About Benefit Big Sky

Michelle earned her BS and MS degrees in Recreation Management and Physical Education from Ohio University. She taught wilderness survival and backpacking classes in college and became a white-water rafting guide in North Carolina. With her eye on the mountains and a love for the outdoors, she eventually moved out west and has lived in Big Sky with her husband and daughter for over 30 years. She was the founder/operator of several Big Sky daycares & preschools, was the business manager for a Big Sky construction company, taught children’s ski lessons at Big Sky Resort for a short time and ultimately ventured into real estate in 2003. As a real estate Broker for over 20 years in Big Sky, she has learned a great deal about development, architectural review, construction and the importance of community involvement in our small unincorporated mountain town. As a long time community member, she would like to give back and contribute her time in an effort to care for our community’s growth in a responsible way, while protecting it’s future.

Kenny Holtz is business executive, finance professional and real estate developer.  He and his wife Catherine and their children Finley (8), Susie (6) and Hadley (5) recently returned to Big Sky after a career change moved them out-of-state in 2016.  Prior to that Kenny lived in the Meadow Village for 13 years where he worked at Yellowstone Club.  He was elected to serve on the BSOA Architectural Review Committee in 2008 where he held the position for eight years. Kenny feels Big Sky is a special place and it is our responsibility as community members to do everything we can to keep it that way.  It is a real privilege to serve on the Benefit Big Sky Board as he enjoys giving back to the community that has given his family so much.

​Ernie currently serves on the Benefit Big Sky Board of Directors. His extensive service background includes roles on the National Agricultural Retailers Association board, Tennessee ACH Association, Faulkner University’s board of trustees (21 years) and directorships at Oak Hill School and Brentwood Academy—experience he now brings to his community work in Big Sky. Originally from Alberta, Canada, Ernie built his career as an accountant and software developer before founding an Ag Tech company in 1988, which he recently retired from to focus on life in Big Sky with his wife Amanda and their three sons. Passionate about mountain living, Ernie and his family bought their home on the mountain several years ago and have enjoyed integrating into local life.

Les Hopper and his family have been enjoying life in Big Sky for 25 years. A registered engineer with an MBA, Les brings over 40 years of hands-on experience in project management, planning, permitting, and design from inception through construction.His public sector experience includes delivering state highway projects, interchanges, multi-use facilities, bridges, and rail improvements. On the private side, Les has been a principal owner of several planning and engineering firms, with expertise in land development and entitlement processes from conceptual plans through final design of subdivision and commercial projects, including a five-star resort. Les specializes in coordinating owners, multiple agencies, and stakeholders on projects of all scales, with particular emphasis on gaining approvals through complex process milestones. He currently sits on numerous regional and state boards and committees. Les and his wife Susie have one son and enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, and paddling sports including Hawaiian outrigger and Dragon Boat racing. A dedicated community builder, Les has founded several 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that foster community engagement and raise funds for charitable causes.