General Counsel

helen.thigpen@supportum.org | 406-243-6274

Helen Thigpen is responsible for managing the overall legal affairs of the University of Montana Foundation. As general counsel, Helen provides comprehensive legal advice to the Foundation, supports the Board of Trustees, works closely with Foundation leadership and staff, and advises the Foundation on a wide range of matters relating to nonprofit organizations.

Helen previously served as Deputy Commissioner for Government Relations and Public Affairs and Interim Chief Legal Counsel for the Montana University System, which serves over 40,000 students across 16 public colleges and universities in Montana. Helen also spent eight years as an attorney for the Montana Legislature, serving as legal staff for judicial, environmental, and rules committees.

Helen received her J.D. from the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana and earned a bachelor’s degree from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. After law school, Helen served as a law clerk with the Montana Supreme Court.

Helen is a passionate cook and foodie. She holds certificates from Le Cordon Bleu in France and the Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland.