Billings Industrial Revitalization District Hires a new Director

The Billings Industrial Revitalization District (“BIRD”) has announced that Michelle Harkins, formerly the finance director at the Billings Community Foundation, has taken over the role of director of the BIRD. 

The BIRD Board selected Harkins based on her background and enthusiasm to help the Billings community. Harkins brings a background in corporate accounting, procurement, and inventory management, and has spent the last several years in Billings’ nonprofit community.  Harkins earned a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Montana.

She and her husband, Justin, have five-year-old twins and have called Billings home since 2013.

Harkins accepted the position with the BIRD in November 2022 and began working in her current role on January 3, 2023.

“Michelle’s experience in corporate finance, non-profit organizations, and her passion for Billings set her apart from others,” said Sam Westerman, the BIRD Board President.

Former director was Zach Terakedis, who now works with the city through the Tax Increment Financing process.