Judy Held
What I do: I lead the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Montana and work directly with donors, pastors, parishioners, and the Foundation’s Board of Directors to fulfill the Foundation’s mission.
What I did: Prior to working for the Church (beginning in 2012), I spent 18 years in healthcare development, as President of Benefis Healthcare Foundation in Great Falls, Director of Regional Philanthropy for Billings Clinic Foundation, and President of the Foundation for Community Care in Sidney. Prior to this career, I worked in higher education administration at two colleges, one in Montana and one in Missouri. I am a past board member and chair of the Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA) and served many years on its Public Policy Council. I also served on the Governor’s Task Force on Endowments and Philanthropy, which focused heavily on creating and sustaining the Montana Endowment Tax Credit. I have been a member and president of the Montana Healthcare Communications and Development Association, the Montana Associated Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Chapter, and the MonDak Association of Nonprofits.
What The Fancy Stuff On My Wall Is: My Master’s degree is in Community College Teaching, with a concentration in Higher Education Administration. My Bachelors degrees are in Broadcast Communications and History. I also am a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP ®). In 2014, I was honored with the Outstanding Professional Fundraiser award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Montana Chapter.
Favorite Place In Montana: Hard to choose – hiking trails are always my favorite spots no matter what part of Montana they are found! The most peaceful place for me would probably be “chalk hill” on the farm I grew up on in northeast Montana.
About Faith and Work: I was raised in a big, Catholic family on a farm and ranch near Peerless. When I was nine years old, during Mass at St. Ann Church in Peerless, I had an overwhelming feeling that I wanted to work for the Church. It only took me a few decades to get here! St. Ann Church closed several years ago, but I’ll always remember it fondly as where my seven older siblings and I received many of our Sacraments, where my mom and dad decorated the church with their beautiful home-grown flowers, and where I also met my husband. God blessed Brian and I with four wonderful children (all of whom are practicing, faithful Catholics) and now two lovely daughters-in-law and one fantastic son-in-law). I want to work with my fellow Catholics to ensure no more closures of Catholic churches in our diocese but rather building of additional ones.
My Favorite Part of My Job: Quite literally, seeing the joy people have in giving back to God! Helping them accomplish their giving plans for the Church is fun and an honor.
Fun Personal Fact: I’ve traveled to all 50 states in this great country and admire the beauty in them all. God is amazing!
