March 2, 2018

 

McMullen Hall and the City of Billings

 

MSU Billings Foundation announces the addition of two staff members

 

Contacts:

University Communications and Marketing, 657-2266

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — The Montana State University Billings Foundation welcomes Gillette Vaira, M.A., and Tiffini Gallant to their staff.

 

Gillette Viara
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’s 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’s 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’s 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
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.  


“The 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,” said Bill Kennedy, Foundation president and CEO.