BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras - ECPv6.15.15//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://montanasymphonies.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Denver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20240310T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20241103T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20260308T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20261101T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251101T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251101T213000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250930T230608Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T230608Z UID:4820-1762025400-1762032600@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Light & Darkness DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/light-darkness/ LOCATION:University of Montana Dennison Theatre\, Missoula\, MT\, 59812\, United States CATEGORIES:Missoula Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/new-missoula.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251102T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251102T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250930T230713Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T230713Z UID:4823-1762095600-1762102800@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Light & Darkness DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/light-darkness-2/ LOCATION:University of Montana Dennison Theatre\, Missoula\, MT\, 59812\, United States CATEGORIES:Missoula Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/new-missoula.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251107T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251107T190000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250930T232300Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T143443Z UID:4851-1762534800-1762542000@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Missoula Symphony First Friday DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/missoula-symphony-first-friday-2/ LOCATION:Missoula Symphony Association\, 200 N Higgins Ave\, Missoula\, MT\, 59801\, United States CATEGORIES:Missoula Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/new-missoula.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251108T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251108T103000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250930T222916Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T222938Z UID:4785-1762596000-1762597800@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:SYMPHONY KIDS: There's A Monster in My Closet DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/symphony-kids-theres-a-monster-in-my-closet/ LOCATION:Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church\, 512 Logan St\, Helena\, MT\, 59601\, United States CATEGORIES:Helena Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/helena-profile.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251108T101500 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251108T110000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250926T195408Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250926T195408Z UID:4618-1762596900-1762599600@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Symphony Storytime DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/symphony-storytime-7/ LOCATION:Bozeman Public Library\, 626 E Main St\, Bozeman\, MT\, 59715\, United States CATEGORIES:Bozeman Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bozeman2023-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251108T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251108T113000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250930T223039Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T223039Z UID:4788-1762599600-1762601400@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:SYMPHONY KIDS: There's a Monster in My Closet DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/symphony-kids-theres-a-monster-in-my-closet-2/ LOCATION:Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church\, 512 Logan St\, Helena\, MT\, 59601\, United States CATEGORIES:Helena Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/helena-profile.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251108T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251108T213000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250930T182658Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T182658Z UID:4709-1762630200-1762637400@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:The Poetry of Meaning: Glacier Chorale in Concert DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/the-poetry-of-meaning-glacier-chorale-in-concert/ LOCATION:Wachholz College Center\, 795 Grandview Dr\, Kalispell\, MT\, 59901\, United States CATEGORIES:Glacier Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/new-glacier.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251108T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251108T213000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250930T203002Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T203002Z UID:4750-1762630200-1762637400@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:The Search: Fernanda Lastra - "Roots of Expression" DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/the-search-fernanda-lastra-roots-of-expression/ LOCATION:Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts\, 2 Park Dr S\, Great Falls\, MT\, 59401\, United States CATEGORIES:Great Falls Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/gf-profile.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251113T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251113T210000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250924T230325Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T230325Z UID:4584-1763060400-1763067600@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Reverie Road: A Celtic Tapestry DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/reverie-road-a-celtic-tapestry/ LOCATION:Petro Hall\, 1500 University Dr\, Billings\, MT\, 59102\, United States CATEGORIES:Billings Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/billings-new.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251113T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251113T213000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250926T201051Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250926T201307Z UID:4642-1763062200-1763069400@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Night & Light: The Music of Lauridsen & Shaw DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/night-light-the-music-of-lauridsen-shaw/ LOCATION:Hope Lutheran Church\, 2152 W Graf St\, Bozeman\, MT\, 59718\, United States CATEGORIES:Bozeman Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bozeman2023-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251114T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251114T213000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250926T201230Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250926T201230Z UID:4644-1763148600-1763155800@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Night & Light: The Music of Lauridsen & Shaw DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/night-light-the-music-of-lauridsen-shaw-2/ LOCATION:Hope Lutheran Church\, 2152 W Graf St\, Bozeman\, MT\, 59718\, United States CATEGORIES:Bozeman Symphony END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251114T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251114T213000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250930T223149Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T223149Z UID:4790-1763148600-1763155800@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:NON-SERIES CONCERT 2: Mozart by Candlelight DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/non-series-concert-2-mozart-by-candlelight-2/ LOCATION:Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church\, 512 Logan St\, Helena\, MT\, 59601\, United States CATEGORIES:Helena Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/helena-profile.