BSRAD board appoints Michelle Kendziorski to fill vacant seat

By Leslie Kilgore EBS CONTRIBUTOR

The Big Sky Resort Area District board appointed a new member on Oct. 1 in a special public meeting, following the resignation of Ashley Wilson, who was previously appointed to fill the seat left by Steve Johnson, who passed away in April.

Wilson relocated to Michigan this summer, and submitted her formal resignation at the recent September meeting. The BSRAD board took applications in September to replace Wilson’s position and selected Michelle Kendziorski from a pool of five applicants.

Kendziorski works for Big Sky Resort as an executive administrative assistant and senior leadership team member. She has worked in the nonprofit world for over 20 years, currently serving as board president of Wellness in Action and actively participating in many community organizations. She is a longtime Montana resident and attended Montana State University.

“My primary goal is to bring our community and stakeholders together to work towards the betterment of Big Sky,” Kendziorski told EBS. “With my deep understanding of our diverse community and the ability to represent a broad demographic, I look forward to fostering collaboration and making decisions that will benefit all residents and visitors.”

Kendziorski and her husband Matt, a member of the Big Sky Fire Department and Big Sky Resort Ski Patrol, have raised their two sons here in Big Sky. Currently, both play football on the Lone Peak High School team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle to the board,” BSRAD Board Chair Kevin Germain stated in an email to EBS. “As a dedicated community member, a mother of two boys being raised here in Big Sky, and the wife of a fireman, Michelle brings invaluable local insight. Her work with the Big Sky Community Organization, Big Sky Resort and her role on the Wellness in Action board reflects her deep understanding of the needs and challenges facing our community. We are confident she will be a tremendous asset to the board.”

In May 2025, Kendziorski will face a confirmation election, allowing voters to decide if she will remain in office. Steve Johnson’s remaining term ends in May 2026; if confirmed in 2025, Kendziorski may choose to run regularly for a board position when that term expires. 

“If the electorate says no, then we are then in a position to reappoint, again, a third party to fill Steve Johnson’s term,” BSRAD attorney Kim Beatty said during the Sept. 11 board meeting. 

“I am committed to responsible stewardship of our resources and ensuring that Big Sky continues to thrive as a world-class destination while maintaining its unique character and quality of life for those who call it home,” Kendziorski said. “I am deeply honored to be appointed to the Big Sky Resort Area District board.”

Jack Reaney contributed reporting to this story.