About the Missoula Downtown Association (MDA)

The Missoula Downtown Association (MDA) is a not-for-profit membership based organization dedicated to promoting, supporting and enhancing the vitality of downtown Missoula. Created in 1975, the MDA has grown to over 400 business and individual members. Managed by a volunteer board of directors and paid staff, the Missoula Downtown Association works to attract people Downtown through events such as Out to Lunch, Downtown Tonight and the River City Roots Festival; creates visual improvements such as flower baskets and banners; provides a voice for Downtown; builds a sense of community and acts as a clearinghouse and referral service among other things.

MDA Staff

Linda McCarthy


Executive Director
Linda McCarthy is in her 11th year as the Executive Director of the MDA. She also serves on the Missoula Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors.

Prior to her appointment with the MDA, McCarthy was a Sports Information Director for UM Grizzly Athletics from 1989-99. She served as media director for a number of events and staffed several USA Track & Field National Championships, including the 1996 Olympic Trials in Atlanta.

McCarthy is a double graduate of The University of Montana, receiving her B.A. in Communication Studies in 1991 and her M.A. in Public Administration in 1999.

Originally from Dupuyer, Mont., Linda is married to Tom Gallagher. They have one daughter, Madelyn and a son, Samuel.

Julie Weaver


Assistant Director
Julie Weaver is the Assistant Director for the MDA and has been on staff since September 2004. A graduate (2000) of the UM Business Administration program, Julie was a sales manager at Mountain CAD and a marketing representative at ALPS (Attorney Liability Protection Society) prior to coming on board at the MDA.

A native of Rochester, MN, Julie has been a Missoula resident for twelve years. Julie and her husband Jeff enjoy summers on their boat, Grizzly football and basketball and spending time with their two fabulous dogs, Murray and Maggie.

Jessica Daniels


Program Director
Jessica joined the MDA as the new Program Director in January 2010. Returning to Missoula from the California Bay Area, Jess most recently worked as Planner and Marketing Manager for Design, Community & Environment in Berkeley. Previously she was a Research Associate for Solimar Research Group, where she conducted economic and land use analyses for communities with an emphasis on Smart Growth.

Jess graduated from Cornell University in 2007 with a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning where she won the Peter B. Andrews Memorial Thesis Prize for her Economic Impact Analysis of Ithaca’s Light in Winter Festival. Prior to her graduate studies, she attended the University of Montana and earned her B.A. in Economics in 2003 with a focus on the Intermountain West.

An Atlanta native, Jess lives with her boyfriend, Krisztian, and her Siberian Husky, Kolo. While not devoting her time to Downtown Missoula, Jess likes to take turns at Snowbowl and hike in the Bitterroots.

Susie Boelman


Office Manager
Susie Boelman joined the MDA in October 2007 and provides office and event support. She graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., with a major in English Writing and minors in Business and History.

Susie grew up in Billings, MT, and moved to Missoula in the fall of 2006 with her husband, Steve and dog, Chief – a chocolate lab. She enjoys all of the outdoor activities Missoula offers and escaping for weekends in Cooke City as often as she can.

Jennifer Williamson


Finance Director
Jennifer joined us in April 2007 as the MDA's Financial Director. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English in Tacoma, WA (1993), Jennifer began her accounting career as an accounting technician at the College of Technology - Missoula. She worked throughout the University of Montana network for the next eight years in both accounting and training.

In her free time, Jenn enjoys spending time with her husband Norm and hitting the slopes with her two children, Paige and Max.

MDA Board

Diane Lanning

Diane has been actively engaged in the MDA for nine years and will serve as the President for 2010. Diane has proved to be a valuable asset for a variety of downtown businesses, having worked at the Bon Marche and the Missoula Independent. She is now employed by both St. Patrick Hospital and J. Elaine's Boutique. Diane has been instrumental in the marketing committee and planning the Garden City River Rod Run,MDA Barbeque, MDA Annual Dinner and Parade of Lights as well as volunteering her time to help with River City Roots Festival and Downtown flower baskets. Diane is also involved Relay for Life.

A native of Helena, Diane enjoys spending time with her family, skiing, snowboarding and visiting her property near Townsend.

John Horner


John is in his third year as an MDA board member and is the Vice-President and Commercial Banker at First Interstate Bank. He will be serving as the Vice-President of Advocacy for 2010. John is on the steering committee for the Downtown Master Plan and is also involved with Missoula County United Way. He is most concerned with Downtown growth and how to manage it properly.

