Board of Directors

Alternatives, Inc. is governed by a 25-member Board of Directors. The directors, who serve without compensation, are committed to improving their communities by providing offenders support, supervision, and opportunities for self-improvement. The Board draws its membership from the business community, elected officials, social service agencies, institutions of higher learning, and the community at large.

Officers

Blade Stiller, Commercial Lender - First Federal Bank & Trust

Blade Stiller, Commercial Lender - First Federal Bank & Trust

President

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.

Jay Thompson, Business Banker - Western Security Bank

Jay Thompson, Business Banker - Western Security Bank

1st Vice President

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, Ted Lechner Youth Services Center

Sam Bofto, Ted Lechner Youth Services Center

2nd Vice President

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. 

Meri Mcglone, Commercial Loan Officer - First Interstate Bank

Meri Mcglone, Commercial Loan Officer - First Interstate Bank

Secretary/Treasurer

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. 

Verne Petermann, Retired - Billings Police Department

Verne Petermann, Retired - Billings Police Department

Past President

Verne Petermann retired as Captain after 30 years with the Billings Police Department. He is a native of Eastern Montana, having attended Dawson College in Glendive, Montana. Verne served with the US Army, 82nd Airborne Division, then graduated in 1976 from Eastern Montana College with a BA in English and a minor in Speech/Communications. He and his wife Karen are active in their church and community and have three grown children. He is a former school board member with the Billings Catholic Schools. Verne has been on the Board of Directors of Alternatives, Inc. since 2011. He is an avid woodworker in his free time.

Board Members

Jan Begger (Retired, Community Corrections)
Julie Beicken (Rocky Mountain College)
Mike Boyett (Billings City Council)
Beverly Bilyeu-Carkeek (Retired, Employment Consultant)
Sam Bofto (Youth Services Center)
Kathleen Candelaria (Realtor, Meridian Real Estate)
Tyrel Hamilton (Stillwater County Commissioner)
Tom Hanel (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Floberg Real Estate)
Don Jones (Yellowstone County Commissioner)
Bill Kennedy (Family Tree Nurturing Center)
Meri McGlone (First Interstate Bank)
Katie Michunovich (Western Security Bank)
Jenn Phalen (Billings Job Service)
Ronni Restad, RN (Billings Clinic)
Melanie Schwarz (UpStream)
Jay Thompson (Western Security Bank)
Judy Towlerton (Retired, Employment Consultant)
Katie Weston (Probation and Parole)
Mike Yakawich (State Legislature)
Stella Ziegler (Retired Business Owner)

 

Advisory Board (ex-officio)

Dianne Parker (MTN News)
Dr. Paul Cimmino (Walla Walla University Professor)
Eric Nord (Attorney)

Connect With Us

 

 

2120 3rd Avenue North
Billings, MT 59101

406-256-3501

 

 

Leave A Message

1 + 1 =