My name is Rio Wittmayer Roland. I was born and raised in the Turtle Mountains of north-central North Dakota. Growing up gay in rural North Dakota and having a dad who made his living in the oil industry, I pursued a career in environmental issues.

I have an undergraduate degree from Oregon State University in Bioresource Research and a Master’s of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota.

I am an engineer in the renewable energy industry, designing utility-scale wind farms.  Before that, I was an environmental planner focused on watershed planning, hydrologic restoration opportunities, and critical trout habitat preservation.

I volunteer for the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority and am the chair of the Bozeman Transportation Board.  I’m deeply committed to meaningful change for Montanans.

Oh, I love to fly-fish and have a super cute dog, BeBe, who loves being on the water!