5th Annual Leadership & Civility Conference

Born, raised and educated in Montana, Karen is committed to the advancement of the Big Sky State. With an education based in History, Sociology and Communications, a certification in brain-based coaching and a decent stint tending bar, she brings a multifaceted perspective to that charge. Karen currently provides Strategic Advancement, Team Development and Conversation Design services for a wide range of organizations including The City of Billings, Big Sky Economic Development, The Art House, Montana Economic Developers Association (MEDA) and Billings Public Schools. Previously Karen directed strategic advancement for St. John’s United, led the workforce development branch, BillingsWorks, for Big Sky Economic Development and served as a facilitator and coach for local start-up company Elation, Inc.

Mitch Bohn is a passionate disability advocate and community builder based in Billings, Montana. Born with spina bifida, Mitch has transformed his lived experiences into a platform for change—challenging barriers, raising awareness, and fostering inclusion across his community. He is the founder of AccessBillings, a nonprofit dedicated to making Billings more accessible for people of all abilities. Under his leadership, AccessBillings has launched impactful initiatives such as the Disability Awareness Forums, which bring together community members, leaders, and decision-makers to engage in honest conversations about accessibility and inclusion. These forums, alongside hands-on projects like building ramps for local businesses, have created tangible improvements in the lives of people with disabilities while opening doors for broader community collaboration. Mitch’s advocacy is deeply personal. From his early experiences navigating inaccessible schools and public spaces to confronting misconceptions about disability, he has consistently turned challenges into opportunities for education and progress. His work with AccessBillings reflects his vision of a community where accessibility is not an afterthought but a shared value that strengthens everyone. In addition to leading his nonprofit, Mitch is a sought-after speaker and storyteller. He shares his perspective through public talks, forums, and media, encouraging others to see disability not as a limitation but as a vital part of human diversity. Whether addressing systemic barriers or highlighting everyday wins, Mitch uses his voice to amplify those who are often left unheard. At the heart of all his efforts is a simple belief: communities are strongest when everyone has a seat at the table.

Damian Forrester is a Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, and transformational real estate leader who has dedicated his life to empowering others to lead, serve, and succeed. Based in Billings, Montana, Damian is a multi-award-winning Realtor and coach whose leadership journey began with humble beginnings in Brooklyn and evolved into a legacy of service, mentorship, and community impact. As the first Black real estate broker in Montana and a co-founder of the Black eXp Network (B.E.N.), Damian has broken barriers and built bridges — creating platforms that close the racial wealth gap, elevate new leaders, and promote unity through collaboration. Over his 20-year career, he’s led more than 295 agents, built the state’s largest brokerage, and appeared on HGTV’s House Hunters and Living Big Sky. Damian’s story is one of grit, faith, and transformation — from serving eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps to earning multiple degrees and becoming a state broker, entrepreneur, and real estate investor. Today, as a SUCCESS Certified Coach and speaker, he shares a message that resonates deeply: leadership is not about titles — it’s about taking action, leading with heart, and using your story to lift others.

Erwin Garcia is Superintendent of Billings Public Schools, where he leads districtwide work to deliver engaging, high-quality instruction, ensure safe and supportive campuses, and expand clear pathways to college, careers, and military service. His priorities include student achievement, belonging, community partnership, and transparent stewardship. Garcia has advanced initiatives in dual credit and career certification, strategic facility planning, and workforce housing to recruit and retain staff. A collaborative, student-centered leader, he partners with families, educators, and civic leaders to turn vision into results.

Kent James is an accomplished Human Resources expert currently serving as the Senior Manager of Learning and Talent Development at CSX, a Fortune 250 company headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. In this role, he is responsible for leading the talent team that drives the learning strategy across CSX’s extensive network, which spans 26 states and is powered by more than 21,000 employees. He is a trusted executive coach, a learning consultant in the community, and leadership trainer and facilitator at organizations like The University of North Florida and City Year. Kent is also an adjunct professor at Florida State College at Jacksonville. He is a highly regarded speaker and facilitator at events across the United States. In addition to his role at CSX, Kent also serves on the Executive Board of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) as Vice President of Programs. He holds certifications as an Emotional Intelligence and DiSC facilitator as well as holding certifications as both a SHRM-CP and Professional Human Resources (PHR) professional. Kent has a wealth of experience in Talent Management, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as Talent Acquisition. He is also known for his ability to grow relationships throughout the community, fostering strong connections and collaborations. Kent earned his bachelor’s degree in Supervision and Management from Florida State Community College at Jacksonville and his master’s degree in human resources management from the University of Arizona Global Campus. His leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in shaping the talent development initiatives at CSX and beyond, and his passion is developing the leadership capabilities of a diverse spectrum of professionals and future leaders.

