Nanette Gilbertson
Nanette has been with Smith and McGowan, Inc. since 2005, starting as an associate and eventually becoming an owner in 2015. Nanette’s expertise is in criminal justice, public safety, and local law enforcement. She serves as the Executive Director for the Montana County Attorneys Association and the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association. Outside the public safety arena, Nanette also serves as the Executive Director for the Montana Academy of Ophthalmology.
In addition to advocacy and policy work both during legislative sessions and the interims, Nanette enjoys providing the full spectrum of association management services to clients. Board and strategic planning are the foundations of healthy associations and those are services Nanette provides and encourages clients to embrace.
Nanette was born and raised in Helena and despite many attempts to move away was always drawn home. She graduated from Carroll College and worked in academia before entering the world of politics and association management.
In her spare time, Nanette enjoys spending time with her husband and children and taking advantage of the beauty and outdoors Montana has to offer.
Erin McGowan
Erin started working at Smith and McGowan, Inc. in 2008. She started as an associate and became an owner in 2015. Erin’s expertise is in public health, local government, and community based services, including community corrections and behavioral health. She is the Executive Director for the Montana Community Corrections Association and advocacy director for Confluence Public Health, YMCAs of Montana, and the Human Resource Development Councils in Montana.
Erin thrives on relationships, building partnerships, and working collaboratively to achieve the goals articulated by her clients. Whether Erin is facilitating a cooperative or contentious discussion, she will ensure a productive meeting with client outcomes as the main incentive.
Erin is a native Montanan and has called Helena her home her whole life. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Montana State University. Erin has worked both in the public and private sector and brings that knowledge and experience to her clients.
Erin has a teenage daughter and three Shih Tzu dogs. In the summer you can find Erin running, hiking, or hanging out on her deck.
Kathy McGowan
Kathy is one of the founding members of Smith and McGowan, Inc. Kathy worked in the Governor’s Office as the Citizen Advocate under two Governors. After significant time in state government, Kathy recognized the need for health and human service advocacy. Kathy and her business partner started Smith and McGowan, Inc. with the explicit goal of representing underserved groups in the health and human services arena. Kathy spent decades advocating for community based mental health services in Montana.
In 2020 Kathy stepped back from lobbying and association management work and now dedicates her time to the administrative management of Smith and McGowan as well as providing financial and administrative services to clients.
While Kathy is not walking the halls of the Capitol anymore, she continues to be a wealth of knowledge and expertise at Smith and McGowan.
Kathy loves spending time with her three Shih Tzu dogs and tending to her magazine-worthy flower garden.
Scott Secor
Scott is the newest member of the Smith and McGowan team, joining in 2023. Scott was introduced to Smith and McGowan during his time as the MSPOA Search and Rescue Subcommittee Chair and while advocating for Search and Rescue Teams during the 2021 legislative session. Scott joins Smith and McGowan after retiring from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office where he served as the Search and Rescue Commander. Scott looks forward to assisting in any capacity needed to serve our clients.
Scott was born and raised in Bozeman. He served in the United States Navy before returning to Montana to work as an electrician and then a career in law enforcement.
Scott enjoys family time with his wife, son, and pup. During the warmer months you can find them on the golf course or racing motocross across the state.