Endorsements
Melissa Romano is proud to have the support of educators, school staff, public employees, and community leaders from across Montana who believe in strong unions, strong public services, and strong communities.
Below are individuals and leaders who have endorsed Melissa for MFPE President.
Rep. Denise Baum - MFPE Retired
Rep. Jill Cohenour - MFPE Public Employee
Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell - MFPE Retired
Rep. Jamie Isaly - MFPE Retired
Rep. Connie Keogh - MFPE Retired
Rep. Eric Matthews - Bozeman Education Association President
Sen. Sara Novak -MFPE Retired Anaconda Education Association
Rep. Peter Strand - MFPE Retired
Rep. Curtis Shomer - Vice President of USW Local 11-0001, a local chapter of the United Steelworkers (USW) Union
Rep. Jennifer Lynch - Butte Education Association
Rep. Eric Tilleman - House Education Committee
Greg Frazer - House Rep. 2021-2025, Federation of Montana State Prison Employees Local 4700
Rep. Melissa Nikolakakos - Great Falls Education Association
Mary Moe - Former MT Senator District 12, MFPE Retired
Lisa Verlanic Fowler - MFPE Retired, former leader Florence-Carlton Education Association
Joe Hancock - President MSU Bozeman Federation of Classified University Staff #8521, Chair of Gallatin County Democratic Central Committee
Lindsey Ratliff - Havre Education Association, Hill County Democratic Party Chair
Rita Wells - former president of Billings Education Association, Retired MFPE,
Rob Wells - Retired MFPE, Billings Education Association
Kellen Alger - Helena Education Association, 2026 National Education Association Foundation Travelers Award for teaching excellence
Ryan Gentry - Mining Trainer and Inspector, Teamsters Union Local 190
Lou Ann Hanson - MFPE Retired, Missoula Education Association
Eden Dias - Vice Chair District #1, President of Whitefish Classified Employee Association
Anthony Lapke - Chair of District #1, Vice President, Kalispell Education Association
Erika McMillin - Helena Education Association
Karen Moses - Retired MFPE, Billings Education Association
Renne’t Sarbu - MFPE Retired
Shannon Bender - President, Great Falls Head Start
Amy Sterling - MFPE Retired, Great Falls Education Association
Dylan Huisken - Bonner Education Association, Montana 2019 Teacher of the Year
Kris Hursh - President of Kalispell Federation of Classified Personnel
Jen Mooney - Rep Council, Helena Education Association
Julie Hippler - Retired MFPE Billings Education Association
Mark Verlanic - Retired MFPE Billings Education Association
Teresa Eggett Marchant - Billings Education Association
Kristy Bixler - Missoula Education Association
Jessica Reynolds - Helena Education Association
Rick Wilkowski - Local 4573
“Melissa does not approach leadership casually. She studies the details, asks hard questions, and builds coalitions to move meaningful legislation forward. She understands how policy is crafted, how budgets are negotiated, and how critical it is to be at the table early when decisions are being made. Just as importantly, she knows how to work across differences to secure bipartisan support when it matters most — a skill that is essential when protecting funding, benefits, and workplace protections for public employees.
MFPE needs a president who understands both grassroots organizing and state-level strategy — someone who can mobilize members while also navigating the complexities of the Capitol. Melissa brings both skill sets, along with the relationship-building ability necessary to advance our shared priorities in challenging political environments.”
Rep. Denise Baum
MFPE retiree member
“Let's be honest. We need a special leader right now.
We face tremendous pressure from forces looking to strip away our right to bargain, our right to assert ourselves as working Montanans.
We need someone not only up for supporting us as individual members and locals. We need someone who can steer us as a united front into standing up for ourselves generally as a working community.
This is no small task, and making the right choice is paramount. In my thirty-four years in the classroom, I've worked with all kinds of leaders, and I've learned to recognize those who are authentically up for the task.
And Melissa Romano is up for the task.
Melissa respects the generations of workers who have built MFPE, those who fought for the rights and protections we so often take for granted. At the same time, she is forward-looking. She is committed to strengthening our union and preparing the next generation of public employees for success.”