Originally from Missoula, John is a graduate of Loyola High School and Carroll College. He and his wife Judy with a son, Austin (16) and daughter Rachel (14). In his spare time John enjoys spending time with family, reading and golfing.

Julie McFarland

Julie is an agent with Farm Bureau Financial Services and will serve as the Vice-President of Marketing and Events for 2010. Julie has been involved with the MDA for nearly seven years. Julie is in her third year as a board member, serves on the River City Roots Festival, Garden City River Rod Run, Marketing and Membership committees. She is also involved with Sunrise Rotary and is most concerned with keeping Downtown as the heart of Missoula, family, environment and a strong, healthy economy.

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Julie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Northern Kentucky University with a minor in French and International Politics. Julie is married to Sean and has a three year old daughter, Cameron. She also has six brothers and 3 sisters. In her spare time, Julie enjoys spending time with family, hiking, jeeping and participating in MCT productions.

Matt Ellis


Matt is the Executive Vice-President for the Missoula Osprey Professional Baseball team and is serving as Vice-President of Master Plan for 2010. He has been a partner of the Osprey in Missoula since the team relocated to Missoula in 1999. He also became an owner of the Uptown Diner in 2006. Matt is most concerned with preserving Downtown as a destination. He is active on the Advocacy committee and the Downtown Master Plan committee. In addition, Matt is involved with Rotary and the Missoula Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Originally from California, Matt earned his Marketing Degree from Arizona State University. He is married to Shelly, and they have one son Michael. In Matt's spare time he enjoys ice hockey, bowling, spending time with his family and traveling.

Matt Loomis

Matt is the owner of Baskin Robbins Missoula and has been a long-time vendor at Caras Park events. He will serve as the Vice-President of Membership for 2010. Matt has been actively involved with the MDA the last four years serving on the Downtown ToNight committee. Matt is most concerned with Downtown parking and vitality, rising insurance and utility costs and the ability for locally-owned businesses to survive and thrive.

Originally from Santa Cruz, CA, Matt is a graduate of the University of Montana. Matt also works closely with University of Montana events, Relay for Life, Missoula Little-League and Missoula area schools. In his free time, he enjoys playing softball, working in the yard and spending time with family.

Harry Watkins

Harry is the Owner/General manager of Zip Beverage and will serve as the Treasurer for 2010. Harry has been active with the MDA for more than eight years and is most concerned with keeping Downtown Missoula financially vibrant. Although born in Havre, Harry was raised in Missoula and Spokane, WA. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Washington State University. Harry is also a member of the Montana Beer and Wine Wholesaler Association.

Harry is married to Kari, has 2 children and enjoys skiing and hanging out at the lake.

Colleen Rudio


Colleen has been with the MDA for 12 years and will serve as Past-President of the MDA in 2010. Colleen is the owner of Rudio Performance Management Group. She plays a key role in fundraising, strategic planning, membership and special events. Originally from Butte, Colleen is a graduate of the UM Business School and has lived in Missoula for 18 years. She is also involved with the Montana Community Development Corporation, Big Sky Society of Human Resource Management, and Missoula County United Way.

Colleen has been married for 20 years to Jeff, and has a son Zach and a daughter Jordan. Colleen enjoys camping, fishing, drafts, and games.

Brent Campbell


Brent is in his third year as an MDA Board Member and is the President/CEO of WGM Group, Inc. He has been involved with the MDA for seven years and co-chairs the River City Roots Festival. Brent is also involved with MAEDC Executive Committee, Mayor's Task Force in Sustainability and the Montana Chapter of American Council of Engineering Companies. He is most concerned with Downtown Redevelopment.

Brent is originally from Helena, MT and is a 1986 graduate of Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He and his wife Carla have three children, Kayla, Katrina and Kyle. In his free time Brent enjoys floating, fishing, skiing and recreating Montana style.

Dan Cederberg

The longest-standing member of the MDA Board of Directors, Dan Cederberg is an attorney for Cederberg Law Offices, PC (269 W. Front St.). A Missoula resident for more than 30 years, he has maintained his business downtown for 27 years and has been a member of the MDA for 21 years. He has been instrumental in the renovation of the Caras Park Pavilion, spearheading the fundraising, managing and marketing of the facility. Cederberg believes the pavilion, downtown retail and parking are some of the most important aspects of Downtown Missoula.

