings to different markets all over the world.
Lucy Guthrie Beighle, Director of Communications
A Missoula resident for more than three decades, Lucy likes nothing better than sharing her love of the area with others. When she’s not out running on trails with her dog, Frances, she’s enjoying the area’s many arts, cultural and culinary experiences. She brings more than 20 years of public relations experience to Western Montana's Glacier Country. In her role as Director of Communications, she combines that with her passion for Western Montana and shares it with the travel media industry whenever she can. Lucy has a B.A. from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a master’s degree in communication from the University of Montana.
Aerionna Skrutvold, Marketing Project Manager
Aerionna, a Montana native, spends much of her free time outdoors with her family hiking mountains and fishing lakes. She is a graduate of the University of Montana College of Business, with a B.S. in marketing. Aerionna thrives in an environment of change, problem solving and creativity, and enjoys interpreting data, creating surveys and reports, and working with information management platforms. Personally, her passion for travel has taken her worldwide and creates harmony as she works in her favorite industry.
Kristi McNeal, Director of Operations & Accounting
A western girl at heart, Kristi has spent most of her adult life in Montana’s Missoula Valley. Equipped with more than 25 years of experience in financial management and accounting, Kristi merges her keen eye for detail with her passion for travel. Kristi is responsible for keeping Western Montana's Glacier Country’s private and public budgets and financials up to date. She also a key person in Western Montana's Glacier Country's partnership program and works with our 300+ partners.
Annie Mead, Partnership Sales, Windfall
Contract Agent of Western Montana's Glacier Country
With a background in marketing and business—and a natural gift for connection—Annie brings a warm, approachable energy to her work. A University of Montana graduate with a B.S. in marketing and business management, she has lived in Montana for over 20 years. Since joining the team in 2021, she’s signed on more than 1,000 partners and continues to connect businesses with meaningful opportunities. Annie also owns a tourism-based business and understands firsthand how strong and responsible destination stewardship impacts local economies. Through the agency of record for Western Montana's Glacier Country, Annie leads partnership sales and partner communications.
Jessie Yeager, Senior Account Manager, Windfall
Contract Agent of Western Montana's Glacier Country
Jessie brings nearly a decade of experience and a calm, can-do attitude to every project she touches. With a B.S. in marketing from Montana State University Billings, she keeps teams on track and projects running smoothly. Jessie draws inspiration from the landscapes and lifestyle around her—fly-fishing, shopping local or exploring with her growing family. Through the agency of record for Western Montana's Glacier Country, Jessie serves as the main point of contact and oversees daily project operations.
Megan Richter Bland, Creative Director, Windfall
Contract Agent of Western Montana's Glacier Country
Megan combines Montana roots with creative expertise and a quick sense of humor. Raised in Lewistown and trained at Montana State University (B.F.A. in graphic design), she’s spent over 20 years leading award-winning visual storytelling across the state. From big-picture concepts to fine-tuned layouts, Megan’s collaborative spirit elevates every campaign. Through the agency of record for Western Montana's Glacier Country's, Megan leads all visual creative direction across campaigns and platforms.
Holly Kuehlwein, Partnership Specialist, Windfall
Contract Agent of Western Montana's Glacier Country
Holly brings a deep appreciation for Montana’s stories and a strong publishing background to her role. A Montana resident since 2001, she holds a B.A. in English from Virginia Tech and an M.S. in library science from the University of North Texas. Her 17 years with the Missoulian included overseeing projects like Montana's Cultural Treasures, Montana Magazine, Montana 55 and the Missoula Public Art Guide. Through the agency of record for Western Montana's Glacier Country's, Holly assists in project management for marketing efforts, as well as in partnership fulfillment and support.
Haley Driver, Paid Media Supervisor, Windfall
Contract Agent of Western Montana's Glacier Country
Haley brings precision, passion and performance to paid media strategy. A former standout athlete for the University of Montana’s tennis team, Haley’s competitive edge drives her to deliver top results. She holds an M.B.A. in Business Administration and a B.A. in Organizational Communication from the University of Montana. When she’s not navigating the media landscape, she’s exploring the natural one, playing pickleball or truck camping with her partner and two dogs. Through the agency of record for Western Montana's Glacier Country's, Haley manages all aspects of paid media.
Lizzy Duffy Anderson, Social Media Manager, Windfall
Contract Agent of Western Montana's Glacier Country
Lizzy’s creative energy and digital savvy shape Glacier Country’s voice across social media. A University of Montana graduate with a B.A. in print journalism, she brings more than a decade of experience in content development, influencer strategy and campaign planning. Based in Helena, Lizzy loves trail time with her dogs just as much as keeping online communities connected. Through the agency of record for Western Montana's Glacier Country, Lizzy manages social strategy, content development and engagement across all platforms.
