CEO/President 

Missoula Chamber

Chad Bauer has been actively involved with the Chamber for decades, serving two terms as board chairperson and most recently as chairperson of the Governmental Affairs Committee. His longstanding commitment to the Chamber and his advocacy for Missoula have established him as a trusted leader at both the local and state levels.

With over 35 years of professional experience in the environmental services industry, Chad has held leadership roles with organizations including City Disposal, BFI, Allied Waste, Waste Connections, and Republic Services. At Republic Services Chad was serving as the General Manager for Eastern Montana.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chad has dedicated himself to various nonprofit boards, including Mountain West Bank, Campfire, the Missoula Education Foundation, GSA, and the Safari Club. His commitment to supporting Montana’s outdoor heritage is evident in his 18 years as a volunteer instructor for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ hunter and bowhunter programs. And if that isn’t enough, he also holds a real estate license and pursues property development projects in his spare time

Chad is a lifelong resident of Missoula, and lives with his wife, Tiffany, and enjoys spending time with their two grown children and one grandchild. In his free time, he takes full advantage of Montana’s outdoor opportunities, participating in activities such as hunting, camping, golfing, and skiing.

LM41 Chair 

First Interstate Bank

Katie Cowart is a born and raised Missoulian, the youngest of five children. Her husband is also a local and they enjoy raising their three children plus bonus (foster) daughter in the town they both grew up in. Between sporting events and choir concerts, Katie enjoys spending as much free time as she can manage in the endless nature Montana provides. 

Katie started her career with First Interstate Bank back in 2008 as a teller. After spending several years there, she moved on to the Financial Services department where she currently resides. She specializes in personal and small business loans as well as any new account or account maintenance. Katie loves to be a source of knowledge for her team and the go-to problem solver. 

Katie is an avid member of her community and loves opportunities to serve within. First Interstate Bank has always been a huge advocate for community volunteering and partners well with her yearning to help. Katie recently joined the board for Watson’s Children Shelter and is excited to participate further with the Leadership Missoula program as Chair Elect for LM 41. 

LM42 Chair elect

First Security Bank

Mike McKeen is a Commercial Loan Officer in the commercial loan department at First Security Bank of Missoula. He began his banking career in Havre, MT, after earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from MSU-Northern.

Mike then continued his banking career in Livingston, MT, before moving to Missoula, where he has been fortunate to build strong ties within the community while continuing work at First Security Bank.

In his role, Mike works with local businesses to provide financial solutions and help them grow, building strong, lasting relationships throughout the Missoula area. 

Outside of work, Mike enjoys a variety of seasonal hobbies. In the summer, he can be found golfing or hiking, while in the winter, he enjoys skiing and spending time outdoors with his girlfriend and their dog. 

LM Program Director

My name is Debbie Erbacher, and I am proud to be a lifelong resident of Missoula, born and raised in this wonderful community. I have been married to my husband for 34 years, and together we are blessed with two incredible daughters, three beautiful grandchildren (ages 20, 9, and 7), and two cherished fur babies who add joy and energy to our lives.

After dedicating 27 years to the University of Montana, I made the decision to retire from higher education. However, I quickly realized I wasn’t ready to step away from work entirely. That led me to the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce, where I have had the privilege of serving as the Director of Administration for the past four years. I truly enjoy my role and often say I’m fortunate to have one of the best views in all of Missoula.

Outside of work, I treasure time with my family, especially my grandchildren, and enjoy traveling to support my grandson’s athletic events. I also love spending time with friends and my four-legged companions, creating handmade jewelry, and planning future travels.

Program Facilitator

Rob is a US Army Colonel (Retired), former brigade commander, and a Strategic Planner for CSMI Technology Services. Rob holds a Master’s Degree in National Security Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Gonzaga University, and is a certified Army Senior Instructor. Rob has over 25 years leading large and diverse organizations worldwide and possesses expertise in optimizing organizations, strategy and planning, cultivating networks and partnerships, implementing metrics and controls, and managing multimillion-dollar budgets. Prior to CSMI, Rob was a 2023 recipient of a Deloitte Senior Veteran Fellowship in Strategy and Analytics. Rob’s hobbies include various sports and music. He currently resides with his family in Missoula, Montana.