Meet The Helena Area Community Foundation

DarAnne grew up on her family’s ranch in southeastern Montana, where her family has raised horses and cattle since the 1880s.  After attending the University of Montana for undergrad (Philosophy and Communication Studies-Rhetoric) and law school, DarAnne and her husband moved to Helena in 2010.

DarAnne has worked in private practice at several firms in Helena, and currently works at the Drake Law Firm, primarily as an estate planning lawyer.  She also represents small business owners with business formation and development and does transactional real estate work.

DarAnne, her husband Corbin, and identical twin daughters Marin and Treva love Helena’s thriving arts community and access to the trails with their two dogs.

Wes serves as the Helena Area Community Relations Manager with NorthWestern Energy. He engages with businesses, community members, municipal government, non-profit leaders, and everyday consumers to provide safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions for Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, Jefferson, and Meagher Counties. He has proudly served his hometown community of East Helena as a city council member since 2020. In this role, he focuses on responsible development, solutions to constituent needs, and collaborative budgeting for community benefit.

Wes’ passion is connecting workforce and economic development solutions through community partnerships. Wes was awarded the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce – Helena WINS Driver of Change Award in 2023 and named to the Helena Independent Record’s 2021 20 Under 40 awardee list. Wes also serves on the boards of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, Montana Business Assistance Connection, and as the current chair of the Lewis & Clark Metro Region Opioid Governance Committee.

In his personal time, Wes enjoys spending time with his wife, sons, and family outdoors and traveling for kids’ sports throughout Big Sky Country.

Michael and his husband transplanted into the Helena community in 2019 after living most of their lives in the Southeast. For most of his career, Michael expressed his love of community and youth through the classroom—having served as a high school mathematics teacher for 17 years. During that time, he spent most of his summers doing camping ministry with Camp Tekoa and three summers in Romania with Livada Orphan Care. The move to Montana prompted a needed change, and Michael now is the Accounting and Grants Manager with Montana Nonprofit Association where he works with a dynamic team to promote a sustainable, networked, and influential sector.

Michael originally graduated from the University of North Carolina Asheville with a BA in Mathematics but added a few credentials along the way: Masters of Education from Cumberlands University, an Associates of Applied Science in Accounting from AB Tech in Asheville, and a BS in Business with Accounting Studies from Southern New Hampshire University.

Michael is grateful for the opportunity to serve with the HACF Board to support the work being done throughout the Helena area.

Jalena is a dedicated leader who has supported the Helena community since relocating here in 2012. With over 20 years of experience in leadership positions, she has developed a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of those around her.

In addition to her community work, Jalena brings a wealth of experience to the table with 12 years in the banking industry, including 7 years at Opportunity Bank of Montana where she serves as VP, Regional Retail Manager; honing her skills in community engagement and financial services. She is excited to serve on the board of HACF, contributing to the wonderful mission and furthering her commitment to the well-being of the community.

In her free time, Jalena enjoys spending quality time with her two kiddos, travelling, practicing yoga or unwinding with a good book.

Alison Paul has been the Executive Director of the Montana Legal Services Association in Helena, Montana, since 2011, and with the program since 1998. Alison attended law school at the University of Kansas, and was in private practice in Chicago, Illinois, primarily advising tax-exempt organizations on tax and corporate issues before moving to Montana. Alison is a founding member of the Montana Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission, a past member of the Board of Directors of the Montana Nonprofit Association, and the National Legal Aid and Defender Association. Alison is a frequent speaker on technology in legal aid and rural access to justice issues. In 2023, Alison was awarded the James I. Keane Award by the American Bar Association for her work promoting the use of technology to bridge the justice gap. In 2024, Alison was awarded the Pierce Hickerson Award by the Indian Law Section of the National Legal Aid and Defender Association for her advocacy in promoting justice for Native Americans.

Shannon grew up in Lewiston, Idaho, right along the snake river. She graduated from Washington State University in Pullman and returned to Idaho to launch her career with Edward Jones. In 2022, she relocated to Helena. Today, she leads her Edward Jones branch on Last Chance Gulch, serving the community that she loves. She takes a holistic approach to financial planning, helping people and small businesses accomplish their goals.

She grew up immersed in Montana stories, as both her parents were born and raised in Butte. Butte is where much of her big Irish family reside today. Her parents relocated back to their roots and Shannon and her better half, Lane, followed shortly after. Shannon and Lane were drawn to the endless outdoor adventure in Helena. In her free time, she enjoys doing something outdoors with friends and family.

Hallee was born and raised in metro Detroit. She attended Eastern Michigan University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 2015. She moved to Montana in 2017 and started law school at the University of Montana, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

After clerking for the Montana Supreme Court, Hallee and her husband chose to make Helena their home and community. Hallee has worked with BKBH since 2021 and focuses on water and natural resources law.

Hallee coaches soccer for the Helena Youth Soccer Association and participates in Helena’s Art Walks as an artist. She enjoys getting outside whenever she can with her husband and Bernese mountain dogs.

Kendra Kessler is a Production Partner at Evergreen Home Loans, where she is passionate about helping individuals and families strengthen their futures through homeownership and the stability that comes from putting down roots in the Helena community. Her work in lending allows her to support growth, connection, and long-term investment in the place she proudly calls home.

Kendra is deeply involved in community development and is known for her leadership, outgoing personality, and genuine desire to help others. She was recognized as one of Helena’s 20 Under 40 for 2025, reflecting her commitment to service and local impact. A dedicated volunteer, she finds joy in giving back, uplifting neighbors, and contributing to projects that make Helena vibrant and welcoming.

Outside of her professional work, she’s an enthusiastic soccer fan, a dedicated supporter of Helena’s people and culture, and someone who never turns down a chance to talk about Taylor Swift.