Speakers

Brad Ludden is an outdoorsman, athlete, philanthropist and entrepreneur. As Nike's first sponsored whitewater kayaker, Brad spent his youth traveling the world paddling first descents in remote parts of the globe and using his kayak as a vehicle to experience other cultures. 

At 18 he recognized an opportunity to share his love of kayaking and the outdoors with others who could use them as a way to heal and started First Descents, a non profit organization that offers free outdoor adventures to young adults impacted by cancer. Since 2001 First Descents (FD) has become a global leader in adventure based healing, provided free adventures to thousands of young adults all over the world and has published 2 research studies demonstrating the efficacy of outdoor adventure in decreasing feelings of anxiety, depression, isolation, alienation, and improving feelings of self confidence, self compassion and body image. 

Brad recently launched Stoke Broker, a company which aims to create highly customized, life-changing adventures for its clients.

Brad lives in Whitefish, MT, where he was raised, and spends his days fly fishing, floating rivers, riding bikes, big game archery hunting, flying his plane, backpacking, skiing and dreaming up his next great adventure.

Zack is Senior Staff Attorney with the Terrestrial Wildlife division

https://awionline.org/content/staff

The Board of Public Education has the authority under Article X, Section 9 of the Montana Constitution to exercise general supervision over elementary and secondary public schools in Montana. Its mission is to supervise, serve, maintain, and strengthen Montana’s system of free quality public education. I’ll briefly discuss the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Public Education, how we work closely with the Office of Public Instruction and our education partners, and how our constitutional authority works in tandem with that of our local school district board of trustees. At the end of the day, it is my hope that Rotarians will learn more generally about the Board of Public Education and the education landscape in Montana.

McCall Flynn began her career as Executive Director of the Board of Public Education on January 6, 2021. As an Anaconda native and graduate of Carroll College in Helena, Ms. Flynn comes to this role after previously serving eight years under Governor Steve Bullock. Beginning in 2013, Ms. Flynn worked in numerous capacities, such as Project Manager, Policy Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, and finally as Education Policy Advisor.

Ms. Flynn has worked extensively with legislators and legislative staff, the Office of Public Instruction, members of the Montana Public Education Coalition, and other education stakeholders. Ms. Flynn places a high value on the importance of public education in Montana and has the unique perspective to work collaboratively with others to enhance and continue the good work that has already been done. Ms. Flynn currently resides in Helena, MT where she has lived since 2009.