Mignon Waterman devoted her life to public service. She served as a Montana State Senator for 12 years. During that time, she served on several public and mental health-focused committees and chaired the Children, Families, Health and Human Services Interim Committee.

Outside her work as a senator, Mignon focused on improving behavioral health services for those with mental health needs. She was a founding member of the Helena Local Advisory Council for Mental Health and the Mental Health Oversight Advisory Council. She was also a member of the Helena Mental Health Crisis Response Partnership Steering Committee and developed a mental health crisis system for Lewis & Clark and the surrounding counties.

Mignon served on several boards throughout her career, including St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, St. Peter’s Hospital Board of Directors Secretary-Treasury, Helena School District No. 1 Board of Trustees Chair, Montana School Boards Association President, the Montana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Montana Healthcare Foundation Board of Trustees Secretary.

As one of the Montana Healthcare Foundation’s founding trustees (2013-17), Mignon was a passionate and tireless advocate for behavioral health. Her vision, insight, and commitment were indispensable in shaping the Foundation’s strategy, investments, and approach to improving the prevention and treatment of behavioral health problems in Montana.

“Mignon was a passionate and tireless advocate for behavioral health. This award is a perfect way to honor and build on her legacy of working for better care for Montanan’s struggling with mental illness and substance abuse.”

– Dr. Aaron Wernham, MTHF CEO