Congratulations to Rotary Club of Missoula Past President Kathy Schulte who began on July 1 her yearlong tenure as governor of Rotary District 5390. The district includes 54 Rotary, Rotaract and Interact clubs throughout Montana. 

A native of New Jersey, Kathy moved to Missoula in autumn of 1970 following graduation from Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, NJ, where she was actively involved in music and athletics, playing guitar in a church folk band, participated in gymnastics, was chosen Prom Queen, and received the “Most Polite” award. 

Kathy attended the University of Montana for two years, then entered the workforce.  She later returned to complete her Business degree with an emphasis in Finance in 1990. During her 20-year break from college, she earned her real estate license, became an active member of the Missoula community, worked as a real estate broker and trainer, and transitioned into the banking industry.

Kathy began her banking career in residential mortgages as an originator and trainer specializing in federal housing programs. She developed a training program for a local bank, which the institution later purchased. After completing her degree, Kathy established a residential mortgage department for a local bank president in exchange for learning commercial lending. She continued her banking career until 2016 and later earned her Certified Valuation Analyst designation, focusing on business valuation. 

Following personal challenges, including the loss of her parents, her husband's health, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Kathy retired. She remains deeply involved in Rotary, having served as both club secretary and treasurer, and district secretary, she began her district governor journey in 2023 when the district membership elected her as upcoming district governor for 2026-27.

Kathy and her husband, Bob, celebrated 26 years of marriage in February 2026. She is the proud mother of two adult children and grandmother of seven. She divides her time between Missoula and Columbia Falls and enjoys playing guitar in a church band and at her Rotary club meetings, walking, hiking, and drying herbs.