Staff

Samantha Yearry, Executive Director: A third-generation Montanan from the Helena area, Samantha holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and a degree in medical billing and coding. She became a licensed real estate agent in 2021, allowing her to engage in land development projects. Previously, she owned an award-winning photography company in Helena for fourteen years. Samantha is raising her four children in the Helena area and plans to move to Jefferson County in the near future.

Erin Binder, Business Manager: Erin has been the Business Manager at JLDC since 2021, helping things run smoothly behind the scenes and supporting the team every step of the way. She also serves on the town’s planning board, where she enjoys being involved in the community. When she’s not working, you’ll find her spending time with her husband and their two dogs or baking up something sweet in the kitchen.

Leah Lewis, Project Coordinator: A native of Jefferson County, Leah was raised on the Compton Ranch in the Boulder Valley. She earned a B.S. in Range Science from Montana State University in 2005. Leah has experience working with the Forest Service as an Invasive Species Coordinator and in the Finance Section, traveling to Wildland Fire Incidents across the Western U.S. In 2012, she transitioned to ranching and started a family, while continuing part-time work as a Natural Resources Consultant. Leah is excited to contribute to JLDC and engage with the community.