Inaugural Alumni Conference

Registration, Mingling, and Morning Coffee & Muffins

Check in, pick up your name tag, and reconnect with fellow Baucus Institute alumni. 

Welcome from the Max Baucus Institute

Ambassador Max Baucus and Mel Hanes, founders of the Max Baucus Institute, welcome attendees. 

Opening Fireside Chat with AI Expert Alvin Wang Graylin

Alvin Wang Graylin is a Digital Fellow at Stanford's Institute for Human-Centered AI, Professor of AI and Technology at the University of Washington, and author of the bestselling book "Our Next Reality." Max Baucus will host a conversation plus Q&A with Alvin on how best to leverage AI in careers.

The Institute's Legacy Interview: Behind the Scenes of High-Impact Careers

Inspirational behind-the-scenes stories from careers of public service, featuring the Baucus Institute's co-founders Ambassador Max Baucus and Mel Hanes, plus Q&A. 

Morning Break

Beyond the Baucus Institute: Baucus Leaders Alumni Career Paths

Max Baucus Institute alumni share how their Baucus Institute experiences harnessed professional skills and interest to pursue careers in public service. Moderated by Ambassador Max Baucus and Mel Hanes. 

Panelists: Jonathan Karlen, Montana State Representative (District 98); Kennedy Skinner, Event and Marketing Support Specialist, Native American Development Corporation; Andria Schafer, Policy Analyst, MT Budget and Policy Center; Renee Kelley, Director of Operations, Montana Conservation Voters

Lunch and Baucus Institute Community Building

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Montana's Impact Panel: Local and State Public Service Leaders

Montana-raised public servants share career paths and inspiration for making an impact across Montana. Moderator: Rep. Jonathan Karlen, MT State Legislator and Baucus Leader Alumni.

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Panelists: Audrey Cromwell, Gallatin County Attorney; Chris Heggem, Chief of Staff, Governor's Office, State of Montana; Forrest Mandeville, MT State Senator; Joey Morrison, Mayor, City of Bozeman; Cora Neumann, MT State Senator

Lightning Round: 2026 Baucus Leaders & Climate Scholars 

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Highlighting their real-world professional internship experiences. 

Baucus Leaders DC: Gracie Caldwell, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff & 2025 Baucus Climate Scholar; Hope Morrison, U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester

Baucus Leader MT: Emma Quist, Montana Stockgrowers Association

Baucus Climate Scholars: Jay Barlow, IEA (International Energy Agency) Paris; Kendra Gilbertson, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Singapore

China Study Abroad & Baucus Climate Scholar: Natalie Millar, China Study Abroad & Shanghai Disneyland

Afternoon Break & Transition to Career Breakout Discussions

Career Breakout Discussions (concurrent)

Career-driven discussions with industry experts and public service professionals about career pathways, professional advice, and relationship building. 

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International Business Careers - Room 233

Ben Christensen, Chief Operating Officer of KUIU; former head of Simms.

Foreign Service Careers — Room 235

Kirby Campbell-Rierson, retired Foreign Service Officer; retired U.S. Senate staff.

Climate & Conservation Careers — Ballroom C

Heather White, nationally recognized climate leader, author, and speaker.

Public Service Careers — Ballroom D

Jim McCray, CEO of Highwood Capital, Principal at Bannack Group, and national advisor to U.S. Senators, Governors, presidential campaigns as well as national coalitions and nonprofits.

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Career Breakout Discussions Conclude & Transition to Ballroom A

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Afternoon Fireside Chat with former Montana Governor Marc Racicot

Ambassador Max Baucus hosts a fireside conversation plus Q&A with former Montana Governor Marc Racicot. 

Closing Remarks

Ambassador Max Baucus and Andrew Person share closing remarks. 

Break and travel time to BBQ

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BBQ at Home of Ambassador Max Baucus & Mel Hanes

Please join us for a BBQ under the Big Sky with our Max Baucus Institute alumni and Friends of the Max Baucus Institute. All conference participants are welcome to attend. The BBQ will end at 6:30 PM.