Parsons Behle & Latimer Director Liz M. Mellem has been named chairperson of the Missoula Economic Partnership (MEP). Mellem will step into this leading role for the next two years after having served for the past two-and-half-years as an MEP board of director member.
As MEP chairperson, Mellem’s responsibilities will include providing strategic guidance and oversight through participation in investor events and board meetings, while helping ensure the organization’s initiatives remain aligned with MEP’s mission of expanding economic opportunities in the Missoula region. She will also help oversee efforts to ensure MEP staff members have the support and resources needed to advance the organization’s goals.”
The MEP works to expand prosperity and improve quality of life by engaging in strategic business development, creating pathways for people to realize their potential and fostering its culture of innovation. Parsons’ vision for the Missoula Valley closely aligns with this mission. As an active community partner, Parsons values its ongoing collaboration with MEP and supporting the economic health and prosperity of the region, including having been actively engaged in the recent downtown Missoula revitalization and locating its office in the historic Missoula Radio Central Building.
“I’m honored to serve as chairperson of the Missoula Economic Partnership at such an exciting time for our region,” Mellem says. “Missoula continues to grow as a vibrant place to live, work and do business, and I look forward to collaborating with community leaders, investors and local businesses to help create new opportunities and strengthen our regional economy. Together, we can continue building a thriving and innovative future.”
Parsons has joined forces with MEP in the past to host networking events that bring together commercial and community partners with shared economic goals for the region and community. Particularly, Parsons’ attorneys and MEP representatives have collaborated to present legislative session recaps, helping familiarize and educate local business owners to potential impacts and opportunities, providing benefits to Missoula-region businesses.
MEP President and CEO Grant Kier says, “We’re grateful to have Liz taking the helm in the role of board chair. Her poise, strategic thinking, and commitment to our mission are assets that will further benefit our organization and community as we navigate a very dynamic economy. Her leadership will help us create key opportunities while continuing to address the challenges facing many of our communities across the Rocky Mountain West.”
Mellem currently serves on Parsons’ board of directors and has served as office managing shareholder for the firm’s Missoula office. She focuses her practice in the areas of employment litigation and counseling and complex commercial litigation and is licensed in both Montana and Utah.
Parsons’ CEO and Chairperson Shawn C. Ferrin says, “Liz has long demonstrated exceptional leadership, a deep commitment to her community and a passion for helping businesses succeed. We are proud to support her as she takes on this important role with the Missoula Economic Partnership. Her collaborative approach and dedication to strengthening relationships with clients, business leaders and community members make her an outstanding choice to help guide the organization and advance economic opportunity throughout the region.”
