Enterprise UX Vodcast

Why us?

We believe in serving our clients by working hard, building relationships and getting results with respect and trust. While the national scene becomes ever more politically divisive, we strive to represent Montana's values and way of life - finding common ground, having civil discourse, and finding solutions to complex issues that affect business in our state.

Montana is a handshake state and at Treasure State Strategies, we believe that reputation matters. We deliver our clients professional services while advancing their interests and holding ourselves to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. We have a strict conflict of interest policy to ensure our client's needs are always our top priority.

As a boutique lobbying firm, our level of specialization and customer service set Treasure State Strategies apart from the rest.

OUR TEAM

Kali Wicks

President & Founder

Kali was raised on a dryland farm in northcentral Montana. Her rural upbringing cultivated her key values of trust, integrity, and relationships. She holds degrees from Gonzaga University (BS, Political Science / MS, Communications & Organizational Leadership) and University of Montana (Masters of Public Administration, with honors; Certificate in Public Health)..

Prior to launching Treasure State Strategies, Kali spent a decade working in government relations for Montana's largest health insurance company. Her public affairs work included building long-lasting relationships on both sides of the aisle and across administrations, developing and executing plans to pass or defeat legislation, writing legislation, direct lobbying, performing grassroots and issue advocacy, coalition building, regulatory relations, tribal relations, and managing a federal political action committee. She worked closely with related health plans in several states on joint initiatives and legislative campaigns and advised on state and federal matters relating to rural health and business issues. Kali also has experience working in housing, community and workforce development, agriculture and higher education.

Kali is a strong proponent of servant leadership and giving back to Montana communities. She has served on advisory boards for Montana HOSA-Future Health Professionals (current chair), MPA Program at UM School of Law, Awareness Network, Montana Business Assistance Connection, Helena Symphony Board (past president), Women's Foundation of Montana, and Career Training Institute in Helena (executive board). Kali is a member of the Montana Ambassadors (Gubernatorial Appointment). Kali has presented guest lectures on lobbying and policy work at Carroll College and the University of Montana, and taught "Lobbying 101" at Montana NEW Leadership.

When she's not hard at work in Helena, you can find Kali camping, exploring ghost towns, helping out on the family farm, or visiting Montana's many parks and public lands with her husband and son.

Jessi Bennion

Ph.D., Mangan & Bennion
Preferred Partner

Jessi Bennion (MPA, Ph.D.) is an expert in American politics and governance. She has taught courses in Public Policy, Media Politics, Campaigns and Elections, Public Administration, Multicultural Politics, Rural Politics, Montana Politics, and more at Montana State University and Carroll College. Jessi loves teaching and there is nothing more fulfilling to her than guiding and inspiring leaders to work in their own communities. As a trained political scientist, she conducts research, consults with non-profits, and regularly provides commentary and analysis for Montana media outlets. Born and raised in Missoula, Jessi now lives in Clancy with her husband, Jon, and son, Jack.

Jeff Mangan

Lead Ethically, Mangan & Bennion
Preferred Partner

One of Jeff's core beliefs is that an opportunity to learn, to mentor, to share experiences should be readily available & accessible… to everyone. Leadership and ethics resources, however, are too often out of reach. His goal is to change that narrative. Jeff has spent 35+ years successfully navigating roles in the private & public sectors. Having led several successful businesses and serving when given the opportunity in both elected and appointed public service roles, Jeff served as Montana's 12th Commissioner of Political Practices. Good governance includes approachable leadership, a commitment to core values & beliefs, and the ability to communicate these ideals. Born & raised in Montana, Jeff lives in Craig with his wife, Lisa.

Kari Kaiser

Graphic Designer, Strange Sister Creative
Preferred Partner

Kari brings over 20 years of design experience, from logo design and event promotion to direct mail and retail advertising. In addition to design and illustration, she also offers assistance in concept development, copywriting, and print management, including the coordination of large-scale direct mail campaigns. Since launching Strange Sister Creative in 2003, her portfolio has grown to also include digital explainer videos, animated digital ads, and branded presentation slide decks. A native of Central Montana and a wanderer of all of Big Sky Country, Kari lives and raises a son in Billings.

Ali Mandell

Founder & Director, MadAve Communications
Preferred Partner

Ali brings over two decades of expertise in the realm of marketing, advertising, public relations, and communications. With a comprehensive background in agency and corporate settings, Ali has honed her skills to specialize in crafting impactful communication strategies for small and mid-sized businesses. Her journey in the marketing landscape spans various industries, including retail, telecommunications, finance, health care, IT, non-profits, and education. Ali holds a certificate in Business Developer Fundamentals from the Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM) and completed the American Bankers Association Bank Marketing and Management School at Emory University. She is a proud member of the Public Relations Society of America and passed her panel presentation for the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in the fall of 2023. Ali is an Eastern Montana native and now lives in Clancy with her husband Matt and daughters Avery and Madison.

Episodes

With a suite of services tailored to the unique needs of each client, Treasure State Strategies is your guide to navigating the complex landscape of legislation and government regulations.

Introduction

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