Jay Thompson, Business Banker at Western Security Bank, joined Alternatives, Inc.’s Board of Directors in 2020.  He was born in Billings, raised near Boyd, and graduated from Joliet High School.  Jay attended University of North Dakota and MSU-Billings where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Relations.  He now lives in Laurel with his wife Lacey and their son Andrew.  He enjoys hunting, pickleball, and coaching his son’s Laurel Storms soccer team in his spare time.  He has served on the board for Billings Home Builder’s Association and is an ambassador for USA Pickleball.

Sam Bofto was raised in Billings, Montana, attending both Eastern Montana College and Rocky Mountain College.  Sam worked at Rimrock Foundation before beginning a 28-year career in law enforcement.  Sam worked as a Patrol Deputy, Coroner, Detective, Jail Commander, and retired as Undersheriff for Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.  He currently serves as the Director of the Ted Lechner Youth Services Center.  He and his wife Kelly have two grown children (Allie and Mac) and enjoy spending time with their two labrador retrievers.  Sam has served on the Alternatives Board since 2021. 

Jan Begger joined the Board of Alternatives, Inc in 2024 following her retirement as Chief Operating Officer after 34 years of dedicated service to the Agency. Born and raised in Anaconda, Jan has called Billings home since 1986. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Montana State University – Billings (formerly Eastern Montana College) and a Master of Science in Management from the University of Mary. She was licensed as an Addiction Counselor for over 25 years. Jan and her husband have two grown children and their spouses and five grandchildren. In retirement she enjoys traveling, boating, golfing, and family time. 

Meri McGlone, Commercial Loan Officer at First Interstate Bank, joined Alternatives Inc’s Board of Directors in 2022.  Meri graduated from Northwest College in Powell, WY and MSU-Billings with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics.  She grew up on a ranch in Roundup, Montana and has made Billings her home.  Meri is married with two children (boys).  She enjoys skiing, camping, soccer, baseball/basketball games and spending time with family and friends.  Meri was recently on the board for the Billings Depot and is currently involved with Downtown Billings Partnership and Downtown Billings Exchange Club. 

Blade Stiller, Commercial Lender at First Federal Bank & Trust, joined the Alternatives, Inc. Board of Directors in 2019.  A Billings native, Blade graduated from MSU-Billings and started his banking career right after college.  He enjoys movies, CrossFit, and spending time with friends, family, and dog Rogue.  Blade is also a coach at Beartooth performance and was a “Big Brother” with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Yellowstone County for 10 years.