John Haffey, President
Member since 2007

John "Jack" Haffey has spent most of his professional life working with large businesses in Montana, including 15 years as an officer of the Montana Power Co. — the last six as executive vice president and chief operating officer. He served as a state senator in Montana from 1981-88 and taught math and French at Anaconda Central High School. With such a balanced professional and service history, he brings tangible, sound and socially responsible business experience to AWARE.

Al Smith, Vice President
Member since 1987

Al has been an important influence in the development of AWARE’s philosophy and purpose. He was an advocate attorney at the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs. He is the attorney who won the "Eiler Decision," the landmark judgment for patients at the hospital whose treatment was inadequate. Al was executive director of the Montana Advocacy Program when the "Travis D. vs. State of Montana" lawsuit (http://www.mtadv.org/) was filed. Even today that is helping to shape services for people affected by developmental disabilities. Al is executive director of the Montana Trial Lawyers Association and continues to donate his time to many groups and activities that better the lives of Montanans.

Cheryl Zobenica, Secretary/Treasurer
Member since 2007

If one had to pick a word to describe Cheryl, it would be "involved." In addition to serving on AWARE’s Board of Directors, she also sits on the boards of the Anaconda Local Development Corporation and the Anaconda Chamber of Commerce. She has served on the Big Brothers, Big Sisters-Butte Board, United Way Advisory Board, and the United Way Finance Committee. She also serves as branch manager and vice president of Glacier Bank in Anaconda. With all of the work she does, she still finds time to spend with her family, including two grandchildren. Cheryl is honored to have been asked to become a member of the Board and is looking forward to contributing as a member and to the continued success of AWARE.

John O’Donnell, Past President
Member since 1994

A retired Montana Power Co. executive, John has been an active, positive participant in helping people around Montana. He devotes his time to many groups and activities in the Anaconda area, as demonstrated by his work at the Powell County Museum. John has been the president of the Board for the past six years, and has been instrumental in developing the Galen community and AWARE’s Early Head Start program in Butte and Dillon. John’s expertise with Montana Power/NorthWestern Energy helped to secure a $1.2 million grant for sewer and water infrastructure on the Galen Campus.

Teresa Marshall
Member since 1993

Teresa has probably helped everyone in Anaconda at one time or another. As a member of the Anaconda Food Bank, she helps feed people in Anaconda whose resources are limited. Teresa was a vocational rehabilitation counselor who served some of the most challenging clients who were patients at Montana State Hospital. While Teresa’s office was on the Montana State Hospital campus, she served a wider area around Deer Lodge County. Teresa is an important part of the Board and continues to help AWARE maintain high standards.

Russell Cartsens
Member since 2008

Russell is a vital and productive part of the Anaconda Recycling team. Courteous, helpful and friendly are just a few of the words that could be used to describe not only his vibrant personality, but his professionalism. He enjoys fishing, hiking, boating and bicycling. He has won many gold medals in bicycling at the Special Olympics and has received many awards for outstanding accomplishments.

Stephen Addingston
Member since 2008

Steve’s drive and determination to succeed have provided him many opportunities to expand his job responsibilities and consequently more earning power. Steve is a well-known and respected member of the Anaconda community. Steve works as one of HOPE Thrift Store’s primary customer service employees — a job he does independently and with a great attitude.