Wetzel Selected As Department’s Tribal Liaison

The Montana Department of Labor and Industry has announced that Don Wetzel Jr. has joined the department as its tribal liaison, serving as a senior leader within the department and reporting directly to Commissioner Sarah Swanson.

With more than two decades of experience directing shared efforts between national, state and tribal entities, Wetzel will lead the department’s outreach to and engagement with Montana’s tribal communities.

“Bringing Donnie aboard the DLI team is a recognition of his talents and relationships across Montana’s tribal communities,” Swanson said. “It’s also a recognition that the Department has more to do when it comes to engaging our tribal nations and ensuring tribal voices are heard and served effectively.”

Wetzel is Swanson’s first outside hire for her Commissioner’s Office team since her appointment as Commissioner of Labor & Industry by Governor Greg Gianforte just over 70 days ago.

Among Wetzel’s priorities at the Department will be expanding opportunity for tribal youth aged 14-24. The Department operates a number of programs focused on this cohort, such as Jobs for Montana’s Graduates.

A member of the Blackfeet Nation, he graduated from Harlem High School and received both an undergraduate and a master’s degree from Montana State University – Billings, where he played basketball.