Denise Higgins Joins DMP as Director of Giving

Denise Higgins is the newest addition to the Downtown Missoula Partnership team and will serve as the Director of Giving. Her primary responsibilities include fundraising strategies, donor development, grant writing, and community engagement. She will work closely with the Missoula Downtown Foundation to assure a longtime investment into the greater Downtown Missoula area.

A native of Northern Illinois, Higgins holds a BS in Medical Technology. Her background in medical laboratory science launched her into a career in developing health services and programs for Montana women, children and families. Prior to joining the DMP, she held leadership positions at Community Medical Center and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.

As a Montana resident for the last 30 years, Higgins is passionate about community service. She is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Montana, where she teaches hematology and clinical diagnostics for the Montana Medical Laboratory Science Program. She has been involved with the Missoula Mavericks American Legion Baseball Program since 2018.

“We are excited to have Denise join our team,” said Linda McCarthy, Executive Director of the Downtown Missoula Partnership. “Her depth and breadth of experience with non-profits will help us with our fundraising initiatives for things like street décor, riverfront parks and trails improvements, placemaking initiatives, and planned giving. We’ve been without a Director of Giving for the entire pandemic, so it feels great to be fully staffed after a long stretch of working with limited resources.”

Higgins is excited to apply her professional skills and passion for Missoula to enhance the culture, infrastructure, and beautification projects that will support Downtown Missoula for generations to come. She can be reached via phone (406-543-4238) or email ([email protected]).