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251115T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251115T163000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250926T201422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250926T201422Z UID:4646-1763217000-1763224200@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Night & Light: The Music of Lauridsen & Shaw DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/night-light-the-music-of-lauridsen-shaw-3/ LOCATION:Hope Lutheran Church\, 2152 W Graf St\, Bozeman\, MT\, 59718\, United States CATEGORIES:Bozeman Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bozeman2023-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251115T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251115T213000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250924T231056Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T231056Z UID:4595-1763235000-1763242200@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Choral Classics DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/choral-classics/ LOCATION:St. Patrick Co-Cathedral\, 215 N 31st St\, Billings\, MT\, 59101\, United States CATEGORIES:Billings Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/billings-new.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251115T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251115T213000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250930T195702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T195702Z UID:4711-1763235000-1763242200@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Romantic Cathedral DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/romantic-cathedral/ LOCATION:Wachholz College Center\, 795 Grandview Dr\, Kalispell\, MT\, 59901\, United States CATEGORIES:Glacier Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/new-glacier.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251115T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251115T213000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250930T223316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T223316Z UID:4792-1763235000-1763242200@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:NON-SERIES CONCERT 2: Mozart by Candlelight DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/non-series-concert-2-mozart-by-candlelight-3/ LOCATION:Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church\, 512 Logan St\, Helena\, MT\, 59601\, United States CATEGORIES:Helena Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/helena-profile.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251116T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251116T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250924T231206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T231206Z UID:4598-1763305200-1763312400@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Choral Classics DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/choral-classics-2/ LOCATION:St. Patrick Co-Cathedral\, 215 N 31st St\, Billings\, MT\, 59101\, United States CATEGORIES:Billings Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/billings-new.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251121T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251121T210000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250930T203110Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T203110Z UID:4752-1763751600-1763758800@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Youth Chamber Music Program Fall Concert - Free! DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/youth-chamber-music-program-fall-concert-free/ CATEGORIES:Great Falls Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/gf-profile.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251121T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251121T210000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250930T203226Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T203226Z UID:4754-1763751600-1763758800@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Chamber Music Series: Piano Quartet in Paris DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/chamber-music-series-piano-quartet-in-paris/ LOCATION:The History Museum\, 422 2nd St S\, Great Falls\, MT\, 59405\, United States CATEGORIES:Great Falls Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/gf-profile.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251123T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251123T160000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250930T203334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T203334Z UID:4756-1763906400-1763913600@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Chamber Music Series: Piano Quartet in Paris DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/chamber-music-series-piano-quartet-in-paris-2/ LOCATION:First Congregational Church of Christ\, 2900 9th Ave S\, Great Falls\, MT\, 59405\, United States CATEGORIES:Great Falls Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/gf-profile.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251123T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251123T170000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215523 CREATED:20250930T203450Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T203450Z UID:4758-1763910000-1763917200@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Diane & Roy Volk Youth Orchestra Fall Colors - Free DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/diane-roy-volk-youth-orchestra-fall-colors-free/ LOCATION:Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts\, 2 Park Dr S\, Great Falls\, MT\, 59401\, United States CATEGORIES:Great Falls Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/gf-profile.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251123T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251123T180000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215524 CREATED:20250924T231343Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T231343Z UID:4600-1763913600-1763920800@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:Billings Symphony Youth Orchestra Fall Concert DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/billings-symphony-youth-orchestra-fall-concert-2/ LOCATION:Lockwood Performing Arts Center\, 2016 Old US 87\, Billings\, MT\, 59101\, United States CATEGORIES:Billings Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/billings-new.