MSU Billings Foundation announces the addition of two staff members
Contacts:
University Communications and Marketing, 657-2266
MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES 鈥� The 啾咪漫画 Foundation welcomes Gillette Vaira, M.A.,
and Tiffini Gallant to their staff.
Gillette Vaira, M.A., joins the Foundation as director of alumni relations. A native
of Lambert, Mont., Vaira graduated magna cum laude from MSU Billings with a bachelor鈥檚
degree in mass communication and a minor in international studies. She won an Emmy
Award and placed second in the national Broadcast Education Association anchoring
competition while earning a master鈥檚 degree in journalism from the University of Montana.
After graduate school, Vaira reported, produced and anchored news at the Billings
NBC television affiliate. She also worked in student affairs at MSU Billings, served
as the director of public relations at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, and most
recently worked as the communications manager at EBMS in Billings. In her free time,
Vaira enjoys volunteering with the 4-H program at county, state and national levels.
With the Foundation鈥檚 recent acquisition of the Alumni Association, Vaira will be
navigating new territory for the team. She will develop programs to engage our vast
alumni network in events and campus philanthropy, celebrate the MSU Billings alumni
living and working in the Billings community, and integrate new alumni into the association.
Tiffini Gallant returns to campus as the marketing coordinator for the Foundation
and Alumni Association after garnering experience in journalism and statewide social
media strategy for The Billings Gazette and Lee Enterprises. She worked previously
at MSU Billings in student affairs, focusing most notably on campus events, social
media and tour coordination and serving as Staff Senate chair. She was the honored
recipient of the Spirit of MSUB award, recognizing her contributions to the MSUB campus.
Gallant graduated from MSU Billings with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations
and brings with her a strong background in writing, publication design, digital analytics
and communication. She will continue her public relations education at Georgetown
University this year.
As marketing coordinator for the Foundation and Alumni Association, Gallant will assist
in efforts to build relationships with alumni and the community of generous donors
who support the mission of the Foundation. Tiffini will work to plan events, grow
the digital presence of the Foundation, develop promotional materials, and communicate
with the MSUB campus, alumni, community, and donors.
鈥淭he Foundation is excited to welcome both Gillette and Tiffini to our staff. Each
contributes a unique background, skill set and perspective to the team. We look forward
to great things from their efforts with our vast network of proud alumni and community
supporters as we move forward,鈥� said Bill Kennedy, Foundation president and CEO.