Leighann is AWARE’s Chief Operations Officer. She began working for AWARE in 2005 and is currently responsible for overseeing the organization’s day-to-day operations while driving operational efficiency. With over 20 years of experience in human services, Leighann has a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, implementing innovative solutions, and improving processes. She has a strong background in operations management and excels at building and motivating high-performing teams. Leighann is known for her strategic thinking, ability to navigate complex challenges, and dedication to fostering a positive and productive work environment. Leighann earned her Master of Science in Public Administration from the University of Montana and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law Studies from Providence University.

A fifth-generation Montanan, Nichole Mehling grew up on a family farm where she learned the value of hard work, community, and perseverance. She is a proud alumni of University of Wyoming and Leadership Montana, and a recipient of 40 Under 40. Her career has spanned education, agriculture, hospitality, and health care—each chapter shaping her dynamic leadership style and deep commitment to service. As the first female President of the Billings Clinic Foundation, Nichole helped lead the organization through its largest philanthropic effort in history—a $32 million campaign to establish Montana’s first Level I Trauma Center. She is known for guiding teams to achieve excellence while fostering meaningful relationships with donors, colleagues, and community partners. Beyond her professional achievements, Nichole is deeply engaged in her community. She is a former Chair of the Billings Chamber of Commerce and serves on the boards of Big Horn Hospital and Big Sky Economic Development, among other advisory committees. Nichole finds her greatest joy in raising her two children, Lauren and Jack, who inspire her daily to lead with heart, resilience, and purpose.

Krista Montague is a seasoned leader who spent nine years as an NCAA II Athletic Director before becoming CEO of the MSUB Foundation & Alumni. Her journey from intercollegiate athlete to organizational leader has been guided by teamwork, resilience, and civility. Krista inspires others by translating lessons from the court into actionable leadership strategies, fostering collaborative and empowering environments, and driving meaningful impact in her community.

Dr. Sarah A. Ruff is an accomplished educator who has made a significant impact in the field of education over the course of over 20 years. Her experience spans various educational settings, including urban and rural areas, as well as traditional and charter schools. Throughout her career, Sarah has held positions as a teacher, school administrator, and district administrator. Her administration and consulting experiences have allowed her to collaborate with the Department of Indian Education, New Mexico Public Education Department, charter networks, and school districts. She has worked closely with teachers, leaders, and district teams to successfully facilitate changes in instructional practices, maximize resources, implement systems for strong culture and climate, and support the development and execution of transformational school leaders. As a firm believer in creating culturally congruent environments, Sarah is dedicated to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn and thrive. She recognizes the crucial role of school leaders in fostering the ongoing growth and development of both teachers and students. By setting high expectations, monitoring progress, and celebrating successes, Sarah empowers educators to create inclusive and supportive learning environments. Her expertise extends to supporting multilingual students and students with exceptional abilities, and she has played a pivotal role in transforming schools in urban, rural, and Native American communities. Sarah finds joy in supporting leaders and teachers through the transformative journey of school improvement, leveraging her skills as a researcher, principal, superintendent, and consultant to make a lasting impact.

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, stands at the forefront of a global movement shaping the future of employment, culture, and leadership. As President and Chief Executive Officer of SHRM, the world’s largest HR professional society, Mr. Taylor leads nearly 340,000 members spanning 180 countries, influencing the lives of over 362 million workers and their families worldwide. Mr. Taylor’s career spans over 20 years, during which time he has been an influence for good across numerous roles as a lawyer, a human resources executive and CEO in both the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors. He has held senior and chief executive roles at IAC/InteractiveCorp, Viacom’s Paramount Pictures, Blockbuster Entertainment Group, the McGuireWoods law firm, and Compass Group USA, and he most recently left his mark on the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, where he served as President and CEO. Sought after for his diverse experience and rich perspective, Mr. Taylor is a regular fixture in the media and in congressional hearings. He educates a broader audience through his nationally best-selling book, RESET: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval, and his USA Today column, “Ask HR.” He sits on numerous boards and holds advisory roles, and in every role and endeavor, Mr. Taylor emerges as a dynamic force, providing a visionary roadmap for leaders and organizations navigating the complexities of the evolving global workforce.

Dr. Jesús Treviño is the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker, CO, Billings, MT, and Ivins, UT. He is the former Senior Executive Officer for the Leadership in Diversity Group, a diversity and inclusion consulting firm in Tucson, AZ. Dr. Treviño earned both a PhD and a master’s degree in Higher Education from UCLA. He also has a second master’s degree in Language and International Business as well as a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University. His areas of expertise include Inclusive Excellence, implicit bias, students of color success, racialized workplaces, and diversity, equity, and inclusion change in higher education.