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251129T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251129T160000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215524 CREATED:20250924T224931Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T224931Z UID:4566-1764424800-1764432000@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:The Nutcracker Ballet DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/the-nutcracker-ballet-2/ LOCATION:Alberta Bair Theater\, 2801 3rd Ave N\, Billings\, MT\, 59102\, United States CATEGORIES:Billings Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/billings-new.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251129T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251129T210000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215524 CREATED:20250924T225028Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T225028Z UID:4568-1764442800-1764450000@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:The Nutcracker Ballet DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/the-nutcracker-ballet-3/ LOCATION:Alberta Bair Theater\, 2801 3rd Ave N\, Billings\, MT\, 59102\, United States CATEGORIES:Billings Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/billings-new.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251130T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251130T160000 DTSTAMP:20260603T215524 CREATED:20250924T225231Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T225231Z UID:4570-1764511200-1764518400@montanasymphonies.org SUMMARY:The Nutcracker Ballet DESCRIPTION:June 22 - 24\, 2026 Bozeman\, MT Hope Lutheran Church\n\nStrong organizations are built through practice - steady\, intentional work over time.\n \nIn Practice\, the 2026 MASO Professional Development Conference\, brings together staff\, board members\, and nonprofit leaders for practical learning and shared conversation. This gathering focuses on best practices to support sustainable arts organizations. \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participants will engage in: \n \n \n \n A welcome reception the evening of June 22 after checking into hotels to network and socializeSessions the day of June 23 focused on fundraising strategies\, board roles\, advocacy and lobbying\, and educational organization partnershipsCohort meetings the morning of June 24 for peer discussion and shared problem-solvingThis conference is designed for both day-to-day operations and long-term organizational health. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome ReceptionHeavy Apps & First Drink on MASO!June 22 from 4 – 7PMIt Will Always Be That Way111 East Oak St Ste 1BBozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Reception\, Hosted by the Bozeman SymphonyJune 23 from 6 – 9PMPonderosa Social Club515 W Aspen St Suite 100Bozeman\, MT 59715 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accommodations  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Each Active Member Organization and each MASO board member will receive one comped room. Email montanasymphonies@gmail.com to reserve. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sessions Led By \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Heitz NewCEORSC Associates Individual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimatePlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDBuilding a Fundraising Board \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Catherine\n \n Throughout Catherine Heitz New’s 20-year career in arts management\, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to results and clarity of vision\, helping organizations achieve significant growth. Her focus extends beyond financial outcomes\, recognizing that the vitality of the arts lies in investing in the individuals propelling them forward. Catherine’s approach centers on enhancing team capabilities\, ensuring that staff\, Board members\, and artists are well-versed in best practices and fully engaged in achieving collective success. Across diverse budget and market sizes\, Catherine has guided numerous organizations to capitalize on their teams’ unique strengths\, yielding immediate results and fostering long-term sustainability. This emphasis on human capital is also evident in her leadership of RSC\, where a team of accomplished professionals collectively tackles the entire spectrum of revenue growth and capacity building. The ability to harness their combined expertise has become a hallmark of RSC. Beyond client engagements\, Catherine and the RSC team actively contribute to the broader arts industry through speaking engagements\, educational initiatives\, and informative reports. Prior to joining RSC\, Catherine served as the Chief Advancement Officer and Deputy Director of one of the country’s leading arts councils. During her tenure\, she spearheaded the successful raising of $30 million for The Council’s Comprehensive Campaign for the Arts and secured multiple government funding sources\, including local\, state\, and federal grants and dedicated revenue streams. Previously\, she managed the City of Charleston’s visual arts and gallery program\, demonstrating a multifaceted expertise in strategic and operational arts management. Catherine’s commitment to community service is evident in her involvement in civic and arts organizations. She served as the President of the Junior League of Winston-Salem and held positions as a Board and Executive Committee Member of Arts North Carolina\, Piedmont Craftsmen\, the Junior Leagues’ State Political Action Committee\, and Triad Academy. Drawing on her extensive experience as a fundraising practitioner\, coach\, and volunteer\, Catherine adeptly assesses clients’ risks and opportunities. Her solutions deliver results by optimizing resources\, demonstrating a strategic and conscientious approach to achieving success. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lorianne BurhopPublic Policy DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Advocacy and Lobbying 101Building Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to Advocacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Lorianne\n \n Lorianne Burhop joined Montana Nonprofit Association in March 2024 as its first Policy Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit advocacy\, including previous work in food banking and advancing food security across Montana. Lorianne is passionate about the role advocacy plays in shaping public policy\, strengthening communities\, and driving meaningful change. Originally from Darby\, Montana\, Lorianne holds a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. Lorianne lives in Missoula with her family and can often be found trying new recipes\, exploring local parks and trails\, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shelby RogalaAssociate DirectorMontana Nonprofit Association Set Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersWhose Role is it? Board vs Staff Roles and Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Shelby\n \n Shelby is MNA’s Associate Director. She’s been with MNA since 2018 and run MNA’s education and programming. Shelby’s background in education\, community development\, and outdoor recreation makes her passionate about connecting community and nonprofit leaders to resources\, people\, and training that can make their work easier\, more effective\, and even a little more joyful. She is a BoardSource Certified Board Consultant\, holds a Masters in Adult Education from Colorado State University and bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Montana State University. Shelby is from Darby\, MT and currently lives in Helena\, MT.  