Commissioner Shane Fox Receives Award

On November 14, when Commissioner Shane Fox read an email from the Local Government Center, suggesting that he was a Local Impact Award Recipient, he doubted the message's authenticity. A follow-up phone call confirmed the award's legitimacy, although the specifics of the award would remain a surprise until its presentation. During the Montana State University Local Government Center's (LGC) 40th Anniversary Gala held on December 11 at the Delta Colonial Hotel in Helena, Fox received the Public Leadership Award.

In her email, Program Manager for the LGC, Schuyler Germann wrote to Fox: "On behalf of your peers who nominated you and the MSU Extension Local Government Center, thank you for your enduring public service. You are a pillar of Montana's local government community, and we look forward to celebrating you during this special evening of impact."

Hosted by the LGC, the Gala was designed to celebrate the forty years that the LGC has provided technical assistance, research, and education for Montana's local governments. It was held in conjunction with the Montana Association of Counties (MACo) 2025 Elected County Officials Training.

MACo President Gordon Oelkers, a Roosevelt County Commissioner, presented Fox's award by saying: "You have shown exceptional leadership, vision, and service to your constituents, and for that you have earned the Public Leadership Award. Congratulations!"

Fox stated that the award was unexpected. "I was overwhelmed by the news since I was going up against people from across the state who had thirty or more years of service."

When describing his inspiration for public service, Fox stated that he models his behavior off of key mentors in his life, one of whom was classmate Travis Skoyen. "Trap is the reason I even returned to Chinook. He inspired me to bring my talents back to make this community stronger-the one that shaped us and taught us about being role models and about leadership as a selfless act. This community gave us a foundation, and by applying personal dedication and drive, we move forward."

Fox, who also works with his own GIS environmental consulting business, added, "I don't work for awards. I serve as a County Commissioner for the people. It's the people part that's big."

Executive Director for MACo, Eric Bryson delivered the Gala's keynote address, focusing on how county government serves as a cornerstone of Montana's leadership. "This milestone reflects the dedication of countless individuals and organizations who have worked together to make local government stronger and more effective."

Bryson went on to thank all those present for joining in the celebration "as we honor our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to a future of continued collaboration and innovation."

In addition to its guest speakers and special recognitions of those who have shaped our communities, the event featured dinner and live music.

According to the LGC's Director, Dan Clark, this was the Center's first gala and its first time in presenting such awards. "The Local Impact Awards celebrate individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service have made a meaningful difference in Montana's local government. These awards highlight the diverse contributions of professionals across roles-from elected officials and administrative staff to behind-the-scenes collaborators-who exemplify excellence in public service," Clark explained.

Clark went on to clarify that "all awards are peer-nominated, ensuring that recognition comes directly from colleagues who witness the impact of these individuals firsthand. The nomination process is designed to be inclusive and accessible, encouraging submissions from across departments and jurisdictions. Each award reflects a unique facet of local government excellence, from visionary leadership and steadfast service to collaboration and justice."

Other awards presented at the event included the Legacy of Leadership, Montana Local Government Champion, Steward of Service, Justice in Action, Bridge Builder, and Cornerstone Award. "These folks are those whose leadership, service, and collaboration have strengthened Montana's local government," Clark stated.