PRESIDENT'S BIOGRAPHY

Jean received her B.A. in English & French from the U. of South Dakota and has received multiple additional educations since her graduation in 1962. In 1963 she married Kerry, a USD geology graduate. Following military service in Vietnam, he retired from a long career with USG Corporation.

After 16 years of teaching, Jean decided to enter the business world. Her employment history includes Amoco, a large Chicago law firm, a design/build construction company, and others. Her four children are college graduates – a son from USD, two sons from USMA, and a daughter from UIL.

Prior to moving to Montana, she lived in SD, CO, NC, IA, MI, OK, and IL. After living the last 25 years in the Chicago area, Jean and Kerry chose to enjoy their retirement in Montana. They recently registered JWB Designs Inc. as a Montana corporation. Early interests drew her to become a licensed private pilot; a successful artist, a leader of multiple youth sports clubs, and currently a renewed golfer.

She is most proud of her service on the IL West Point Parents Club Executive Board for 7 years. She is an active member of MT Back Country Horsemen, P.E.O., and local charitable bridge groups. She has an extensive knowledge of computer and software technology, desktop publishing, the internet, and marketing technologies. Her leadership and organizational skills will be welcomed by the NFRW and the Montana FRW.

Publisher's Note: Text published as provided by Montana FRW.

FEDERATION HISTORY

Although the Montana Federation affiliated with the NFRW in 1938, Republican women's clubs were active earlier. According to a 1971 history, the GOP was at a low point in 1936, and Party leaders felt that a new approach was necessary. The Montana Party turned to Republican women's clubs for help at the precinct level. Mrs. L.O. Evans, National Committeewoman from Montana, began organizing the clubs. Mrs. Burley Miller, Mrs. Lynde Catlin, Mrs. Ray Dockery and Gladys Gullard, all of whom later served as state president, met and organized the Montana Federation. Over the years, the only continuing Party organizations in some counties have been Republican women's clubs.

The Montana Federation is divided into eight regions and has 20 clubs. Members host candidate events, raise money, donate funds, operate phone banks and get-out-the-vote efforts, and run campaign schools. Clubs sponsor awareness campaigns in their communities and participate in fairs and parades. In addition, the Montana Federation launched award-winning Republican women television and newspaper advertisements. 

Past presidents include:
Arla Jeanne Murray
Billie Love
Betty Paulsen, 1996-97
Helen Kellicut, 1992-95
Barbara Ford, 1990-91
Jo Kurz, 1988-89
Judy Johnson, 1986-87
Terry Mannix, 1982-85
Ella Mae Cromer, 1979-82
Maggie Speer, 1975-78
Jean Birch, 1971-74
Jeanne Amsberry, 1968-71
Ada Nash, 1965-68
Anne M. Roe, 1962-65
Ona M. Wright, 1959-62
Mrs. Lynde Catlin (founding)

Publisher's Note: Text published as provided by Montana FRW.

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