Renewed Vigor

At the beginning of this year, Montana Wilderness Association's State Council welcomed Mark Hanson as the new president and Addrien Marx as the new president-elect. The State Counil is the governing body of our organization, composed of volunteers from around the state and represenatives of local chapters. The council also welcomed two new at-large members, Keith Strong and Lisa Lenard. We're excited to have these two join the team, both of whom offer a fresh infusion of energy, enthusiasm, and expertise.

Mark Hanson, new State Council president

Mark Hanson

Mark first discovered his love for wilderness while working a summer job in Glacier National Park at the age of 20. After graduate school, he returned to Montana and now teaches courses in ethics and the humanities at the University of Montana in Missoula. He is an avid hiker, trail runner, and Nordic skier. He and his spouse Kara enjoy helping their almost-two- year-old daughter Lena discover the wonders of the wild world every day.

Addrien Marx, new State Council president-elect

Addrien Marx

Addrien recently sold her business of over 20 years, Rovero's Ace Hardware and Conoco Gas, in Seeley Lake. Having raised four children in Seeley Lake, she is now introducing her grandchildren to the unique gift of wilderness. She and her husband are obsessive backpackers, hikers, and Nordic skiers. She is committed to preserving the legacy of public lands, public access, and wilderness for the next generations, believing that the outdoors provide our strongest connection to the soul.

Keith Strong, new at-large State Council member

Keith Strong

Keith is a retired federal magistrate judge who served in Great Falls, where he presided over cases involving Glacier National Park, the Lewis and Clark National Forest, Helena National Forest, and the CM Russell National Wildlife Refuge Complex. He grew up next to the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness and has hiked, backpacked, climbed, skied, hunted, fished, and boated in wild places throughout Montana. He now lives in Bozeman.

Lisa Lenard, new at-large State Council member

Lisa Lenard

Having lived all over the American West, Lisa now makes her home in Missoula and Bozeman with her partner, their daughter, and their Yorkie. She has worked for non-profit conservation organizations for the majority of her 20-year fundraising career, helping preserve and protect wilderness and wildlife. She loves hiking Montana's trails, swimming in Montana’s lakes, and taking photos.