Haley McKnight, Board President

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Haley grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a town most people recognize from cigarette packaging. They moved to Butte in 2017 as an AmeriCorps VISTA after graduating from UNC Greensboro, and quickly became an honorary Montanan. Haley is store manager at Sage & Oats Trading Post, owner of Morningstar Design Ltd. Co., and serves as communications coordinator for 406 Compost. They have been a HYP board member since 2020. Most nights you can find them on the Gulch, hiking Rodney Ridge, putting their cat in outfits, or deep frying something.

Kara Paul, Vice President

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Kara, the "Girl Who Left Paradise for the Last Best Place," relocated to Helena, Montana, from Hilo, Hawai'i, on New Year's Eve in 2019. She moved to Montana to be the Senior Executive Assistant to the President at Carroll College and now works for the Montana Department of Transportation as a Strategic Project Specialist. Kara holds a double Bachelor's Degree in English and Communications from the University of Hawai'i at Hilo, complemented by an Associate of the Arts in Liberal Arts AA Degree from Hawai'i Community College. Outside of her professional pursuits, Kara enjoys spending time with her husband and two cats, reading, sipping lattes, and exploring Montana and beyond for her Instagram and Blog, "Roaming Near and Far."

Dan Lambson, Past President

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Hailing from the New Jersey suburbs of Philadelphia, Dan picked up his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in structural engineering from Northwestern University and UT Austin, respectively. He then lived on an island in southeast Alaska for several years before taking a bridge engineering position in Helena with Morrison-Maierle in 2019. Dan is still thrilled to be back on the road system and enjoys doing just about anything outdoors (especially backpacking and peakbagging), making a racket on piano and guitar, and cooking curry. 

Maggie Hodges, Secretary

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Maggie is a Montana local, originally from Great Falls and has been living in Helena since 2022. She is a community social worker, currently working to preserve manufactured home communities with NeighborWorks Montana. In her free time, Maggie can be found skiing, white water rafting, or steaming dumplings in the kitchen.

Sye White, Treasurer

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Sye White is a dedicated professional with a strong background in commercial and residential real estate, actively pursuing his CCIM designation to deepen his expertise. Sye brings a meticulous approach to financial management and a commitment to organizational growth. Drawing on his experience as a commercial specialist and luxury residential expert, he understands the importance of strategic planning and community-focused leadership. A Montana native with roots in Fort Belknap, Sye is passionate about preserving local heritage while fostering innovation. When not working, he dedicates time to personal growth, fitness, and developing entrepreneurial ventures under the White Feather brand. Sye is honored to serve the Helena Young Professionals and looks forward to contributing to its continued success.

Dustin Hofer, Business Outreach Chair

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Dustin grew up in Havre, Montana, and graduated from Montana State University with a degree in economics. After college, he moved to Helena, where he began his career as a product analyst with the Montana Lottery and now works as a behavioral health data analyst for the Department of Public Health and Human Services. Passionate about learning, creativity, and personal growth, Dustin enjoys reading, podcasts, writing, music, cooking, and spending time in coffee shops. He is a member of the Helena Symphony Chorale and has recently begun exploring the world of theater. Dustin also loves adventuring with his standard poodle, Harvey, and cherishes quality time with family and friends.

Ashley-Ann Goddard, Public Relations Chair

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Originally from Lewistown, Montana, Ashley-Ann fell in love with Helena while attending Carroll College. She graduated in 2017 with Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Management and Spanish, and a minor in Theology. After graduating, she moved to A Coruña, Spain, to teach English and travel around Europe for a few years. Aside from serving on the HYP Board, she works as an IT Systems Analyst for the State of Montana. Knowing the impact that community has on one’s life, Ashley-Ann loves being involved and giving back, and providing an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. She fills her time drinking iced coffee year round, exploring Montana and beyond, serving as VP of the Capital City Kiwanis Club, and keeping it “cool” on a curling team.

Perrie Frydenlund, Social Media Chair

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Perrie is originally from the small but charming town of Shelby, Montana. She is a proud graduate of the University of Montana - Western (go Bulldogs!), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and an associate’s degree in Performing Arts—because why settle for one passion when you can have both? Perrie currently works as an Accounting Technician with the State of Montana's DPHHS, where she keeps things organized and running smoothly. Outside of work, Perrie is all about living life with a playful, pink twist. She’s a pink enthusiast (it’s practically her personality), a pop culture junkie, and a game fanatic—whether it’s board games, video games, or a good trivia night, count her in! She is also a horror and musical connoisseur, always ready to debate her favorite films or belt out a show tune.

People often tell Perrie that she has golden retriever energy: loyal, bubbly, and always up for an adventure. As an introverted extrovert, she loves connecting with others but also enjoys a little quiet time to recharge. One thing’s for sure, though—she didn’t come to play; she came to slay.

Matt Schmidt, Professional Development Chair

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Matt and his dog Kate arrived in Helena from Lewistown, MT in May 2023 looking for a city with local mountain biking, skiing, and sailing. As a professional environmental scientist, musician, and DJ, Matt has developed his own multidisciplinary career throughout public, private, nonprofit, and small-business sectors.  He’s here to support his peers as they develop their own personal and professional journeys, and is always looking for ways to learn and grow together.

Chandler Rowling, Recreation Chair

Chandler is originally from the Chicago metropolitan area. She moved to Helena, in 2019, to serve as an Americorps VISTA after graduating from Purdue University NW. She obtained her Master's Certification in Law, Policy, and Public Administration from University of Montana. Chandler’s main work focus has been on housing and homelessness. Outside of work, she loves dragon boating, curling, and hiking. She is always wanting to try new things and go on adventures with her partner and golden retriever.

David Singer, Social Chair

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David was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and moved to Madison, Wisconsin when he was nine. He received his Bachelor’s in economics and Master of Public Affairs from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. After graduate school, David moved to Helena and began working as a program analyst for the Montana Legislature. In his free time, David enjoys the outdoor activities Helena has to offer, especially hiking and downhill skiing. He also enjoys cooking, creative writing, and board games.