Dara Rodda

Biography

Dara is passionate about affecting positive change. Previously she did that as the Executive Director of the Lake County Council on Aging by developing programs and services so that senior citizens can lead independent and meaningful lives in their homes and communities. This entailed development and oversight of a public transportation system, three in-home service programs, two nutrition programs, and an assistance and insurance counseling program. Her six years there brought the organization back into the good graces of the IRS, she led and implemented strategic planning and information management to expand by three programs and obtained a grant for the organization to build a facility. She designed the 7,400 sq ft facility, oversaw the construction bid, and is currently overseeing the construction process.

Before that, Dara had her own accounting practice and specialized in small business creation and growth. She loves the process of turning the spark of an idea into reality through planning and execution. During that time, she saw a need in her community for an Early Learning Center, so she started one and got it successfully established, with a 98% scholarship rating for the students that attended.

Dara holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, is a Leadership Flathead Reservation graduate, and is currently finishing her Non-Profit Administration Certificate with the University of Montana.

She is currently the Treasurer of the Montana Transit Association and the Polson Boxing Club. She enjoys volunteering and has spent time with a variety of organizations from other Veteran organizations such as Impact Montana to coaching her kid’s little league teams.

Dara is engaged to childhood friend and Marine Corps Veteran, Tomy Parker who is Warrior Rising’s Fundraising Auctioneer. She has five children and spends her leisure time enjoying her family and exploring the wild areas of Montana.