apprenticeship short and returned home to assist the family business. He has been there ever since. Austin currently resides with his wife, Molly, their sons and their dog in Shelby, Montana. Donna Dawson Southcentral District Governor Donna proudly served 24 years as a United States Marine and also has 10 years of experience as an educator. As a first-generation funeral director, Donna blazed her own trail into the profession. Over the past four years as a licensed funeral director in Montana, Donna has embraced the sacred responsibility of serving families during their most vulnerable moments with compassion, dignity and professionalism. As district governor, she is committed to strengthening the bonds between funeral professionals across the district. Courtney Molloy Western District Governor Courtney earned a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science and funeral service with a minor in sociology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Courtney began working in a funeral home in 2005. Prior to joining the Missoula Funeral Homes, Courtney worked for Baue Funeral Homes in St. Charles and O’Fallon, Missouri, serving as a funeral director and manager. Courtney and her husband, Eli, moved to Missoula in 2021, and they have three boys. In her free time, Courtney enjoys reading, hiking, skiing, traveling and generally being in the sunshine. Brooke Gierke Eastern District Governor She attended Montana State University Billings, graduating with an Associate of Business. After a few years, she decided to attend Mt. Hood Mortuary Science Program in Portland, Oregon. Brooke started with Stevenson & Sons in the summer of 2021. She is married to a Miles City native, Jordan Gierke, and they have one daughter, Ramsey, and twins on the way — due this fall. In her free time, she loves being with family and friends, traveling and planning a good lake trip when time allows. Jessie Sather Southwestern District Governor Jessie is a dedicated public servant, wife and mother of six. She lives with her husband, Doug, and spent 20 years working as a pediatric physical therapist before returning to school to pursue a career in mortuary science. Jessie joined the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Coroner’s Office in 2011 and was appointed coroner in 2017. In 2021, she entered the funeral industry. When not serving her community, she enjoys spending time with her children and family, traveling, attending concerts and finding great food spots to try. Katie Scot Future Development Leaders Katie attended the University of Montana, earning her doctorate in forensic anthropology. While in graduate school, she discovered funeral service and has worked in Missoula funeral homes ever since. She now works at Just Cremation Montana in Missoula. Katie also teaches a few classes remotely for Worsham College of Mortuary Science. Katie lives with her two-year-old son and their dog. In her free time, she tries to enjoy the Montana outdoors as much as possible, but more realistically, as a parent, she will settle for reading and cross-stitching at home. 14 | MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
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