Kali Hannon, Managing Director
Kali joined Heart of the Rockies Initiative (the Initiative) as Development Director in 2018 and has served as managing director since 2022. With over ten years’ experience in nonprofit management, Kali leads development, human resources, equity, and internal operations at the Initiative. Kali is committed to conservation not only to protect wildlife, but also to ensure that the world remains habitable for their child and future generations. They are passionate about ensuring all people can have agency in their lives and meaningfully contribute to solving problems that affect them. Kali holds a BA in environmental studies from University of Oregon and a MA in environmental studies from University of Montana.
Q: What led you to choose a career in conservation?
I care about using my time in an intentional and impactful way, and working in conservation allows me to do something meaningful with a large portion of each week. I care deeply about the natural world we inhabit, as well as the wildlife and people who live in it, and I wanted to be able to do my part to care for the place I live.
Q: What inspires you in your daily work at Heart of the Rockies Initiative?
I love the team that I have the immense pleasure of working with every day. I want to help team members find success in their roles, know they’re appreciated, and grow professionally and personally. And, the view from the Heart of the Rockies Initiative office, which encompasses the Clark Fork River, the rolling foothills of the Rattlesnake Mountains, and a wide expanse of Montana sky instills daily gratitude for this beautiful place I get to call home and the work I do in the region.
Q. When you’re not working, how do you engage with the people, lands, or wildlife of the Central Rocky Mountains?
I have a real soft spot for larches and the way they glow in the fall. I love walking through larch forests in any weather or season. This particular hillside of larches in the photo below is in Missoula, and, to me, it exemplifies a glimpse of the incredible beauty of this place.
When I’m not wandering in the larches, I also love spending time in or near beautiful rivers and lakes, and cross country skiing.
Meet the entire Heart of the Rockies Initiative team here.
