Montana Medical Association Announces Leeann Sherman as New Chief Executive Officer
Helena, Mont. — The Montana Medical Association (MMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Leeann Sherman, MPS, CAE as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 4th, 2026.
Ms. Sherman is an accomplished Chief Executive Officer and Certified Association Executive (CAE) with more than 25 years of leadership experience across professional associations, nonprofit organizations, advocacy initiatives, and community-driven mission-based organizations. She brings extensive expertise in healthcare and association management, strategic operations, advocacy and policy, stakeholder engagement, governance, education and credentialing programs, strategic communications, coalition development, and organizational growth.
“Leeann Sherman brings a combination of strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and deep experience leading mission-driven organizations,” said MMA President Shawna Yates, D.O. “Her proven ability to unite stakeholders around shared priorities and drive meaningful organizational growth makes her exceptionally well-positioned to lead the Montana Medical Association.”
Most recently, Ms. Sherman served as Chief Executive Officer of an international organization focused on suicide prevention, mental health, clinical research, education, accreditation, crisis intervention, professional training, and public awareness initiatives. In this role, she led global collaborations and strategic partnerships focused on advancing education, research, evidence-informed practices, professional standards, and access to resources for clinicians, researchers, crisis professionals, healthcare providers, and communities around the world.
“I am honored to join the Montana Medical Association as its next Chief Executive Officer and to partner with physicians, healthcare leaders, agencies, and communities across Montana to strengthen advocacy efforts, support the healthcare workforce, and help ensure access to high-quality care throughout both rural and urban communities across the state,” said Sherman.
Ms. Sherman’s appointment follows the remarkable leadership of longtime CEO Jean Branscum, whose nearly 15-year tenure transformed the association into a stronger and more influential voice for Montana physicians and their patients. Throughout her leadership, Jean was widely recognized as a highly effective advocate at both the state and national levels, leading major policy and legislative advancements, championing clinical and public health initiatives, strengthening physician engagement, and elevating the association’s impact on issues critical to the practice of medicine and the future of healthcare in Montana.
About the Montana Medical Association
The Montana Medical Association is a membership organization comprised of Montana physicians, medical residents and medical students. Its mission is to serve as an advocate for the medical profession, quality patient care, and the health of all Montana citizens. The MMA is the largest physician-led organization in Montana, with nearly 1,800 members.
Contact Information
Lexie Gleasman
Montana Medical Association
(406) 443-4000