Originally from Havre, MT, Cederberg has a BA in political science and history and a J.D. in Law from The University of Montana. Dan is married to Forey, a teacher at Lolo Middle School, and they have four children: Brad, Jenna, Breland, and Dac. Cederberg enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and he is involved with several youth sports groups in which his children participate. He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity in college and continues to play an active role with that organization.

Jim Foley

Jim is the Executive Vice-President of the University of Montana and is in his first year of service on the MDA Board of Directors. Jim has been active with Community Leadership Team and sits on several local boards including the Missoula Children’s Theatre, St. Patrick Hospital, and the Montana Cancer Institute Foundation and the Canadian/American Trade Alliance Board. Jim is also involved in the Flagship program and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Born and raised in Helena, Montana, Jim Foley is a graduate of St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Jim served as the Staff Director to former Congressman Pat Williams and then as the Montana Chief of Staff for Senator Max Baucus, before returning to the University of Montana in August 2005.

Todd Frank

Todd Frank has owned The Trail Head in Downtown Missoula for 10 years and has been in Downtown for 16 years. Todd is in his second year as a MDA Board Member and has been active with the Retail Committee throughout his years in Downtown. He is most concerned with the long-term health of our community as resources become more scarce. He is a strong advocate of public access to rivers and public lands in general.

Originally from Billings, MT, Todd recieved his BA in Geology from the University of Montana and is the Chair of the Board for the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation and serves on the FWP Citizens Advisory Board for Region 2. Todd has been married to Mary Winninghoff for 22 years and they have 2 kids, Ian (14) and Megan (12). In his spare time he likes to ski, fly fish, float rivers and watch his kids play soccer.

Kim Klages-Johns

Kim Klages-Johns has owned J. Elaine’s Boutique in downtown Missoula for over 15 years. Kim has been an active board member for the Missoula Downtown Association and a MDA member since 1998. She has served on the MAEDC Board for 3 years. She is passionate about downtown and feels maintaining and growing a vibrant city center is critical for Missoula’s future.

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA Kim graduated from Texas A&M with a BA in Marketing. Kim has been an active participant in the Bitterroot Ski Resort Task Force, Missoula Panhandling Working Group and the Greater Missoula Master Plan Steering Committee.

Kim has been married to Rick Johns for 12 years. They collectively have 5 children and enjoy the busy-ness they provide. Kim loves spending time at the kid’s school and taking advantage Montana’s beauty.

Kim Murray

A multitalented individual, Kim Murray has been a member of the MDA for 21 years and has been on the Board of Directors since 1996. She manages two business, Joint Ventures and New Quest Distributing, that she and her husband, Bob, operate from their home. She has been instrumental in the success of the Out to Lunch program, and she has also been heavily involved in the Caras Park Pavilion and Panhandling Task Force. She is passionate about continuing to hold ongoing events in Caras Park, the "heartbeat of the Missoula Community."

Originally from Tujunga, Calif., Kim moved to Western Montana with her family in 1978. She studied Journalism at The University of Montana. Kim is married to Bob, and they have two sons: Chad and Chase. Active with both the YWCA and Big Sky Community Church, Kim enjoys spending time with her family, working in her yard, and getting together with friends Downtown.

Tim O'Leary

Tim O'Leary is the owner of Kettlehouse Brewing Company and is in his first year of board service for the MDA. An MDA member for more than 10 years, Tim is most concerned with jobs and keeping a healthy and vibrant Downtown business environment. Tim is also affiliated with the Montana Brewers Association, NFIB and the Missoula Chamber of Commerce.

Originally from Helena, MT, Tim has a BS in Physics from Montana State University. He and his wife, Suzy Rizza, have two sons, Luke (7) and Colin (4). In his free time he likes to play catch with his kids, mountain bike, ski, hunt, fish, camp and practice yoga.

Kent Watson

Kent is the owner of Kent Watson & Associates Landscape Architecture and is in his fifth year as a MDA board member. He is most concerned about the aesthetics of our Garden City, especially with the Downtown.

Kent is also active with the Sustainable Business Council, Save America's Visual Environment, and the American Society of Landscape Architects. He earned his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from N.C. State University and his Master of Landscape Architecture from UC Berkeley.

