Mike Halligan Retiring After 22 Years of Service
Jon Bennion to Assume Role of Executive Director of the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation
The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation (“the Foundation”) today announced that Mike Halligan will retire after an honorable 22-years as Executive Director. The Foundation’s Board has appointed Jon Bennion to assume the role as Executive Director effective immediately. Jon and Mike have worked closely together over the last several months to ensure a smooth transition.
“In my nearly 22 years as the Executive Director of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, it has been the highlight of my career to implement the vision of the Foundation,” Halligan said. “In its 34 years of existence, the Foundation has remained laser-focused on supporting programs that give youth and economically and socially disadvantaged people the tools they need to realize their dreams. I have been fortunate to work with Dennis and Phyllis, a vast array of passionate directors and staff of nonprofit organizations, as well as the highly competent leaders and employees of the Washington Companies in pursuit of these goals. To all of you, I am forever grateful.”
Jon Bennion was born and raised in Billings, MT. He earned his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Montana. Following a clerkship with a state district judge in Billings, Jon worked for seven years as Director of Government Relations for the Montana Chamber of Commerce. Jon served at the Montana Department of Justice from 2013 to 2020, eventually acting as Chief Deputy Attorney General. He was hired as Director of Government Relations for The Washington Companies in 2021.
“Mike Halligan has been an excellent mentor of mine and an incredible example of selfless service throughout his career,” said Bennion. “I hope to follow the high standards he has set in carrying out the mission of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.”
About the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation
The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation is the major philanthropic organization for The Washington Companies and the Washington family. The Foundation strives to better the human condition by supporting programs and services that give people the tools to enhance the quality of their lives and to benefit society as a whole. Funding for the Foundation comes from personal contributions from the Washington family and annual contributions from The Washington Companies. Since its inception in 1988, the Foundation has distributed over $523 million in grants to nonprofit organizations.
