Jason Smith, Founder, President, and Principal Consultant of Stillwater Strategy Partners, will bring his decades of experience in governance, organizational strategy, and stakeholder engagement, as the kickoff speaker for the American Marketing Association (AMA) at Montana State’s annual Regional Conference, sponsored by Lone Mountain Land Company. Smith will deliver his presentation on leveraging strategic marketing in fundraising campaigns for nonprofits and startups.

“Whether an organization is just starting out or navigating complex growth, effective leadership and a clear strategy are what ultimately determine the ability to raise capital and meet business objectives,” said Jack Hays, President of the AMA at MSU. “Jason Smith’s experience in these areas spans the globe. Because our college has a focus on entrepreneurship, we are incredibly fortunate to have a featured speaker on Day One of our Regional Conference with so much experience in the field.”

Throughout his 30-year career, Smith has served as chief executive officer for domestic human services organizations, executive vice president for a growing health system and its independent foundation, campaign manager and vice president for a public university’s largest-ever fundraising effort, and head of global corporate communications for the world’s largest international humanitarian organization. He has also held significant volunteer governance roles across multiple sectors.

A Southern California native who now calls Montana home, Smith credits his professional success to his passion for serving others, building collaborative teams, and fostering long-term relationships between donors, advocates, and mission-driven organizations. These themes will shape his kickoff address to students at the Regional AMA Conference.