Montana Governor Greg Gianforte Monday announced he’s tapped Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin to lead the Montana Department of Corrections.
Gootkin has been involved in law enforcement in Gallatin County for 27 years, according to the news release from Gianforte’s office.
Gootkin has served as Gallatin County Sheriff since 2012 when he was appointed by the county commission to replace former Sheriff Jim Cashell. He was then reelected three times. He retired as Gallatin County Sheriff Dec. 31.
Gianforte said in the release on the sheriff’s appointment: “I’m proud to nominate Sheriff Gootkin to join our team to change the culture at the Department of Corrections and help the agency better serve the people of Montana.”
Gootkin's appointment has won praise from Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association President Wynn Meeganwho, is also Broadwater County Sheriff, as well as Gallatin County Commissioners.
Gootkin, a financial donor of Gianfote's campaign, was in command when Gianforte assaulted The Guardian political reporter Ben Jacobs on the eve of the 2017 special election for the U.S. House, which Gianforte won.
The Montana Department of Corrections oversees the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, the Montana Women's Prison in Billings, the Riverside Special Needs Unit in Boulder and the Pine Hills Correctional Facility in Miles City, with a total population of 1,587 inmates in state facilities as of 2021.
Gootkin will take over Corrections from current Director Reginald Michael.
