Jim Carney
Affiliation: Diocese of Helena (employer), Mountainside Montessori (co-owner), Florence Crittenton (board member)
Bio: Jim grew up in Spokane, WA and moved to Helena in 2006 with the love of his life, Joslyn. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Seattle University and a Master of Arts degree in Public Service from Marquette University. Jim has spent his non-academic years serving as a Jesuit Volunteer in East Los Angeles helping gang impacted youth, serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in China teaching English, working at the State of Montana as a bureau chief for Child and Family Services, and currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese of Helena. Jim’s last theatrical performance was playing the role of a bicuspid in a 2nd grade performance at Adam’s Elementary. Jim has enjoyed watching his son Sean perform at Grandstreet and hopes to see his daughter Cecilia on stage soon.
First Grandstreet Experience: Watching Leah Joki (aunt) in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf
Why do you want to serve on the Grandstreet Board of Directors? Since moving to Helena in 2006, my wife and I have always attended Grandstreet productions. We love our community theatre and attending productions was often paired with a night out as a couple or gathering with friends and family. Our relationship with Grandstreet changed when our son Sean began getting involved. It began with classes, then auditions for a show, followed by participation in JTF. This past summer Sean also joined the social skills class with Ms. Daylinda. Beyond our pure enjoyment of theatres, Grandstreet has become an integral part of our son’s journey and development as he navigates adolescence. It would be an honor to use my talents to help benefit an organization that brings so much joy to the community and my family.
Emily Hilliard
Affiliation: Gulch Distillers
Bio: Emily Hilliard, originally from Havre, Montana, has lived and worked in Helena for the last seven years as a School Counselor. She attended college at Carroll College and graduate school at Montana State University. During her college years, Emily fell in love with the Helena area and Grandstreet Theatre, auditioning and performing for her first show in 2013, the spring of her senior year. Emily’s love of Grandstreet Theatre is not limited to performing. She has also been involved backstage as a stage manager, taught at Summer Theatre School, volunteered in audience services, as well as bartending as many shows as she can. Outside of Grandstreet and School Counseling, Emily works at Gulch Distillers and tries to enjoy all the community events and outdoor recreation that Helena has to offer.
First Grandstreet Experience: Audience member watching Chicago and then auditioning for and performing in Legally Blonde in 2013
Why do you want to serve on the Grandstreet Board of Directors? I would like to serve on the board of directors because I have a passion for making Grandstreet Theatre and the Helena community a place that is welcoming, inclusive, and progressive. When I first joined the Grandstreet community I was welcomed with open arms. I am enthusiastic about providing that same experience for other community members.
Bayard Leonard
Affiliation: N/A
Bio: Bayard became part of the Grandstreet Theatre family over 25 years ago when he took his mother to see Little Shop of Horrors and she demanded he get involved. So, he tried out for The Music Man and since then, he has performed in many shows, was a Board member for ten years and President for two terms. His favorite Grandstreet memory is currently in the making as he performs in shows with his daughter, Leah, whenever he gets the opportunity.
First Grandstreet Experience: Seeing Little Shop of Horrors
Why do you want to serve on the Grandstreet Board of Directors? I believe strongly that GST is an essential asset to our community. GST offers new residents a place to play and meet new people. GST is also a valuable, safe place for children to build confidence, speaking skills, and discipline.
