Montana Climate Office Team
Kelsey Jencso
State Climatologist
Kelsey is the W.A. Franke Endowed Professor of Watershed Hydrology and the State Climatologist. As State Climatologist, he helps Montanans understand and prepare for the future.
Zach Hoylman
Assistant State Climatologist
Zach is a research assistant professor at UM and Montana's assistant state climatologist. His research focuses on ecology, hydrology and drought in Montana
Kyle Bocinsky
Director of Climate Extension
Kyle is a research assistant professor at UM and the MCO's Director of Climate Extension. Kyle helps make climate data and services accessible for all Montanans.
Kevin Hyde
Montana Development Manager
Kevin works with agricultural producers and land managers to site climate monitoring stations, guide data application, and to learn information needed to support production and management decisions.
Joel Martin
Lead Hydrologic Technician
Joel builds, troubleshoots and services the weather stations to ensure they report reliable, accurate data for the Montana Climate Office.
Annie McVay
Program & Fiscal Coordinator
Annie oversees the financial management and reporting requirements of the office and supports operational efforts of the various components and programs within the MCO.
Maureen I. McCarthy, PhD
Affiliate Faculty at MCO
Maureen works with tribal communities to enhance climate resilience.
Colin Brust
Climate Data Specialist
Colin develops and maintains the API, dashboard and database for the Montana Mesonet.
Wes Short
Hydrologic Technician
Wes is a veteran, biologist, and trades laborer. He helps construct the stations that are collecting the MCO's climate data.
John Stapleton
Hydrologic Technician
John tests, maintains, troubleshoots and installs our HydroMet stations. He also engages with landowners and collaborators once stations are complete.
David Ketchum
Hydrologist
David received his Ph.D. from University of Montana in 2023 and currently works as a research affiliate at the Climate Office and as a hydrologist at the United States Geological Survey's Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center.
Dylan Ritter
Mesonet Assistant
Dylan works to prepare, install and maintain the Montana Mesonet. He holds a B.S from the University of Montana in Ecosystem Science & Restoration and has a background in stream restoration, wildlife ecology, and construction.
Drew Painter
Mesonet Assistant
Drew is a veteran of the 82D Airborne Division and an aspiring water quality scientist. He helps erect the towers and other infrastructure of the Mesonet stations.
Fin Malone
Master's Student/Research Assistant
Fin Malone is a graduate student in Systems Ecology and conducts field research investigating the water-use and growth of trees in opposing microclimatic conditions.
Alex Mausshardt
Mesonet Assistant
Alex helps prepare, install and maintain the Montana Mesonet.
Kenzye Spears
Mesonet Assistant
Kenzye builds and maintains the AgriMet network of weather stations.
Toby Dunn
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Toby is an undergraduate researcher focused on soil water hydrology and operation of the soils laboratory.
Ryan Fleetwood
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Ryan is an undergraduate student studying Environmental Science & Sustainability - Water Resources. His work involves snowpack modeling.
Daniel Martin
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Daniel is an undergraduate student studying Environmental Science and Pre-Law. His work involves climate outreach.
Paige Johnson
Native Climate Intern