Meet the SCRC Advisory Board

"Productivity is never an accident. It is always a direct result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort." It is possible that Paul J. Meyer may have been describing the individuals who make up the SCRC Advisory Board in that quote. Over the past year this remarkably strong and highly-skilled group has enabled SCRC to propel its productivity forward in strides. We are grateful to have the foundation of this board built by individuals who exemplify excellence and commitment in all that they do, and we will be looking to add more advisory board members in the near future. To learn more, email linda@smeltercityrc.org, or contact one of our current advisory board members below:

Judy Blaz is a lifelong resident of Anaconda!  She and her husband David (also born and raised in Anaconda) have been married for 42 years.  They raised two daughters in Anaconda and have five grandchildren all residents of Anaconda!  Judy has continued to volunteer for community events and is a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.  Judy has been a loan officer at Southwest Montana CFCU for the past 32 years. She likes to boat, fish, bowl and support her grandchildren as they participate in a variety of community and school activities. Judy likes the community involvement of the SCRC and looks forward to seeing the complex become a reality.

Kylie Dee

Kylie (Vauthier) Dee grew up in Opportunity, just east of Anaconda with her parents and brother. Her parents are both employed with the Anaconda School District #10 for over 30 years. Kylie is married to Kevin Dee, also from Anaconda and have been together since High School (17 years). Kevin’s family owns an automotive dealership, Dee Motor Company in Anaconda since 1946. Kevin started his own Construction Company; Dee Home Innovations in 2017.

Together, Kevin and Kylie have two wonderful children; Khael (8) and Kirra (6). Having her children be active and involved in the community is very important to Kylie as the community strives for recreational growth and a greater economic outlook. She admires many of her family members and friends who are leaders in this town! Kylie loves this community and is excited to see what the future brings! Kylie believes she lives in the most beautiful place and loves the togetherness and support the community shows and couldn’t imagine living anywhere other than Anaconda. Her roots are here to stay!

Joe Romero

The bright future of SCRC and the positive impact it will bring to the Anaconda community inspired Joe to get involved on the SCRC Advisory board in 2020. With the belief that healthy communities are built through volunteerism, education, and athletics, Joe has been active in healthcare advocacy, educational leadership, and coaching for many years.

Joe grew up on a cattle ranch in Idaho and is no stranger to small towns. As an outdoorsman, Anaconda was a natural fit when he moved here with his young family in 2017. As a two-sport, collegiate athlete at Linfield University and an Army veteran, he understands what it takes for high functioning teams to become successful. He was a member of the 2004 Linfield University NCAA Division III National Championship football team and served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a CRNA for 9 years. During his Army tenure, he was deployed on a combat tour in Iraq as a CRNA with the Army's 948th Forward Surgical Team in support of the 101st Airborne during Operation Inherent Resolve. He earned his M.S. in Nurse Anesthesiology from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and is a board certified Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA) currently practicing at the Community Hospital of Anaconda. Most recently, he also served on the Anaconda School District #10 Board of Trustees and has been coaching youth athletics.

Joe is passionate about Anaconda and strongly believes that SCRC has the transformative power to develop a healthier community, create jobs, and expand youth program offerings. With his background, Joe hopes to leverage his experience and leadership in helping build a strong team to create these opportunities for people of all ages to lead active, healthy lives.

Judy Little

Judy Little and her husband Steve, moved to Anaconda from Sacramento, California in 2000 and never looked back. After receiving her B.A. in Education from Sacramento State University, Judy was an educator for 11 years. She then returned to Sacramento State to receive her Masters in Education Administration, and subsequently worked at the district level for 23 years as Director of Curriculum and Instruction. In that role she provided training to both teachers and administrators, and directed committees in the process of selecting textbooks for the district. She enjoyed the opportunity to move the district forward in educating students who came from impoverished homes where every day can be a struggle.  

In her retired life, she spends many of her days in the outdoors whether it be playing tennis, hiking, gardening, or skiing.

Kansas Pierce

Kansas Pierce became a member of the SCRC Advisory Board in 2021. Kansas brings experience in planning running races, fundraising, and all things recreation to the Advisory Board. She was born and raised in Dillon, Montana and sought out the community-minded, small town atmosphere and recreation hub that is unique to Anaconda.

Previously, Kansas attended the University of Montana where she received her Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at University of Montana and is now a Physical Therapist at the Community Hospital of Anaconda. In her professional and personal life Kansas is committed to the betterment of her community’s health.

Colleen Riley

Colleen McCarthy Riley joined the SCRC Advisory Board in 2020. She was born and raised in Anaconda and has always participated in recreational activities. She earned her Bachelor of Science from MSU-Billings, a Master of Education from the University of Arizona and her Education Administration Certification from Utah State University.

In her professional career, Riley has been successful in collaborating and problem solving various challenges across educational settings to improve programs for children and youth.

The SCRC Board of Directors outlines the overriding strategic plan and vision of SCRC, and Advisory Board members act as an extension of our board of directors. Each advisory board member offers expertise in their specific field, guidance, professionalism, contacts and ideas. These roles are non-voting roles; yet they are vital in propelling our organization forward.

Advisory board members maintain flexibility in their level of commitment but they are asked to contribute to our meetings and ongoing projects. If you are interested in being involved with SCRC and would like to learn more about advisory board member expectations, please email Linda Moodry, SCRC Secretary at linda@smeltercityrc.org.