b'WE WERE HONORED TO HAVE BOTH COMMISSIONER JOHN OSTLUND AND KEVIN KOOISTRA JOINI I E W E & IM G D V V S D I N E N B U A G N SS M T P C N L Y I R L T S N I T D E N N O S M C B S S R N E U E M U I U E O E E N TUS AS SPEAKERS AT OUR 2024 ANNUAL MEETING. THEIR WORDS, LEADERSHIP, AND PRESENCE MADE A LASTING IMPACT. WE REMEMBER THEM WITH DEEP GRATITUDE AND RESPECT.B U I L D I N G TRIBUTER E HONORING COMMISSIONER JOHN OSTLUND Ostlund, who We join our community in mourning the loss of Commissioner John passed away on June 19, 2025. A long-serving public servant and trusted partner to Big Sky Economic Development, Commissioner Ostlund played a key role in supporting the mission and growth of our organization for many years.M A R K In 1989, the Yellowstone County Commissioners established what would become Big Sky Economic Development to execute economic development on behalf of the county. While he was not yet in office, Commissioner Ostlunds leadership helped strengthen that founding vision and advance initiatives that supported thoughtful, steady growth in our region.We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His legacy of integrity, service, and compassion will continue to shape Yellowstone County for years to come.A B L E HONORING KEVIN KOOISTRA of Kevin Kooistra in December 2024. A We were deeply saddened by the passing passionate historian, educator, and cultural advocate, Kevin served as the Executive Director of the Western Heritage Center and was a dedicated voice for understanding and preserving the stories of our region.Originally from New Jersey, Kevin shared his journey to Montana and his love for learning in a memorable episode of The Vault podcast, recorded in August 2024. He spoke about seeing mountains for the first time, working in Yellowstone National Park, and his early days as an archaeologist and cultural anthropologistcollaborating with elders across 12 western tribes.Kevins passion for history and community came through in everything he did. He once said, What we do at the museum is make people feel more at home. We take people, give them the maps of the past to get them to the present. His legacy lives on in the stories he preserved, the people he inspired, and the place he helped us all feel more connected to.From all of us at BSED, we extend our sincere condolences to Kevins family, friends, and all who had the privilege of learning from him.ANNUAL REPORT2025 1'