She can be found in the mountains\, rivers\, or on her couch with a good book or TV show.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Renée WestlakeFounderWestlake Education Consulting The Power of Community: Collaborative Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Renée\n \n Dr. Renée Westlake is a lifelong educator\, musician\, and arts advocate whose work bridges classrooms\, rehearsal halls\, nonprofit board rooms\, and communities across Montana and the Northwest. Over a 40-year career in public education\, she taught music at every level—from elementary general music to advanced placement music theory—along with jazz band\, flute choir\, world music\, and beginning band. She later served as Fine Arts Supervisor for the Bozeman School District until her retirement in 2015. Alongside her work in schools\, Renée taught private flute lessons and performed for many years as a flutist with the Bozeman Symphony\, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on the shared mission of education and performance. Renée currently runs a consulting and mentoring practice focused on student leadership\, professional growth\, and arts advocacy\, with particular attention to rural school districts and tribal communities. She remains deeply engaged in nonprofit arts leadership\, serving as president of Montana Chamber Music\, local president of Delta Kappa Gamma\, a teaching honorary dedicated to excellence in education\, and as a field supervisor for music student teachers at Montana State University. She also serves on the Council of Ambassadors for the Bozeman Symphony\, maintaining close ties to the orchestral community. Her past nonprofit leadership includes service on founding boards for the Montana Center for the Arts\, Montana Youth Symphony\, and Arts Without Boundaries\, as well as board chair roles for the Bozeman Symphony and Montana Ballet Company. Renée has held leadership positions at the state\, regional\, and national levels with NAfME: the National Association for Music Education\, including president of the Northwest Division\, state president of the Montana Music Educators Association\, and president of the Montana General Music Teachers Association. She has also served multiple terms on the Montana Arts Council\, advocating for arts access and education statewide. Renée is a frequent clinician at music education conferences throughout the Northwest and an adjudicator at district and state music festivals. She spent many summers teaching flute and leadership seminars at the Yellowstone Summer Music Camp in Powell\, Wyoming\, a program mentoring underserved rural students. Her writing includes co-authored publications for NAfME\, collaboration on their All-In education initiative\, and her forthcoming book\, Growing Leadership: Mentoring Students in Schools\, currently in final edits. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors\, including the Lowell Mason Fellowship\, NAfME’s Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education\, the National Federation of Interscholastic Music Association’s Regional Educator of the Year Award\, and Music Educators Journal’s Top Teachers in the 50 States. She was also named a Montana State University Centennial Alumnus\, recognized among the institution’s 100 outstanding graduates in its first 100 years. Renée is married to a fourth-generation Montana farmer and is the proud mother of two daughters\, two sons-in-law\, and two grandchildren—each\, in their own way\, an enthusiastic participant in or supporter of the arts. She brings to her work a deep belief that strong arts organizations and strong schools grow best when they grow together. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michael Sakir Conductor/Artistic Director Opera Montana A River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About Michael\n \n Conductor Michael Sakir has served as Artistic Director of Opera Montana since 2020 where the innovative programming\, community partnerships\, and robust education programs under his leadership have led to record-breaking ticket sales and company growth. Sakir previously served as Music Director of Opera Memphis where he was deeply involved in the company’s groundbreaking civic practice programs and commissioning projects. In the 2025-2026 season\, Sakir makes guest conducting debuts with the Manhattan School of Music in L’elisir d’amore\, as well as in the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s Time to Act with Pittsburgh Opera. Other recent guest conducting engagements include Seattle Opera\, Arizona Opera\, Des Moines Metro Opera\, Oberlin Conservatory of Music\, Opera Baltimore\, and Opera Idaho. Sakir has held music staff positions with Santa Fe Opera\, Washington National Opera\, Florida Grand Opera\, Sarasota Opera\, among others. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and The Boston Conservatory.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Should Attend: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Symphony executives and staffBoard members of arts and music organizationsLeaders of music and arts nonprofitsEmerging nonprofit professionals seeking practical tools \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Schedule \n \n \n \n All events at Hope Lutheran Church unless otherwise specified. \n \n \n \n Monday\, June 224:00–7:00 Hosted welcome reception at It Will Always Be That Way – heavy apps & first drink on MASO Tuesday\, June 238:30–10:00 AMShelby RogalaSet Your Board Up for Success: Secrets to Recruiting\, Retaining\, and Onboarding Board MembersLorianne BurhopAdvocacy & Lobbying 101 10:15–11:45 AMCatherine Heitz NewIndividual Giving NOW: Proven Strategies for Today’s ClimateShelby RogalaWhose Role Is It? Board vs Staff Roles & Culture 11:45 AM–1:30 PM Lunch on your own 1:30–3:00 PMCatherine Heitz NewBuilding a Fundraising BoardLorianne BurhopBuilding Your Advocacy Plan: A Workshop Approach to AdvocacyMichael SakirA River Runs Through It – The History & Future of Montana’s Newest Opera 3:15–4:45 PMCatherine Heitz NewPlanned Giving & Donor-Advised Funds SIMPLIFIEDRenée WestlakeThe Power of Community: Collaborative Education 6:00–9:00 PM Reception at Ponderosa Social Club hosted by the Bozeman Symphony  Wednesday\, June 248:30–10:00 AM Cohort Meetings10:15 AM Bozeman Symphony Chamber Choir Performance10:45 AM MASO Annual Business Meeting & Lunch – for MASO member organizations & board members \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n Thanks to Our Sponsors URL:https://montanasymphonies.org/event/the-nutcracker-ballet-4/ LOCATION:Alberta Bair Theater\, 2801 3rd Ave N\, Billings\, MT\, 59102\, United States CATEGORIES:Billings Symphony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://montanasymphonies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/billings-new.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR