With only two candidates in the race for Flathead County Clerk and Recorder, the June 2 Republican primary election will likely decide who will replace outgoing Clerk and Recorder Debbie Pierson.  

GOP candidates Cheryl Hohman of Columbia Falls and Sheena Sterling of Kalispell shared their plans for the county position with the Daily Inter Lake.  

Cheryl Hohman

Age: 60 

Occupation: GIS Cadastral Specialist 

Family: Married to my best friend and we have one son 

Background: When I started working with land records, I worked for County Guarantee Title Company as a “Title girl.” I posted documents in the plant, recorded documents at the courthouse, ran errands, typed commitments and took orders.  

I started working in the Flathead County Plat Room in 1995. I transferred to the Flathead County GIS Department in 2005 as a Cadastral Specialist. This position maintains the Parcel Database of Flathead County, along with the associated layers such as school districts, fire districts, water and sewer districts, lightning districts, zoning, cemetery districts and RSIDs, to name a few.  

I’ve been a dedicated employee for more than 30 years, and I’m ready and willing to take these offices to the next level. 

Why do you want to be clerk and recorder? 

The Clerk and Recorder Office matters more than most people realize. It’s where accuracy, accountability and public trust all come together — whether it’s land records, birth records, death records or everyday services.  

I want to make sure this office is run with consistency, professionalism and a commitment to serving the public well.  

What qualities and specific job skills do you have that will allow you to be effective in the position? 

I bring over 30 years of hands-on county experience and institutional knowledge that matters in this role. My strengths are attention to detail, organization, the knowledge of procedures and the ability to keep things running efficiently. 

Just as important, I understand how to work with people — both the public and staff — while respectfully maintaining professionalism and clear expectations.  

What changes, if any, would you make in how the Clerk and Recorder’s Office is run? 

I believe there is always room to improve how an office operates. My focus will be well-defined responsibilities and procedures, and that the public receives accurate and timely services.  

I have plans for streamlining workflows and revising antiquated processes, while improving communication within the Clerk and Recorder’s Office and with our customers. Small improvements will make a big difference in both efficiency and customer experience.  

As Flathead County continues to grow, how would you guide the Clerk and Recorder’s Office to handle that growth? 

Growth is inevitable, but growth doesn’t mean bigger government. It means smarter government. Improving efficiency, empowering staff and leveraging resources will enable the office to meet anticipated increases in workload and service levels.  

The goal is to be innovative and use strategic improvements in the approach of the Clerk and Recorder’s Office to keep up with growth while maintaining accuracy, accountability and fiscal responsibility so we continue to serve the public well without overburdening taxpayers.  

Sheena Sterling 

Age: 43 

Occupation: Clerk and Recorder Chief Deputy/Manager for Flathead County 

Family: Married with two children 

Background: I am a third-generation Montanan, second-generation born and raised in Flathead County, and proud to be raising my family here. I have spent over half of my life working in the Flathead County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, helping preserve the records that tell the story of our land, our families and our history.  

This community is my home and serving it has been one of the greatest responsibilities of my life.  

Why do you want to be clerk and recorder? 

I am running for clerk and recorder because I care deeply about Flathead County and the integrity of its public records. These records tell the story of our land, our families and our history, and I want to make sure they are protected and preserved for future generations.  

I have worked in this office for 22 years and have spent the last eight years as chief deputy, managing all four departments withing the Clerk and Recorder’s Office: the Recording Office, Plat Room, GIS and Records Preservation. That experience has given me a strong understanding of both the daily work and long-term responsibilities of the office. 

I am running because Flathead County deserves proven leadership, accountability and someone who is ready to serve effectively from day one.  

What qualities and specific job skills do you have that will allow you to be effective in the position? 

My greatest strengths are experience, leadership and a deep working knowledge of every department within the Clerk and Recorder’s Office. Over the past 22 years, I have served in multiple roles throughout the office, and for the last eight years, I have managed all four departments and 19 staff positions.  

My responsibilities include hiring, staff evaluations, personnel matters, budgeting, ADA and workers’ compensation issues, and daily operational oversight. I also have a strong understanding of the Montana laws and administrative rules that govern these offices, and I closely follow legislative changes that affect our work.  

I have also had the opportunity to work closely with and be mentored by current Clerk and Recorder Debbie Pierson. In addition, I was appointed interim clerk and recorder and election administrator when I oversaw redistricting. Because I understand this office from top to bottom, I am ready to lead effectively from day one.  

What changes, if any, would you make in how the Clerk and Recorder’s Office is run? 

My focus will be on continuing to improve efficiency, public access and the long-term preservation of county records. As Flathead County grows, the office must keep pace by using technology wisely while remaining fiscally responsible. 

I will continue expanding digitization, so records are easier to access and preserve. I will also strengthen records preservation, modernize systems where needed and improve public access to important historic records, including Demersville Cemetery information. In GIS and land records, I support continued modernization to better serve the public and partner agencies.  

I am proud that I helped bring Document Alert to Flathead County, a free tool that helps property owners monitor recordings tied to their name or parcel. That kind of practical, proactive improvement is the approach I will continue as clerk and recorder.  

As Flathead County continues to grow, how would you guide the Clerk and Recorder’s Office to handle that growth? 

Growth brings increased demand for accurate records, timely service and efficient systems. To meet that demand, the Clerk and Recorder’s Office must continue improving technology, workflows and long-term planning while staying mindful of taxpayer dollars.  

Because I manage all four departments and 19 staff positions, I understand how growth affects each part of the office, from recording and preservation to land records and GIS. My approach will be to keep building systems that improve efficiency, support staff and protect the integrity of county records. 

Flathead County needs leadership that is experienced, accountable and forward-looking. We must preserve the history and accuracy of our records while preparing for future needs, and I am prepared to guide the office through that growth with proven hands-on leadership.   

    Republican Cheryl Hohman, 65, is a candidate for Flathead County Clerk and Recorder in the June 2, 2026, primary election. (courtesy)  

    Republican Sheena Sterling, 43, is a candidate for Flathead County Clerk and Recorder in the June 2, 2026, primary election. (Courtesy)