Committee on Telecommunications Access Services For Persons With Disabilities
Montana Relay and the Montana Telecommunications Access Program are overseen by a 13-member committee appointed by the governor. Our committee members are listed below. Linda Kirkland
Committee Chair
Linda is a Montana native.
Currently with the Montana
Department of Administration,
Linda has worked in
telecommunications for about 30
years, 21 of which were at U.S.
West. She has worked for the
State of Montana for 9 years. In
her spare time she travels,
watching her son race his sprint
car.
Cheryl Gillespie
Vice Chair
Cheryl was born in Billings,
Montana, but she's lived in Helena
for the past 30 years. She earned
a masters degree from Duke
University in Pharmacology, and
works for Qwest as their Regulatory
Director. Her one daughter is very
athletic, and works as a physical
therapist.
Ron Bibler
Ron is a past chairman of the
committee and has been an active
member for the past 11 years.
His expertise in problem solving
and leadership has proven
instrumental in the committee’s
many achievements. Ron also played
a big part in implementing relay
services in Montana. A certified
financial planner, Ron runs his own
advisory and investment management
firm out of Great Falls and makes
over 200 Montana Relay calls per
month to clients, business
acquaintances, friends, and
family members. As a committee member,
he represents the interests and concerns
of disabled businesspersons across the
state. A father of three and avid traveler,
Ron enjoys spending time with his
family and refereeing local football
games.
David Davis
David was born in Polson and went to MSDB because he had a severe hearing problem.
He had a series of ear operations that gave him back 90 percent of his hearing.
Afterward he went to work for the Forest Service, starting as a wildland
firefighter. He moved up through the ranks in the forest service until he went to
the law enforcement academy in Clinton GA and became a federal law enforcement
officer, dealing with the rise of marijuana growing in national forests. He and
his family moved back to Montana when he retired.
Eric Eck
No job is too large for Eric—a valued member of the Governor’s
Committee on Telecommunications Access since 1989. Eric has earned a reputation
among committee members for his diligence and willingness to participate in any
project, no matter what the size or scope. He satisfies the committee requirement
of being an employee of the Public Service Commission. He is a devoted husband
and father of one son, who has a hearing loss.
Kristen Bruner-Kober
Kristen is originally from Oklahoma. She did her audiology certification year
with the Billings Area Indian Health Service in 1996-97 and fell in love with
Montana. She returned to Oklahoma to be the Audiologist for the Choctaw Nation
of Oklahoma for 3 years. She was able to return to Montana in 2000 to work for
the Indian Health Service in Billings as Area Audiologist serving the Crow and
Northern Cheyenne reservation. She enjoys being a mom to her 4 year old son and
the beauty of Montana.
Char Harasymczuk
Char was born deaf. She graduated from MSDB in 1973, attended Gallaudet
University, and graduated from MSU-Billings. Char is involved in the Montana
Association for the Deaf (MAD) and the Montana Registry of Interpreters for the
Deaf (MRID) along with the MTAP board. Her hobbies include hiking and building
birdhouses.
Colette Custer
Colette was born and raised in Dagmar Montana. She serves on the Nemont telephone
Board of Directors, teaches the piano, and sits on her church council. Her term
on the committee began on July 1, 2005. She lives in Plentywood.
Chris Caniglia
A talented speech pathologist at St. Peter’s Hospital, Chris is a key
contact person for speech-disabled Montanans. As a representative of businesses
outside the telecommunications industry, Chris has maintained an active
involvement with the Governor’s Committee on Telecommunications Access since
1999. Chris is a true nature lover who enjoys exploring Big Sky country.
Christy Keto
Christy is the marketing manager for Triangle Telephone headquartered in Havre
and Montana In Touch Long Distance. She represents the Interlata carriers of the
state. She's worked in the telecommunications and electric industry since 1994.
She has a bachelors degree in business with a marketing and managing emphasis.
Originally from Havre, she went to school in Butte. Christy has two boys and
spends most of her non-work time with them – hunting, fishing and watching their
sports and school activities. She also enjoys crafts and home improvement.
Charles Charette
Charles is a heavy equipment operator who lives in Lame Deer. He grew up in Billings and has a hearing loss. He was appointed to the committee on July 1, 2005.
Gil Martell
Gil’s hearing loss went undiagnosed through childhood until it was discovered
in an Army physical that prevented him from going to Vietnam. A former teacher,
he earned a masters degree in Personnel and Guidance from MSU-Billings and became
a high school guidance counselor. After retiring from the school system, he went
to work for the Montana Center on Disabilities.
Joe Matthews
Joe started with DPHHS in 1974 as a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor and has
worked his way up to Administrator of the Disability Services Division. He was
born in Lewistown, went to college in Billings, and has lived in Montana all his
life.
