MT Cooperative Academy 2025

Founder, The Cooperative Way 

In a strategic alliance with Columinate 

Adam Schwartz is the founder and principal of The Cooperative Way, a consulting firm dedicated to assisting all types of social impact businesses succeed. The Cooperative Way is a strategic partner with Columinate, a shared services cooperative of over seventy consultants. 

He has served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Mary Washington- College of Business in Fredericksburg, Virginia teaching about the cooperative business model. Prior to founding The Cooperative Way, Adam served as vice president for public affairs and member services from 2005-2011 for the National Cooperative Business Association. From 2001-2005 Adam was Vice President of External Affairs for the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative. From 1992-2001, Adam was a senior legislative representative for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Oneonta and was awarded the Alumni of Distinction honor in 2018. He is the father of two adult daughters.

He spent the first part of his career as a public policy advocate on issues concerning rural America, He is a frequent speaker and author on the cooperative business model. Adam has appeared on MSNBC and CNN to promote cooperatives as the better business model for economic and social change. 

Contact Information:

Email: aschwartz@thecooperativeway.coop  Phone: (703) 608-0534 

Websites:  www.thecooperativeway.coop  www.colminate.coop

Adam on MSNBC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Pj0TPliwEs

Adam on CNN: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sd8eVA2cGQ

 President/Chief Executive Officer, 

Montana's Credit Unions 

Gerry Singleton has dedicated his career to the credit union movement, and  he brings that passion and dedication into his role as President/CEO of  Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU). Gerry plans and directs the financial,  operating, and human resources for the Montana Credit Union League,  Montana Credit Unions for Community Development, and the League  Service Group. He also serves as a board member of the Montana Credit  Union League Group Benefits Trust and oversees its operation. Under  Gerry’s leadership, MCU continually delivers quality advocacy, programs,  and services across the state. Previously to joining Montana’s Credit Unions, Gerry spent 25 years as the  VP-Credit Union System Relations at CUNA Mutual Group, working closely alongside leagues, CUNA, and  other key system partners to build a thriving credit union system. During his time in the credit union  movement, he has served on various national boards of directors and advisory groups, including the  Board of the National Credit Union Foundation, the Board of the CUNA Mutual Foundation, Credit  Unions Building Financial Independence (CT), the Advisory Board of the CUFinHealth Fund, and as an  active Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE), with designations for International DE, CaribDE and  Africa DE. Singleton is a long-time resident of Bozeman, Montana, who loves spending time with his family, hiking,  and connecting to his community 

Executive Director, 

Montana Co-op Development Center

Administrator, 

Montana Council of Cooperatives

 A native of Eureka, Montana, and a proud Montana State University graduate, McIntyre has spent her career championing rural communities and cooperative development across Big Sky Country. Appointed by Governor Bullock as a Montana Ambassador from 2008 to 2019, McIntyre’s passion for economic growth and community leadership has made her a driving force in Northwest Montana and beyond.

After 12 years as an Economic Developer, McIntyre launched her own consulting firm, Rural Economic Designs, LLC, in 2016, bringing her strategic vision and hands-on expertise to rural communities across Montana. Her work has become synonymous with empowering local leaders, fostering collaboration, and igniting impactful projects across the state.

Since 2009, McIntyre has been instrumental in cooperative development as a specialist for the Montana Cooperative Development Center. By 2019, she took on the role of Executive Director, steering the organization through critical growth while also leading as the Administrator for the Montana Council of Cooperatives.

Known for her dynamic leadership, McIntyre is currently spearheading initiatives in housing, childcare, value-added agriculture, community investment, and worker-owned conversions. Her influence extends nationally, as she was recently elected to the board of directors for the National Cooperative Business Association. Closer to home, McIntyre plays a vital role on the Montana Early Child Care Initiative, the Montana Housing Coalition board, and the Great Falls Community Foundation.

When she’s not building a brighter future for rural Montana, McIntyre can be found off the beaten path, exploring the hidden gems and ghost towns that make Montana truly unique, often accompanied by her friends and family on these adventurous journeys.

 Chief Executive Officer,

Montana Electrical Coop Association

Gary is a native of Glasgow, having been born there and graduating from Glasgow Senior High School.

A graduate of the University of Montana with a degree in journalism, Gary worked in the newspaper business in western Montana for nearly 10 years and later served in Washington D.C. as an energy aide to then eastern district Congressman Ron Marlenee. He was hired by Montana Electric Co-ops’ Association in 1993 and was promoted to CEO in 2019.

In addition to his regular CEO duties, Gary also serves on a national co-op association committee monitoring the impact of proposed federal EPA regulations. He is currently chairing a statewide association task force seeking to elevate wildfire liability as a national issue for electric co-ops. Gary also serves on the board of the Montana Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

His wife, Pamela, is a native of Billings. They have two grown children who are married and live in Montana, and they very much enjoy time spent with their four grandchildren.

 Executive Director of Career and Technical Education

Great Falls College MSU

Quincie Jones has been in education & wellness for over twenty years and has taught at both the secondary and post-secondary levels of education. 

She has also worked as a health promotion specialist in the public and private sector. She believes in providing access and opportunity to those seeking to further their education and skills and is passionate about connecting students and employers to create stronger communities across Montana.

Quincie has lived most of her life in Montana & Alaska. She currently lives with her husband and children on a ranch east of Great Falls.

 General Manager,

CHS Big Sky/Mountain West 

Mark was the Ag teacher/FFA advisor in Missoula High School for 2 years and 23 years in Kalispell- Flathead High school. He retired in July of 2000 and started work for CHS as the Grain Merchant in Kalispell.  Mark became the General Manager of CHS Kalispell in 2000 and the General Manager for Western Montana in 2017.  In April of 2023, Mark was appointed General Manager of CHS Big Sky and CHS Mountain West.  This area covers Montana from Billings west and retired Oct 4th, 2024.