Montana’s next governor, Congressman Greg Gianforte, took the first step Friday to make good on his campaign promise to install new leaders at state agencies. Three days after winning the executive office, Gianforte is taking applications for top state jobs.
Gianforte’s transition team launched a website called servemontana.com. It’s an open call for applicants to fill director positions at all of Montana’s state agencies, like the departments of public health and human services, revenue and labor and industry.
Gianforte is also looking to appoint new members to state boards and commissions.
Gianforte, a Republican, is taking over the governor’s office from current Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock. It’s not uncommon for new governor’s to appoint new leaders to state agencies, especially when the opposing party comes into power. Former Gov. Brian Schweitzer did so when he succeeded Republican Gov. Judy Martz.
Replacing agency leaders was a key platform of Gianforte’s campaign. He emphasized a desire for new leaders at the departments of environmental quality and natural resource conservation who will streamline project permitting.
In a statement on the new website, Gianforte said, "Montanans have made their voices heard. You want Helena to change how it does business."
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