Ms. Cindy Larsen,  Chairwoman of the Board

A Montana native, Cindy Larsen was born and raised in Eastern Montana, deeply rooted in the region's values and resilience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Western Washington University and has dedicated her career to advancing community well-being and social justice initiatives.

Cindy and her husband, John Larsen, have shared over 30 years of marriage, living throughout Montana before returning to the prairie in 2012. Throughout her professional journey, Cindy has blended entrepreneurial expertise with a passion for advocacy. She launched her own business when her firstborn was young, later transitioning into social justice work as her children entered school. 

Today, Cindy serves as the CEO of Action for Montana, where she leads efforts to strengthen communities through strategic advocacy, leadership development, and impactful programming.

Cindy and John are proud parents of two adult children and a beloved daughter who joined their family through adoption.

Ms. Sarah Thorson, Vice-Chair

Sarah Thorson joined the Board of Trustees in May 2020. Born and raised in Glendive, Sarah graduated from DCC with an Associate of Science degree and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science at Montana State University. She currently works as a Beef Marketing Manager for GENEX, a cattle genetics company headquartered in Wisconsin. Husband Ryan ranches full time on the family’s ranch west of Glendive. Sarah and Ryan are the proud parents of two lovely daughters. Sarah notes, “I have eagerly watched the growth and success the college has seen in the last few years and am honored to be part of the continued achievements of the organization.”

Ms. Gloria Garceau-Glaser, Trustee

Gloria was born and raised in New York although Montana has been her home for 32 years. Living in Helena from 1990 – 1998, she moved to Eastern Montana after marrying her husband, who is native to Glendive. They have one adult daughter who lives in Seattle. 

Gloria holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology with concentrations in Psychology and Human Development and a Master of Arts in Audiology, both from the State University of New York at Geneseo. She’s spent her career working with the elderly and disabled and is currently employed as a Community First Choice (CFC) - Quality Assurance Program Manager with the State of Montana, DPHHS-Senior & Long Term Care Division.

Gloria was raised to value higher learning.  Growing up her mom’s mantra was, “The best thing you can do is get an education.”  College was expected, not a choice.  Gloria is an advocate for community involvement and has served on various boards. In addition to volunteer work as a Trustee, she is the current Chair for the Dawson County Housing Authority and the Dawson County Democratic Central Committee. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, walking, reading and being involved with Community Theater.

Mr. Brendan Heidner, Trustee

Brendan Heidner joined the Board of Trustees at his alma mater in May of 2023 as a way to devote time back to an institution that had a significant impact on his career and life. Heidner moved to Glendive in 2012 when he was just 13 years old after living in five other Montana cities throughout his childhood.

Heidner enrolled at Dawson Community College in the spring of 2015 as an early start student when he was a sophomore in high school. He went on to graduate with his Associate of Arts degree from DCC just one week before graduating with his high school diploma in May of 2017.

With a knack for media arts such as photography, Heidner attended Corban University in Salem, Ore. for three semesters before returning home in 2019 to begin his job search. He eventually landed a job as a news reporter for the Glendive Ranger-Review where he still works today.

While away again for a short period of time between 2020 and 2021, Heidner met his wife Sheridan at Frontier School of the Bible in LaGrange, Wyo. who moved back to Glendive with him after they wed in May of 2022. The Heidners are the proud parents of one daughter.

Heidner spends a majority of his time nowadays writing; shooting photos on occasion; still dreaming of playing professional soccer even though those days are likely past; and enjoying any free time he has with his family.

Ms. Sandy Johnson, Trustee

Sandy was born and raised in Glendive, graduating with the class of 2000. Attended & played softball for DCC in the Fall of 2000.  She married Tyler Johnson in December 2001, where they both graduated from Rhema Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, OK in May of 2003. Sandy is currently an Area Administrative Supervisor for the Montana Department of Transportation and has been with the Department since 2009. Tyler is also employed with the Montana Department of Transportation, as a maintenance technician. Her biggest accomplishment to date is getting to be a mom to her children.  They have one daughter 11 and one son 7. Sandy also serves as a member of the Glendive Community Cancer Fund. Sandy loves Glendive and is proud to live here and feels very honored for the opportunity to serve on the DCC board.

Ms. Lesley Gibbs - Trustee

Lesley Gibbs is a graduate of Dawson County High School and the University of Montana, holding degrees in English and Education, with a concentration in Journalism.  She taught English, Humanities and Journalism at DCHS for 31 years, retiring in 2012.  She and her husband Rod ranch south of Glendive, along with their two adult children, Kelsey and Beau, who is also an engineering supervisor at WBI.  Outside of her two post-retirement “town jobs” she enjoys reading, baking, gardening, walking the banks of the Yellowstone River and spending time with her granddaughter.  Lesley was also a 4-H leader for many years and is currently a member of the Glendive Community Cancer Fund group.

Lesley’s history at DCC runs deep, thanks to her father Don Kettner, a former coach, instructor, administrator and board member and her mother-in-law, R’Delle Gibbs, a former board member.  She spent much of her youth roaming the halls, washing basketball uniforms and listening to lively discussions about faculty, students, union issues, bonds and the vital importance of our little college on the hill to the Glendive community.  She feels it is an honor to now sit where her father and mother-in-law once held positions.