Think You Know Commissioner Rowley?

Last week, the Missoulian ran features on the Top 20 Under 40 in the Missoula area.  As was made evident in this series of articles, we are immensely fortunate to live in a community of diverse, talented and dedicated individuals. One of these stories highlighted a particular 31-year-old woman who is already beginning to make quite the impact in Missoula County; our newest Commissioner, Nicole “Cola” Rowley.

Martin Kidston’s article (post below) demonstrated Cola’s determination well. For those that haven’t yet had the pleasure of working with her, Cola digs in, works hard and expects the same from those around her. She seeks the public’s input while considering decisions that affect the community. In fact, Cola values honesty and the ability to have an open dialogue nearly above all else, with the exclusion of a hard work ethic and having a sense of humor.

“On the campaign trail people came from all directions to share their thoughts on ways to improve the county or things that needed to be changed,” Cola said. “Now that I’m actually in office, this dynamic has shifted somewhat, but I still look for those conversations and invite the public to become even more engaged with our processes.”

Since her oath on Jan. 1, Cola has been most surprised by the “insular” nature of her role as a Commissioner. Because the public was so involved in her campaign, Cola almost came to expect the same level of participation within her new role. Instead, she has been surprised to find herself in so many internal meetings. She is actively searching out ways to bring the public into daily activities. Although the Commissioners’ meetings are open to the public and there are always comment periods, Cola is looking to continue picking the public’s brain.

This process is not at all atypical for the new Commissioner. However, the application is very different.

Long before she was elected, Cola found herself “bored in the summer” and began reading about the human brain while growing up in Sydney, Montana. She was fascinated by neurology, even from a very young age, and dreamt of becoming a medical doctor in adulthood.

“I went to Dickenson State University and majored in biology with the intent to apply for med schools,” Cola said. “I even went through the interview process for some but instead went to grad school.”

Commissioner Nicole "Cola" Rowley

Cola later earned her PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Utah and spent much of her time working at a lab in Norway to focus research on drug development for neurological disorders.

She then returned back to her home state in 2011 to do her post-doc work at Rocky Mountain Labs with husband, Steve. Cola and Steve have been married for 11 years. In fact, the then 20-year old took her vows by proxy while Steve was in Japan on a tour with the Marines. They had only met one another in-person a small handful of times before marrying, yet Cola says both “just kind of knew.” Together, Cola and Steve have two young daughters; Raina (3) and Casey (9 months).

“I’ve changed careers so many times and moved around so many times that I’ve learned to stop trying to control things,” Cola said. “Things just happen and it’s worked out just to roll with it.” Letting go makes you happier.”

·         Favorite book: The Cobra Effect.

·         Favorite movie: Too long; likes television instead.

·         Favorite TV show: Frasier.

·         Favorite quote: “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.”

 – Abraham Lincoln.

http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/mcbcc/bccprofiles/CRprofile.htm