Delivering Results for Our Community
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Vaughn K. Zenko Jr.
Executive Director
Vaughn grew up in Great Falls, Montana but moved to Baker in 2001 after attending North Central College in Illinois where he studied Communications and Philosophy. For over 20 years, Vaughn has been the morning radio voice 100.5 FM and the "Voice of the Spartans", doing play-by-play for local sports teams. That, along with his small business, Rock Jocks Entertainment, Vaughn has been a part of virtually every major event and milestone in Baker since 2001.
In 2015, Vaughn was elected chairman of the Port Authority (Eastern Montana Economic Development Association, or EMEDA) where, among other things, he spearheaded the successful Facade Improvement Grant which, to date, has contributed over $110,000 to local businesses for improvements to their exterior. In 2021, he shifted roles from Chairman of EMEDA to Executive Director of both SMART and EMEDA and where he's been able to work more extensively promoting and implementing the goals of both organizations. CURRENT ROLES
Vaughn's work at SMART and with EMEDA center on promoting economic development and stability as well as fostering downtown revitalization and community development. Highlights of project work include Main Street revitalization through the Façade Improvement Grant, guiding the Baker Child Care Project to improve childcare and early childhood education availability/affordability in Fallon County, co-founding the Baker Arts and Culture Council, restoration of an historic downtown building for a retail space, and creating the Southeast Montana Real Estate Investment Cooperative to address affordable housing, all while working to enhance tourism in the area and assisting with development of Fallon County’s Growth Policy. |
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Vaughn also serves as a board member in the following organizations:
He also continues to be the friendly good morning on the radio and the Voice of the Spartans.
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PERSONAL
Vaughn and his wife Jessica have two wonderful twin daughters born in 2020. His parents, Vaughn Sr. and Cookie both live in Baker.
Vaughn and his wife Jessica have two wonderful twin daughters born in 2020. His parents, Vaughn Sr. and Cookie both live in Baker.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jodi Varner
Board President
Jodi has deep connections to Fallon County. In addition to be the President of SMART, she is also the Treasurer for the Montana Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, the O’Fallon Historical Society and the Plevna Booster Club. She's currently a Loan Officer with The Bank of Baker and has also been the office manager at Prairie Fuels, co-owned an oilfield trucking company and was the Clerk/Treasurer for the Town of Plevna. She lived in Plevna from 1996-2019 and now lives in Baker, with lots and lots of extended family in the Baker/Plevna area as her parents were both raised on farms in Fallon County. She's married to Jeff and, between them, have six wonderful kids, three girls and three boys, ranging in age from 11-27. She's also part of the O’Fallon Community Choir and always volunteers to do whatever is needed at church.
"I care very deeply for this community and do what I can to make it a better place. I am so blessed to live in Fallon County and raise my family, this really is a great place."
"I care very deeply for this community and do what I can to make it a better place. I am so blessed to live in Fallon County and raise my family, this really is a great place."
Krista Nemitz
Board Vice-President
Karol Zachmann
Secretary-Treasurer
Karol is the Coordinator for the Friends of Fallon Medical Complex Foundation where she plans and directs fundraising events throughout the year that support her foundation’s mission. She is also very active in the community, volunteering at her church, serving as a board member for the Baker Chamber of Commerce and Eastern Montana Economic Development Authority, as well as being a member of Xi Alpha Nu, a local sorority organization.
Sharon Gookin
Board Member
Sandra Kinsey
Board Member
Sandra, or “Sandy,” is Native Hawaiian and a long-time resident of Fallon County, having lived here for over 40 years. She has been an active member of the community as is evident through the fact that her current term is her second time serving on the SMART board. Sandy spent over 30 years employed in the health field sector; first working as a public health nurse and eventually moving up to work as CEO of the Fallon Medical Complex hospital where she was instrumental in re-establishing the county public health department. A recent endeavor of hers was being elected to serve on the Fallon County Study Commission. She has served on and continues to serve on a multitude of boards in the community of Baker with a particular commitment to serving low-income households as well as supporting mental health initiatives.
Kevin Dukart
Board Member
Shannon Johnson
Board Assistant