A native of Livingston, MT, Kent and his wife Margaret have one daughter, Abby. In his spare time he enjoys skiing, fly fishing, hiking and photography.

Racquel Williams

Racquel is the Sales and Marketing Director for the Holiday Inn - Downtown at the Park. She is in her fourth year of board service and is active on the membership and Annual Barbecue committees. Racquel is also involved with the Missoula Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In her spare time, Racquel enjoys getting outside and spending time with her two beautiful daughters.

Rod Austin

Rod Austin is the Director of Operations for the Downtown Business Improvement District of Missoula and an Ex-Officio member of the Board. Rod is most interested in the the continued viability of downtown, and parking and vagrancy issues.

Originally from Vermont, Rod moved to Montana in 1972 with the United States Air Force in Great Falls. A graduate of the University of Montana Business School 81', Rod has lived in Missoula three separate times over the years. Rod is committed to community activities and is also affiliated with Mount Jumbo East Little League, the American Heart Association, the Ronald McDonald House Project, and the Heart of Missoula Neighborhood Council.

He is married to Tina and they have six kids: Rod Jr , Ryan , Regan, Chris, Josh and Reid. In his free time Rod enjoys fly fishing, gardening, coaching and playing baseball, camping and spending time with his kids.

Ellen Buchanan

Ellen Buchanan is the director of the Missoula Redevelopment Agency and an ex-officio member of the MDA board. Ellen came to Missoula 6 years ago from Johnson City, TN and has been active with the MDA since her arrival. Ellen is most concerned with sustainability, maintaining Downtown vitality, and promoting residential development Downtown. She is the co-chair of the River City Roots Festival and also volunteers for the Brewfest committee.

Ellen earned her Bachelor degree in Architecture. In addition to her MDA commitments, Ellen serves on the Board of Directors for the Downtown BID of Missoula, and is involved with MAEDC and the Milltown Working Group.

She has one son, Jason; a daughter, Keenan; and one granddaughter, Tess. In her free time, Ellen enjoys listening to live music, hiking and camping.

Steve Earle

Steve Earle is the General Manager of the Mountain Line Bus Service and an ex-officio member of the MDA board. He is in his tenth year with the MDA Board of Directors and has served on the Out to Lunch Committee and the Parking Advisory Committee. Steve is concerned with traffic, parking, and accessibility in the downtown as well as safety.

Steve is from Libby, MT and earned his BA in education at the University of Montana in 1979. He has lived in Missoula for more than 30 years and has been affiliated with the downtown for 19 years. In his free time he likes to be outdoors, travel, and cook.

Anne Guest

The director of the Missoula Parking Commission (128 W. Main St.), Anne Guest has worked downtown for more than 25 years in various positions and an ex-officio member of the MDA board. She is a native of Missoula and has lived in Missoula for 46 years. Parking is the issue Anne is most concerned with.

She serves on the Board of Directors for St. Patrick Hospital and Missoula Symphony and is a member of the Missoula Rotary Club. Guest earned a BA in education from the University of Washington.

She has one daughter, Elise, who is living and teaching in the Portland area. Anne enjoys all kinds of play in her free time.

Dick King

Dick King joined the Board in 2002 as an ex-officio member. He is the President of the Missoula Area Economic Development Corporation. In partnership with the University of Montana, MAEDC administers the Montana Technology Enterprise Center. Dick is most concerned with the economic vitality of Downtown Missoula. He is affiliated with Sunrise Rotary, Play Ball Missoula, Community Medical Center and the Chamber of Commerce.

Originally from Chinook, Montana, Dick earned his BA and MA in history from the University of Montana. Dick is married to Tove Elvandy and they have one son Alex. In his free time Dick enjoys golfing, gardening, walking, completing home projects and playing bridge.

Amita Patel

Amita is the Small Business Development Center Director at the Montana Community Development Corporation and is in her first year of Board service as an ex-officio with the MDA board. Amita is most concerned with maintaining a vibrant downtown by attracting more businesses and providing incentives for businesses to come downtown. She is also a Board member for YWCA of Missoula. She holds a MA in Sociology, MBA in Finance and MA in International Relations and Diplomacy.

Originally from Mahwah, NJ, Amita is engaged to Jonathan Greer. In her free time she enjoys reading, hiking and spending time with family and friends.