About Us.

The Opportunity Development Co-op, known as the Winnett Co-op, has the potential to inspire and support great opportunities in and around Winnett.  The Co-op was an idea I had heard about, but not one I came up with.  So, when I was asked to help create the co-op, I said yes, with the caveat that I would be learning and not contributing so much.  And, have I learned! The knowledge that this group of people who have worked on the co-op is amazing, and the current board has put together an opportunity to help fund a viable community.  I’m looking forward to see what we can all accomplish together!

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Relations and a Master of Science in Agricultural Education from Montana State University. She worked as an Extension Agent for five years, engaging with community boards such as the Roundup Community Partners and overseeing the area 4-H program. As the Education & Outreach Coordinator for Winnett ACES, Jennifer continues to enhance community development with innovative ideas for the Winnett area.

Will met Winnett local Chelsea McKenna while studying Electrical Engineering at Montana State in Bozeman.  He graduated with his Masters in 2011 and they moved to California for work.  After the birth of their son, Emerson, in 2016, they decided to move closer to family, and moved to Minnesota in 2017 where they welcomed their daughter Carter, before finally landing back in Petroleum County in 2019.  Will continues to work remotely full-time for an engineering company in California, but finds time to help the local community volunteering and even driving the school bus on occasion.

Diane is proud to be a founding member of the Winnett Co-op, using a Revolving Loan Fund to support local businesses. Diane and her husband, Skip, were given the opportunity by neighbors to build, own, and work a ranch operation in the Petroleum County area over the years. They are now in the process of giving other young families that same opportunity. as they slow down and focus on additional interests such as the Winnett Co-op. Diane brings extensive board experience, with over 30 years serving on more than 10 boards in various agricultural roles, both in rural areas and throughout the state of Montana.

Adam Tholt is the shop teacher in Winnett, where he has taught since the 2002–2003 school year. Before coming to Winnett, he taught in Alaska, gaining valuable experience in technical education. Prior to attending college, Adam served in the United States Coast Guard. He later graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman with a degree in Technology Education. Adam currently serves on the state SkillsUSA board and lives in Winnett with his wife, Nicole, and their two sons, who attend Winnett School.  

I feel lucky to have found my soulmate, Craig, who is my college roommate's brother. Craig and I embarked on an exciting journey to his family ranch, and I've always been grateful to have become a part of such a wonderful community. While raising our four children, I taught in elementary school and coached basketball and track. I dedicated 30 years as a first responder and EMT with the Petroleum County Ambulance and now serve on the board of the Petroleum County Community Center. I'm excited to contribute to Winnett's growth through the revolving loan process, collaborating with others who share my passion for this charming town.

Dan, a retired power system studies engineer, moved back to his family ranch near Yellow Water Reservoir in 2015 with his wife, Nancy. Dan grew up spending summers on the ranch until he married and finished university at MSU.  From Bozeman he went to Fort Collins CO, where he had 2 daughters, & Nancy obtained her DVM from CSU.  Next Casper WY, Scotts Bluff, NE and then Billings.  They had a veterinary business in Lockwood, where Dan helped evenings and weekends, and did the books along with his engineering job.  Now days they work on various projects around the ranch, & finishing up the house they are building.