Robinson Recognized for Leadership and Service to Montana

On Friday, February 12, 2021, in Washington D.C., during the first session of the 117th Congress, Senator Steve Daines recognized Lesley Robinson of Phillips County for becoming the first woman elected as the Montana Stockgrowers Association's Second Vice President.

She received the award on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at the Phillips County Courthouse.

Robinson said, "I was honored to have Senator Daines recognize me for my leadership and service to Montana and place it in the Congressional Record. I do what I do to make a difference and I truly appreciate it."

The award reads;

Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Lesley Robinson of Philips County. Lesley recently made history when she became the first woman elected as the Montana Stockgrowers Association's Second Vice President.

Lesley is not afraid to be the first in any venture. Her past experience as a leader in Montana began in 1996 when she became the second woman ever elected to serve on the board of directors for the Montana Stockgrowers. Lesley also ran for office and was elected as a Phillips County Commissioner in 2005. During her 12-year tenure as a commissioner, Lesley was a strong advocate for Phillips County and rural Montana. She also had a leadership role on the Executive Committee for the National Association of Counties. Most recently, Lesley served as former Congressman Greg Gianforte's State Director.

As a fourth-generation rancher, Lesley knows the importance of hard work. She and her husband, Jim, own a commercial cow/calf and yearling operation near Zortman, Montana. Her past leadership roles and ranching experiences have led her to be a fierce voice for agriculture and the importance it has as Montana's number one economic driver.

It is my honor to recognize Lesley for her leadership and service to Montana. I look forward to hearing about her continued success.

Steve Daines-Montana

United States Senator

"Women have always been active participants in the Montana Stockgrowers Association." Robinson said. "It has just been in the leadership roles that there have been few. I served on the MSGA board 20 years ago and it was a very positive experience for me. Since then I have served on many different boards on the local, state and national level. I ran for second vice president of the Montana Stockgrowers because I felt I could bring a lot of experience and different perspective to the organization. I have a passion for agriculture and our way of life."

Robinson was also appointed to the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission by Governor Gianforte and also asked to chair the Commission.

They were approved by the Senate on April 1, which was also the date of the first meeting of the Commission for her to chair.