Blasdel named director of Department of Administration

Gov. Greg Gianforte on Tuesday tapped former Flathead Valley legislator Mark Blasdel to lead the Montana Department of Administration.

Blasdel will replace outgoing director Misty Ann Giles at the end of August. Giles is leaving the government position to take a job in the private sector, the Governor’s Office said in a press release.

Blasdel currently serves as director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, which works on statewide business retention and recruitment, and other workforce initiatives. He served four terms in the state House from 2007 to 2013, followed by four terms in the Senate from 2015-2021.

“Having worked closely with Mark for years, I have seen firsthand his commitment to efficient, effective government and his ability to address the problems facing Montanans,” Gianforte said. “He has been a trusted partner, and I am confident his leadership will build on the strong foundation we’ve built.”

Blasdel was speaker of the House in 2013 and president of the Senate in 2021. A native of the Flathead Valley, Blasdel holds a degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

“Misty has set a high bar, and I look forward to building on the progress our administration has made,” Blasdel said. “My focus remains on ensuring the Department and all state agencies operate with the efficiency Montanans deserve. I’m eager to hit the ground running in this new role.”