Abell to serve as chair of the county commission
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 6 months AGO
The Flathead County Courthouse in Kalispell on Nov. 5. (Matt Baldwin/Daily Inter Lake)
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | January 3, 2023 11:00 PM
Flathead County Commissioner Brad Abell has been voted chair of the three member commission.
The three commissioners historically rotate through the spot taking turns serving as the chairperson. In January of each year, the commissioners elect the chair of the commission, which is responsible for county policies, setting appropriations, setting levies for county funds, rural improvement districts and more.
Abell replaces Commissioner Pam Holmquist who served as chair during 2022.
Commissioner Randy Brodehl will serve as vice chair for the year.
Abell was elected in November 2020 and Brodehl was elected in November 2018.
Holmquist this fall earned her third term on the commision and is the longest serving current commissioner having been first elected in November of 2010.
The commission is the executive as well as the legislative branch for Flathead County and consists of three elected commissioners who each serve six-year terms and can run for re-election.
Features editor Heidi Desch can be reached at 758-441 or [email protected].
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