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Pause Now, Opportunities Soon: Grantmaking Resumes in April 2025!

Jan 15, 2025

A Sit Down With Our New CEO, Carly Hare

We’re thrilled to officially welcome Carly Hare (Pawnee/Yankton) as the new CEO of Headwaters Foundation! Carly brings two decades of experience in philanthropy, a deep commitment to uplifting community-led solutions, and a passion for building authentic, trusting relationships. If you missed it, learn more about her background in her hiring announcement.

One of Carly’s most powerful talents is her ability to bring diverse people and groups together to work toward a shared vision. As one colleague shared, “She does this with different groups around a myriad of issues, but the outcome is always the same—seemingly disparate people and groups become energized and motivated to action that produces real and tangible outcomes and results. With her natural grace, warm spirit, and impeccable professionalism, Carly draws people in and gains their interest, respect, and trust quickly, maintaining those relationships long-term through her steadfast commitment, integrity, and plain old-fashioned hard work.”

As Carly settles into her new role, she’s eager to connect with partners across Western Montana during a regional tour kicking off this spring. To help you get to know her in the meantime, we sat down with Carly to ask five questions about her journey, values, and vision for Headwaters.

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What excites you about leading Headwaters Foundation in Western Montana?

One of the things that excites me about leading Headwaters is its unique role in supporting community-led solutions that empower families to define and design their futures. Western Montana is ready for this kind of approach, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together. I’m also excited to continue exploring how philanthropy can do things differently – by building power, sharing power, and cultivating relationships rooted in trust and respect.

Do you have previous ties to Montana?

Yes! I have ancestral ties on my father’s side as a Nakota descendent, and my family’s history includes time in Montana—my Pawnee grandfather was an assistant principal at three schools in the 1950s, and my mother was born in Lame Deer. I also lived here as a child while my father worked on census outreach for Native communities. I have fond memories of exploring Montana’s landscapes and communities and developing a deep appreciation for Montana and its people. It feels good to be back.

How do your values align with Headwaters’ mission?

For 20 years, my career has been focused on amplifying community voices and embracing trust-based philanthropy. That’s why Headwaters’ mission – to work side-by-side with Western Montanans to improve the health of our communities – deeply resonates with me. It’s about helping children, families, and communities that have historically been excluded create opportunities to thrive. I’m committed to building strong partnerships that bring this vision to life, and supporting solutions shaped by the knowledge and experience of the people who live here.

What’s your vision for your time at Headwaters?

I’m inspired by the idea of expanding tables where decisions are made. Shirley Chisholm inspires me with her quote “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” My vision is to help create spaces where everyone can participate, from shaping fair systems to building vibrant, inclusive opportunities for communities to come together. Over the next year, I’ll focus on supporting our team, getting to know our partners, and exploring how Headwaters can invest to help Western Montana thrive.

What would you like to share about your life outside of the office?

I’m an auntie, elder sister, the oldest granddaughter, a late-in-life mom, a fierce friend, and an equity advocate. I have been described as a progressive pragmatist, driven by a sense of service and desire for authentic connection. I try to balance grace with grit, while holding space for laughter and celebration. I enjoy spending my free time outdoors with my family, deep diving humanity via true crime stories or cinema storytelling, and spending time with my tribal community sharing our culture.

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Carly’s thoughtful leadership and inspiring vision are already energizing our team, and we can’t wait for you to meet her in person during her tour. Stay tuned for details — sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates!

If you’d like to share a warm welcome or a question for Carly, email us at [email protected].

Note: This interview was edited for length and clarity.