Rep. Peter Strand
MFPE retiree member
“After working in State Government for 34 years as a state employee and a union leader, I understand firsthand the need to be at the table with decision makers who decide our wages, benefits, working conditions, and pensions. Melissa Romano understands that MFPE represents far more than one profession or one workplace. Our members do the work that matters in every community across Montana. She recognizes that our union includes biologists, healthcare and human services workers, law enforcement, support staff, local government employees, educators, and so many more — all united by a shared commitment to serving our communities. She has spoken often about the strength of our union members and of lifting up every worker, ensuring that no member feels unseen or overlooked.
Melissa has the relationships with legislators and the policy chops needed to represent our union members wherever needed. She will lead our MFPE legislative team in advocating for the resources needed for quality public services for our members, our communities, and families across our state. ”
Rep. Jill Cohenour
MFPE Member
“While we may not always agree on every policy detail, I can say without hesitation that Melissa Romano leads with professionalism and respect. During our service together in the Montana Legislature, I came to know her as someone who does her homework, shows up prepared, and treats colleagues — regardless of party — with professionalism and mutual respect.
As a member of a different political party and as a fellow union leader, I believe it is important to recognize leaders who put people ahead of partisanship. Melissa consistently demonstrated integrity, a strong work ethic, and a deep commitment to Montana’s communities. Even in moments of disagreement, she approached conversations thoughtfully, asked good questions, and worked to understand different perspectives. That kind of approach builds trust, and trust is essential in both the Legislature and in union leadership.
Melissa understands how policy decisions impact working people on the ground. She connects legislative debates back to the real lives of educators, public employees, and the families they serve. She is not interested in rhetoric for its own sake; she is focused on outcomes. I have watched her advocate firmly for her priorities while still maintaining relationships that allow meaningful work to move forward.
Our state benefits from leaders who can disagree without being disagreeable. Melissa embodies that balance. She brings a practical understanding of the legislative process, budget realities, and the importance of coalition-building. Those skills will be valuable in leading MFPE, an organization that represents diverse members across communities, professions, and viewpoints.
Though we may stand on different sides of the aisle at times, I believe in Melissa Romano’s character, preparation, and commitment to service. For those reasons, she has my endorsement for MFPE President.”
Rep. Curtis Schomer - Vice President of USW Local 11-0001, a local chapter of the United Steelworkers (USW) Union
“As an MFPE-Retired member, MFPE-endorsed state senator, and former state employee and public union leader for 16 years, I ask you to please consider my support of Melissa Romano for the MFPE President position.
Melissa and I have worked together in the Legislature to protect and grow union rights both on offense and defensive sides of legislation. She is exceptional at working together with others on both sides of the aisle in a collaborative, nonpartisan way to advocate and support our hardworking Montana union workers, their families, and communities.
I’ve known Melissa since she ran for the Superintendent of Montana Schools a while back. Currently, Melissa and I are fellow classmates in the Leadership Montana Flagship Class of 2026. We’re learning how to foster strong partnerships for the betterment of Montana and build relationships from all walks of life through listening, communication, and collaboration.
I believe Melissa is the perfect candidate to succeed President Amanda Curtis and take Amanda’s hard-earned union successes to the next level and improve the quality of life for hardworking Montanans. Thank you for your consideration of Melissa Romano for the MFPE President.”
Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell
MFPE Member
Melissa was an excellent resource for me as a freshman legislator. Her leadership skills, knowledge, and ability to present information provided me with the essential information necessary to gain a confident understanding of my job as a legislator. I have no doubt that Melissa will use those skills to lead MFPE forward as we work to improve and protect the jobs and values of all union members.
Jamie Isaly…Montana HD-58, Retired MFPE member
Melissa Romano has all the right experience as a teacher, legislator, and advocate. She knows how to listen, stand up for what’s best, and move us forward while staying true to the values of our vocations.
Dylan Huisken, 2019 Montana Teacher of the Year, Bonner Education Association