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Mary K. Rutherford

President & Chief Executive Officer

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As the President and Chief Executive Officer, Mary leads the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) in its mission of cultivating a culture of giving so Montana communities can flourish. Joining the Foundation in 2014, Mary has led MCF’s efforts to preserve wealth in Montana for the benefit of Montana. During her tenure, MCF’s assets have nearly tripled while awarding record grants and scholarships across the state. Under Mary’s leadership, they have committed to investing 5% of their investable assets in Montana’s main streets. This will represent more than $6.5 million invested in Montana communities. Mary has more than 35 years of philanthropic leadership experience in Idaho and Alaska. A fifth-generation Idahoan, Mary earned a master’s degree in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, ID. Mary serves on the Helena Branch Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. With a belief that philanthropy can empower individuals to transform society, Mary’s work at MCF highlights the importance of local and community impact.

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