Hello fellow Missoulians.
I’m happy you’re here.
My name is Michele Whitmire, and I’m running for a seat on the Missoula City Council, Ward 2.
Missoula has been home to my husband and me for 28 years. We moved here from KC, Missouri in 1997, where I worked for Ford Motor Company for 15 years. We have other family members who also call Missoula home.
Years ago, a lifelong friend of mine suggested that I bring my then‑growing boys out to vacation here and experience the natural beauty of Montana and the cozy feel of Missoula. I fell in love with the pines! It did not take many visits for me to know that this is where I wanted to be and be a part of. I secured a job in Missoula and headed northwest.
I was born in Las Vegas, NV, at Nellis AFB. As my father was in the military, I have lived and traveled the world over, have had many diverse experiences while growing up, and would not change a thing. I volunteered while in high school for four years for the Red Cross, and also every summer at a children’s camp, CHAP (Children Having a Potential). The curriculum centered around childhood development. It was while in the Philippines that I earned credits toward an undergraduate degree in Political Science while in high school, offered by the Army from the National College in Washington, DC. After returning to the states, I applied for and acquired a job with the DIA in Washington, DC. I secured my Civil Service rank for 12 years.
Toward a safer, cleaner, more robust city…
In 2009, I was led to go to work for Missoula 3:16. I saw the need to help those less fortunate who needed hope, a light at the end of the tunnel, and soft landings. While working at 3:16, I helped conceive and was involved in developing a shelter for women and children, getting them off the streets. Being on the streets with those who called the corner of Walk and Don’t Walk home, I saw the need was tremendous for affordable housing as the homeless community was growing at a rapid pace. Having to be fiscally responsible to the Rescue Mission and being creative with what was available was anything but easy. However, as a team, the City and the Mission were able to find solutions that benefited not just those in need while not overburdening the city and the community. I worked there for five years, and yes, I know, the need is bigger than ever.
I also have volunteered my time at CMC for two years and at the Cancer Center for two years, fulfilling the role of liaison between doctors and patients and patients’ families.
I did step away from those roles as my husband and I developed our own business here in Missoula. It grew to be nationwide, and we decided last year to sell the company to a national company in Indiana. That gave me the opportunity to seek out a role in Missoula that would fulfill what I feel is a lifelong calling.
My desire is to show up for you, really listen to your concerns, and dedicate my time, energy, and love for this city to positive outcomes. To be your voice for real solutions instead of just talking about the problems. My goal is to help create a safer, cleaner, more robust city for our children, grandchildren, elderly, veterans, less fortunate, and all who call Missoula home.