Gianforte Announces Board Appointments

Gov. Greg Gianforte announced the following appointments on Friday, July 22: Board of Housing

John Wright, Billings: A partner with Halverson, Mahlen & Wright, PC, Wright brings expertise in construction disputes, construction defect, and professional liability. His term will run through January 5, 2025.

Board of Sanitarians Megan Bullock, Boulder: The Jefferson County Sanitarian since 1998 and serving on the board since 2016, Bullock has been reappointed. Her term will run through July 1, 2025.

Matt Strozewski, Boulder: An environmental engineer, with public service experience as a Police Officer and Game Warden, Strozewski will work to promote and improve the health and safety of all Montanans. His term will run through July 1, 2023.

Burial Preservation Board Justin Grayhawk, Poplar: Representing Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, Grayhawk replaces Tom Escarcega, Sr. Grayhawk’s term will run through Aug. 31, 2023.

Montana High School Association Jimmy Patelis, Billings: With extensive leadership experience, serving in corrections and the Montana House of Representatives, Patelis will be a passionate advocate for high school athletes in this role. His term will run through May 1, 2026. Montana Historical Society Board of Trustees Candace Zion, Winifred: With years of experience serving on a variety of boards and in dealing with local, state, and tribal governments, Zion is committed to documenting, preserving, and recording Montana history for generations to come. Her term will run through July 1, 2024.

Montana Public Safety Officer Standards and Training Council Mike McCarthy, Helena: A third-generation Montanan with 40 years’ experience in law enforcement, McCarthy looks forward to continuing his service to keep our communities safe. His term will run through Jan. 1, 2023.

Mark Kraft, Sidney: Currently serving as Sidney’s Chief of Police, Kraft values the importance of ensuring public safety officers are trained and held accountable to the highest professional standards. His term will run through Jan. 1, 2023.

Jim Anderson, Helena: Currently serving as Public Safety Chief for the Montana Department of Corrections, Anderson has a strong working knowledge of the council’s role. Anderson’s term will run through January 1, 2023.

Public Employees Retirement System Board Sonja Woods, Miles City: After a year of service on the board, Woods has been reappointed. Her term will run through April 1, 2027. State Library Commission

Tammy Hall, Bozeman: The 1990 Businesswoman of the Year, Hall brings experience working as a college educator, speech coach, account executive, and business owner. Her term will run through June 1, 2025.

State Parks and Recreation Board Liz Whiting, Great Falls: With a wide range of experience as a former state legislator, Department of Justice employee, and tour guide, Whiting will be an asset to the board in carefully crafting policy. Whiting’s term will run through January 1, 2023.

Statewide Public Safety Communications System Advisory Council Lee Sullivan, Butte: Sullivan will serve as the Fire Protection Community Representative on the council. His term will run through June 30, 2023.

Jeremy Virts, Great Falls: President of the Montana Emergency Medical Services Association and an Emergency Care Provider for over 18 years, Virts will serve as a representative of the emergency medical community. His term will run through June 30, 2023.

Youth Justice Council

Randy Shipman, Dillon: Currently in his 30th year as an educator, Shipman spent the last four years as Superintendent of the Dillon Elementary School District and the last eight years on Youth Justice Council Board. After being reappointed, his term will run through March 1, 2024.

Geri Small, Lame Deer: President of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe until 2008 and Chief Professional Officer with the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation from thereon, Small has been reapportioned to the council. Her term will run through March 1, 2024.

Georgia Cady, Columbus: Cady is a dedicated social worker with over 20 years of work in the mental health and social services field. She works with vulnerable, human trafficked and homeless youth as Executive Director of Tumbleweed. Her term will run through March 1, 2024.

Patricia Steinwand, Helena: Having served over 20 years as a member of the Lewis and Clark Juvenile Justice Council, Steinwand has been reappointed. Steinwand’s term will run through March 1, 2024.

Holly Mook, Clancy: A Licensed Addiction Counselor, Mook has worked with youth from diverse communities and cultures, including as an Adverse Childhood Experiences facilitator for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Mook’s term will run through March 1, 2024.

Mike Chavers, Billings: In addition to working as CEO of the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Chavers is also the Chair of the Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana. His term will run through March 1, 2024.

Emily Sallee, Frenchtown: A Counseling Professor at the University of Montana, Sallee brings extensive experience working with and advocating for youth experiencing trauma. Her term will run through March 1, 2024.

Brie Schulman, Missoula: Schulman is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor currently running Inner Roads Inc. Schulman has been reappointed, and her term will run through March 1, 2024.

Isaac Nehring, Helena: As a board member for multiple youth-oriented nonprofit organizations, Nehring advocates on behalf of young Montanans. His term will run through March 1, 2024.

RaGyn Trombley, Great Falls: A Youth Justice Council member since 2018, Trombley chairs the youth committee and serves on the tribal outreach and executive committees. Her term will run through March 1, 2024.

Mary Jane Knisely, Billings: Judge Knisely passionately serves Montana’s youth both on and off the bench. With her reappointment, she hopes to enhance community- based programming, criminal diversion alternatives, and educational opportunities. Her term will run through March 1, 2024.

Rhonda Lindquist, Helena: Lindquist has held several leading roles in government over her career, including at the Office of Public Defender and Department of Corrections. Her term will run through March 1, 2024.