Board of Directors

Tracee has 20 years of collective experience in tax preparation, tax auditing, and financial accounting. Prior to moving into public accounting, Tracee was a state tax auditor and management analyst specializing in pass-through entities and multistate taxation. Her skills for research and analysis of state and federal tax laws and policy make Tracee a solid asset when tackling complex tax situations. She has been trained by both the Internal Revenue Service and the Multistate Tax Commission in the areas of income tax and multistate entity tax compliance.

Sara is the CFO of ALPS P&C Insurance Company and a UM grad. Sara loves to rides bikes and ski with her husband and dog.

Tim has been employed at the Montana Technological University (Montana Tech) for over 30 years.  He is a life-long resident of Montana. He is an alumnus of the University of Montana, earning bachelors degrees in accounting and economics, a masters degree in business administration, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Tim currently teaches courses in intermediate accounting, income tax, governmental accounting, and strategy.  His research interests are related to accounting education.

His professional certifications include; Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA), and Certified in Financial Management (CFM). Tim has been married to the former Valerie Clark for 25 years and has three sons; Michael, Alex, and Andrew.

Ann is a Tax Manager with Summers-McNea & Company in Billings MT, and has thirty plus years of accounting and tax experience working with Individuals, Small Businesses, Farms & Ranches, Trusts, and Estates.  With a passion for the profession, she has been an active member in professional organizations through out her career.  Ann Served as President of the MTCPA in 2014-2015.  She is a member of various professional organizations, serving in leadership roles,  including the Montana Society of CPAs, the Billings Chapter of CPAs; the American Institute of CPAs and the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance.  Outside of work, Ann is involved with her church finance council, her homeowner’s association board of directors, Magic City Optimists, and enjoys spending time with family & friends, music, theatre & travel.

Brigitte manages the bookkeeping and payroll department at Jordahl & Sliter in Kalispell. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting from Montana State University Billings. Brigitte has previously worked in both public and private accounting, with a focus on tax and financial statement preparation. Brigitte enjoys helping clients with their tax and bookkeeping needs, so they can focus on running their business.

Melanie Bengtson arrived from Germany to earn a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of Montana in 2002. After a short stint with a biotech company in Colorado, she sensed there was no opportunity for a chemist and started at an automotive shop as a lube and tire technician. She earned an Associate of Occupational Science – Automotive Technology from Westwood College and advanced to ASE certified master mechanic. She moved back to Montana and after a substantial life changing event decided to return to the University of Montana to earn a Master’s in Accountancy from the University of Montana in 2016. Melanie started as a tax season intern in January 2015 and has been in public accounting in tax practice since then. She is currently on the board of the Healthy Acres Healthy Communities Foundation.

Megan has over 15 years of experience providing quality attest and consulting services to her clients as a Principal at Pinion. She specializes in financial statement audits, Single Audits, and other attest consulting primarily for clients in the healthcare industry and nonprofit organizations. Megan also holds her Certified Fraud Examiner license and enjoys working on fraud examinations. 

She was a member of the original BAR group for the MTCPA and is a past President of the Great Falls Rotary Club. She currently also serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the St. Thomas Child and Family Center.

Outside of work, Megan enjoys attending concerts, traveling, cooking, and raising her two children, Rosemary and Callen, with her husband Luke.

Carrie is the CFO at Beartooth Group in Bozeman, MT. Carrie holds a Master’s of Professional Accountancy from Montana State University and has been a CPA for over 20 years. She loves hiking, biking, snowboarding, and water sports with her husband and 3 kids.

Chet specializes in governmental accounting and auditing. Chet has earned a Master’s of Accountancy from the University of Montana, a CGFM from the Association of Government Accountants, and a CIA from the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Eric is a tax manager with Eide Bailly in Billings, specializing in corporate and pass-through entity taxation. He is a graduate of Montana State University and enjoys hiking and biking in his free time.

Becky provides accounting services to clients in the Southwest Montana area through her firm RDT Accounting. She previously spent 15 years in internal audit work within the financial institutions industry. Becky has been involved with the Society in various capacities since 2008, including work on the Professional Development, Industry, and Annual Conference Planning Task Forces. Outside of work and MTCPA involvement, Becky lives her best life spending time with her husband, daughter and pets, along with enjoying all things Montana has to offer.