HomeMy WebLinkAboutBrian KeefeBrian Keefe
418 Bogert Place
860-214-4945
brianjkeefe@gmail.com
May 23,2024
Dear City Commissioners:
I am writing to express my interest in the current vacancy on the Bozeman City Commission.My
experience as a finance professional,community leader,and resident of Bozeman aligns with the
needs of the City Commission.I am eager to leverage my skills and passion for sustainable growth to
contribute to our city’s future.
Community and Professional Experience:
As a resident of Bozeman,I have immersed myself in the community through various roles:
●Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT)Next-Gen Board Member:As a board member,I drive efforts
to preserve and establish open spaces in the Bozeman community,reflecting my commitment to
sustainable land use and conservation.I firmly believe that trails and open spaces unite
communities and enhance our quality of life by providing recreational opportunities,protecting
natural habitats,and fostering a sense of belonging and well-being among residents.
●Bozeman Run Club Leader &Treasurer:I lead group runs for this community-based
organization with over 800 members,fostering a strong sense of community,belonging,and
promoting active,healthy lifestyles.We provide a free resource for people to meet new friends,
explore new places,and engage as land stewards.In addition to creating a safe and supportive
space inclusive of all abilities,we volunteer to build and maintain trails,clean up waterways and
public use areas,and support other nonprofits in the Bozeman community.
●Economics &Personal Finance Teacher at The Bozeman Field School:Teaching at this
Montessori high school has allowed me to engage with young minds and promote critical
thinking and financial literacy among the next generation.The Bozeman Field School is built on
the principle of individualized education,allowing me to help students hone their research and
analytical skills and prepare them for both academic and real-world challenges.
My professional background includes over a decade of experience in financial planning,accounting,
and data science.In my most recent role,I led the annual budgeting and forecasting process for a
$150M allocation across 30 departments,utilizing data-driven models to facilitate efficient
decision-making processes aligned with the company's strategic goals.I am valued for successfully
building and leading high-performing teams,managing cross-functional relationships,providing
strategic insights to drive organizational growth,and bridging strategic vision and execution.
Vision for Bozeman:
I am committed to promoting policies that support affordable housing,enhance public transportation,
and preserve our natural environment.My work with the GVLT Next-Gen Board has particularly fueled
my passion for these issues,as we strive to foster an all-inclusive community through access to open
spaces and intentional community planning.My experience as a Wildland Firefighter with the US Forest
Service further solidified my commitment to intentional land management and the importance of taking
a big-picture approach.
I support collaborative leadership through consensus-building and believe that diverse perspectives
and inclusive decision-making processes are essential to developing effective and sustainable
solutions.I aim to create a unified vision that addresses the needs of our growing community and
fosters a vibrant and resilient Bozeman for future generations.
Addressing Current Issues:
Bozeman faces considerable challenges,including the need for affordable housing,a rising homeless
population,and development pressures.Addressing these issues requires robust economic
development strategies and community-driven initiatives.I approach these challenges without a
predetermined agenda,focusing instead on fostering collaboration among residents and experts to
facilitate problem-solving and find effective long-term solutions.My motivation to join the Commission
stems from a belief that trust in our city’s leadership is essential for Bozeman to successfully navigate
its growth and future challenges.
If appointed to the City Commission,I promise to:
●Arrive Prepared:Ensure thorough preparation for commission meetings,including seeking input
and conducting comprehensive research.
●Be Respectful and Kind:Treat every community member and fellow commissioner with respect
and kindness and foster a collaborative and productive environment.
●Participate In Transparent Decision-Making:Advocate for transparent,participatory
decision-making processes that reflect the values and vision of our community.
●Engage and Learn:Engage with and learn from community members with diverse perspectives
to inform my decisions and accurately represent the views and concerns of constituents.
Personal Motivation and Long-Term Commitment:
My personal and professional experiences have given me a vested interest in the future of our
community.I believe that with thoughtful planning and proactive policies,we can address the
challenges of growth while preserving the unique qualities that make Bozeman a cherished place to call
home.I am excited about the opportunity to serve Bozeman and work collaboratively with the City
Commission to navigate the growth and challenges ahead.
I take pride in my ongoing community-driven engagements,such as working collaboratively with
Jessica Ahlstrom,the Water Conservation Program Manager,this spring to design,present,and
facilitate a community discussion on water security in the City of Bozeman.This endeavor underscores
my commitment to addressing critical issues,fostering community involvement,and considering diverse
opinions while engaging in sustainable planning.
I look forward to the opportunity to contribute my experience,passion,and dedication to collaborative
leadership to the City Commission.Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Brian Keefe