Board of Directors

We are looking for passionate people to join our Board of Directors. Apply now as only a few seats remain. This is a critical time to help address the public health issues of today.

The commitment is simple:  Be an Ambassador for Open Aid Alliance, attend monthly meetings, and use your experience and networks to further the mission.

We encourage people with applicable lived experience to apply- people living with HIV and/or those who have or currently use injection drugs.  The term commitment is two years and we meet monthly.  If you’re interested in joining our board, please fill out the brief form below.

Hayley Blackburn
Secretary

Hayley is originally from the Missoula area and completed both her undergraduate and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees at the University of Montana. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the University of Montana. Her interests in harm reduction arose from her experiences as a pharmacist providing treatment for hepatitis C in the Veteran population, and she is passionate about improving the health of underserved and vulnerable populations. An admirer of the work of OAA for many years, she was excited to join the Board of Directors in 2019.

Bryan Cochran

Bryan has lived in Missoula since 2003, having resided in Seattle for graduate school prior, and having grown up in South Carolina. His history of volunteering with HIV-related organizations started in 1994, with organizing a team of bakers to sell bread in fundraising for an AIDS Hospice in Greenville, SC. Since that time, he has earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology and licensure as a psychologist, with both his research and his clinical work focused on LGBTIQ+ populations. He joined the board of OAA in 2019, and is excited to support the organization’s mission.

"Being on the board of OAA is meaningful to me because of the different ways that the HIV/AIDS pandemic has affected our society. Reducing stigma, providing harm reduction services, and giving a safe place for people are at the heart of what OAA does, and I'm so glad to be a part of their mission."

Kathi Olson

Kathi brings a 30+ year background in “for profit” /”not-for-profit” business management, sales, marketing, franchise development, and real estate sales/investment/development.

Kathi left “Minnesota’s tornado alley,” in the late 70’s and has called Missoula home ever since. A graduate of the University of Montana, Kathi has worked and consulted in business, history, and art related endeavors in the public and private sectors throughout the US. She has served and continues to serve on a variety of local and regional Boards.

Kathi is currently with Berkshire Hathaway Montana Properties specializing in commercial, residential, and development opportunities. Her commitment to the area is limitless . . . her commitment to OAA, its mission, and future are equally so.

Beth Cogswell

I grew up in Great Falls, Montana and Boise, Idaho and have lived in Missoula for many years. It's here that I met my husband Rick and we've been married for 28 years. We have two sons, Finn and Sam who are young adults. I hold degrees in English Literature and Journalism.

I've spent my career serving in leadership roles for several non-profits including Planned Parenthood, Five Valleys Land Trust and Youth Homes. Currently, I'm the director of development for the School of Journalism at the University of Montana.

In my free time, I follow politics obsessively. I do the NY Times spelling bee and mini crossword every morning. I love to cook and am an avid reader. I also love to hike, swim and downhill ski.

I joined the board of OAA in 2020. I love that the organization values radical love and acceptance and strives to meet clients where they are at in life.

Best, Beth

Brian BigSam
Brian BigSam, enrolled member of Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe (Flathead Reservation). Received all my education from Salish Kootenai College. I have worked for Tribal Health for 27 years, in different positions. My current position is a Clinical Informatics Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist. 
 
In my spare time I like to spend it with my "soon to be" husband and my family. I believe a strong family stays together and builds a strong foundation for the children in our lives. I have always been the type of person to want to care for others and that is what I built my foundation of my life on.
Madison Huffman

Madison joined the OAA board in October 2022 after moving to Missoula from Billings almost two years ago. She currently works in Human Resources at Consumer Direct Care Network, while also studying to earn her MBA from the University of Montana. She comes from extensive experience working in business management, community development, and engagement within various organizations. She is passionate about being immersed in the community and is eager to put her efforts towards supporting Open Aid Alliance’s incredible mission.

Madison loves to spend time outdoors, cooking, playing card games, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Interested in joining our board?

Fill out this short form and we’ll be in touch.  We look forward to hearing from you.

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Attention:

We will be participating in an organization-wide staff development and training this week.  Please note the change in hours.  We look forward to sharing what we learn with you when we return on Thursday.

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