Rose Bender, Deputy Director of Research

Rose Bender, Deputy Director of Research
Rose oversees MBPC's research team to study and advance economic policies that equitably invest in communities. Her research focus is state fiscal policy, advocating for a fair tax code that supports a robust state budget so Montana is a better place to live and work for everyone. Previously, she worked at the Montana Department of Revenue, serving as an economist/tax policy analyst, estimating impacts to state revenues and researching policy issues. Rose has also spent time as a community organizer in eastern Montana for Northern Plains Resource Council and an economist for Ecosystem Research Group. She holds master's and bachelor's degrees in economics from the University of Montana. Rose grew up in Billings. She lives in Helena with her husband and two children.

Adrienne Bombelles, Senior Policy Analyst

Adrienne Bombelles, Senior Policy Analyst
Adrienne’s (she/her) primary areas of research and outreach focus on housing security. She works with the MPBC research team and coalition partners to identify, analyze, and advocate for federal and state policies and programs that address the urgent needs facing renters and homeowners living on low incomes. Prior to her role at MPBC, Adrienne served two terms in AmeriCorps, one with the Montana Conservation Corps and one with the Greater Gallatin United Way in Bozeman. Adrienne earned her B.A. and Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Adrienne currently lives in Helena with her partner and dog, Peanut, and enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her family E-mail Adrienne Bombelles

Xanna Burg, Director of KIDS COUNT

Xanna Burg, Director of KIDS COUNT
Xanna (she/her) directs the efforts of KIDS COUNT in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. She compiles hundreds of data points related to children’s well-being and provides in-depth research on key topics across the three states. She shares her passion for data with partners to inform recommendations for policy solutions that better support children and families.  She has a background in public health and experience working across various sectors to improve the health of children. She started her career implementing nutrition education programs in communities before pursuing a graduate degree in epidemiology and transitioning to research and evaluation. Before joining MBPC, Xanna worked as a Data Analyst for the Colorado WIC program, where she used administrative data to evaluate the impact of WIC for Colorado families. Xanna has a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the Colorado School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. Email Xanna Burg

Erica Donohue, Associate Director of Communications

Erica Donohue, Associate Director of Communications
Erica leads the organization’s online presence and designs most of the visual materials. They also provide communications support to partners with grassroots advocacy efforts. Their goal is to expand the awareness of MBPC's work beyond the legislative halls and into the hands of partners and communities across the state.  Erica previously worked at the Parenting Place, a community-based, nonprofit organization preventing child abuse and neglect through strengthening families. They have an extensive background in social media development in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors throughout the Northwest. They have lived in Montana since 2014 with their husband and child. Email Erica Donohue

Hannah Fisher, Office Manager

Hannah Fisher, Office Manager
Hannah oversees the organizational operations, bookkeeping, and office procedures. She utilizes her artistic talents on the communications team to produce and design graphics and other visual materials to help advance the mission of MBPC. Hannah's nonprofit experience stems from years as executive director of The Clay Studio of Missoula. This organization provides affordable studio work facilities, information, resources, and development opportunities for working and aspiring clay artists. She holds a bachelor of arts with an emphasis on Ceramic Art from the Oregon College of Art & Craft in Portland, Oregon. Hannah is originally from western New York and lives in Helena with her partner and two kids. Email Hannah Fisher

Tara Jensen, Co-Director, Public Affairs and Operations

Tara Jensen, Co-Director, Public Affairs and Operations
Tara (she/her) guides the organization in its efforts to shift the public narrative around state budget and fiscal issues. She works with the media, foundations, policymakers, and advocates to build the reputation of MBPC as a respected source and ensure the information is accessible to the public and partners. For more than fifteen years, Tara has worked in state government and several nonprofit organizations in Montana, including the University of Montana Foundation and as the executive director for CASA of Missoula. She also served as the communications director for the Montana Office of Public Instruction and the deputy chief clerk at the Montana House of Representatives. She has a master's degree in public administration from the University of Montana. Email Tara Jensen

Heather O’Loughlin, Co-Director, Research and Development

Heather O’Loughlin, Co-Director, Research and Development
Heather (she/her) leads MBPC's research and policy analysis, collaborating with partners to develop policy solutions backed by concrete data. She works to educate policymakers to influence legislation and advance equitable policies.  Before coming to MBPC, Heather served as the legislative director and policy advisor for Senator Max Baucus, managing the Senator's legislative team. She received her juris doctorate from the University of Montana School of Law and a bachelor's degree in business finance and economics from the University of Montana. Heather is originally from Great Falls and lives in Helena with her husband and daughter. Email Heather O'Loughlin

Preston Parish, Deputy Director, Equity Policy and Programs

Preston Parish, Deputy Director, Equity Policy and Programs
Preston (he/him/his) spearheads MBPC's efforts to advance equity and justice across all facets of the organization's work. He also leads MBPC's State-Tribal policy research and outreach, where he focuses on the impacts of state policies and budget decisions on tribal communities. In all areas of his work, Preston centers racial equity, tribal sovereignty, and economic justice.  Before joining MBPC, Preston worked in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors on various issues, including environmental justice, health equity, and LGBTQ+ rights. Originally from Michigan, Preston is a citizen of the Bay Mills Indian Community and grew up on the Bay Mills Indian Reservation. He holds a master's degree in public policy and a bachelor's degree in environmental studies, both from the University of Michigan. Email Preston Parish

Jackie Semmens, Policy Analyst

Jackie Semmens, Policy Analyst
Jackie's primary areas of research focus on food insecurity, health care, and the social safety net. She conducts research to measure the impact of state and federal policies on the people most impacted by them.   After serving with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, she moved to Montana and earned her master's degree in Medical Anthropology with a Certificate of Public Health from the University of Montana. She received her undergraduate education in Virginia, where she is originally from, at the College of William and Mary. Jackie has worked as a freelance writer, and also enjoys hiking the hills around Helena with her husband, and three kids. Email Jackie Semmens

Jade Bahr, State-Tribal Policy Analyst

Jade Bahr, State-Tribal Policy Analyst
Jade's primary areas of research and outreach focus on Indian Country and the impacts of state policies and budget decisions, including that of criminal justice, economic development, and education. She engages with the community to develop and advocate for equitable public policies.  She is an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne (Tsitsistas) tribal nation and Crow (Apsáalooke) descendant. Growing up in a family living on low income in Billings and spending summers on the Crow Reservation gave her a unique understanding of the challenges faced by both communities. These experiences helped shape her voice and inspired her to seek roles serving vulnerable populations. She holds a B.A. in Sociology with an emphasis in Inequalities and Social Justice from the University of MT. She began her career in social services at a foster-care network for American Indian children and then onto group homes & day programs for youth deemed most at-risk. For eight years, she worked serving adults with disabilities in living and employment settings. She was elected to serve in the 66th MT State Legislature representing House District 50. Jade is currently living in Billings with her two cats, Louie & Nanook. Email Jade Bahr
Montana Budget & Policy Center

Shaping policy for a stronger Montana.

MBPC is a nonprofit organization focused on providing credible and timely research and analysis on budget, tax, and economic issues that impact low- and moderate-income Montana families.