HELENA, MT- Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras, and the Montana Commission on Community Service announced the recipients of the 2026 ServeMontana Awards. In partnership with Montana’s Credit Unions, these awards are presented to individuals and groups who selflessly give and create positive change in their communities.
“It is an honor to recognize these outstanding Montanans with ServeMontana Awards. Each awardee has invested their time and passion volunteering to improve the lives of others,” Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras said. “Their volunteer service creates meaningful impacts in our towns and rural communities that inspires others and demonstrates the best of Montana.”
This year, five individuals and three groups will be honored with a ServeMontana Award. These recipients were selected by the Montana Commission on Community Service through a review process. All nominated and awarded have strong dedication to communities through their volunteerism, innovation, and leadership. The ceremony and luncheon will take place on Friday, June 12th at the Capitol.
“Montana’s Credit Unions are proud to support the ServeMontana Awards and celebrate those who embody the spirit of service,” said Karen Smith, SVP and Chief Advocacy Officer for Montana’s Credit Unions. “Their commitment to helping others reflects the same people-helping-people philosophy that guides credit unions and strengthens communities across Montana every day.”
2026 ServeMontana Awardees:
Karen Coleman, Lifetime Achievement (White Sulfur Springs) Karen has devoted her life to serving others, reaching across the world. She has made items for individuals in Montana, Peru, Africa, and more. She guides 4-H youth in sewing and baking, teaching parenting classes, and supporting children and families by collecting school supplies. At the heart of her service is the local food bank where she is a founding member and active participant.
Carol Neisess, Lifetime Achievement (Helena) Carol has dedicated 40 years to volunteering at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena. She has served in their Environmental Services and Laundry departments. Carol is a constant fixture at St. Peter’s, where she greets every patient, family member, and employee with genuine warmth and love. Her kindness has a profound effect on everyone she encounters, often bringing comfort and reassurance during difficult moments. Carol leads with love.
Jonathan Pfeiffer, Engaged Citizen (Great Falls) Jonathan is a volunteer firefighter with the Black Eagle Fire Department. He responds to every call he is able to and is currently working on a mentorship program for new firefighters. Jonathan dedicates roughly 16-20 hours weekly making the fire department and community safer, better skilled, and more efficient.
David Rummel, Lifetime Achievement (Malta) David works as a cemetery caretaker often going above and beyond the scope of his duties. He visits with struggling families, providing a strong shoulder, care, and an open heart. He assists the elderly and people with disabilities in various ways, including mowing their lawns. Through the many boards David sits on, he is making a difference in Malta and the surrounding communities.
Mickey Senechal, Lifetime Achievement (Clancy) Mickey has been an active, selfless, and caring contributor to this community. Recently, she spearheaded the creation of Clancy Community Center which converted an old gym into a clean, beautiful, and vibrant center. Through her grant writing, fundraising, and community-minded contractors, this center became an invaluable part of our community.
Girls 4 Community, Impactful Youth Service Group (Billings) Avery, Ireland, and Lennox started Girls 4 Community after Avery (8) donated $15 to Family Services and wanted to do more. She enlisted her friends Ireland (10) and Lennox (8). Since then, the girls have hosted a food drive for Thanksgiving, coats and blankets in the winter, raised funds to purchase backpacks, and volunteered with the Special Olympics to name a few. Their active compassion for others goes far beyond their years.
Glendive Medical Center Auxiliary, Group Service Award (Glendive) The volunteers at Glendive Medical Center Auxiliary show up with their hearts. They step up whenever they are needed. Their impact goes far beyond the hospital. They help families in need, support local efforts, organize coat drives, and show up when they see a need to be filled. They do this because they care about people, and the community, and about making things better for others.
Montana Veterans Meat Locker, Group Service Award (Billings) This nonprofit collects wild game and agricultural animals in Montana, has them professionally processed, and gives the meat to Veterans and their families. This program is not-need based but a Gratitude for Service Program. They set up monthly events throughout the state to give the meat along with assisting veterans in need with benefits services and emergency financial assistance. They highlight the immense pride and value of the veteran community through the work they do by giving to those who have served.
The 2027 ServeMontana Award nominations open January 1st!
