Gov. Gianforte Announces Transition at the Department of Administration

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today announced that Mark Blasdel will succeed Misty Ann Giles in leading the Montana Department of Administration (DOA).

Giles will transition out of her role as director of DOA on August 31 to pursue an opportunity in the private sector.

"Misty Ann Giles has faithfully served our administration since 2021," Gov. Gianforte said. "Her leadership, sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to the people of Montana have helped us deliver meaningful results and leaves behind a legacy of innovation and accountability that will serve our state for years to come. While we are sad to see her go, I am grateful for the many years she has given to our administration."

Assuming the role of director in January 2021, Giles helped advance some of the governor's top priorities, including modernizing and streamlining state procurement, information technology, and human resource processes. Additionally, she led the Remote and Office Workplace Study, or ROWS, to modernize the state's workforce and workplace environment to better use physical office space, support hybrid work, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Under Director Giles, the Department of Administration launched ConnectMT and has managed nearly $1 billion in broadband funding, ensuring these historic investments are deployed with maximum efficiency to reach unserved and underserved rural communities. During her tenure, Montana became the first state in the nation to open its Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment application portal.

"I am grateful to Governor Gianforte for the opportunity to lead the incredible team at the Department of Administration," Director Giles said. "Having joined the administration in 2021, I am proud of what we've accomplished over these past five and a half years. The Department, and the State of Montana, are in a much better place than they were when the governor took office. I have full confidence in Mark Blasdel to continue this important work and deliver top-notch customer service to the people of Montana."

The governor tapped Mark Blasdel, Director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development, to succeed Giles.

"I am pleased to announce that Mark Blasdel will serve as the next Director of the Department of Administration," Gov. Gianforte said. "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. He has been a trusted partner, and I am confident his leadership will build on the strong foundation we've built."

In 2022, Gov. Gianforte appointed Blasdel as Director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development. Blasdel previously served in the Montana State Legislature, including two terms in the State Senate and four terms in the State House. His legislative leadership included serving as Speaker of the House in 2013 and President of the Senate in 2021. A business owner and native of the Flathead Valley, Blasdel holds a degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

"I am deeply honored by the governor's confidence in me to lead the Department of Administration," Blasdel said. "Misty has set a high bar, and I look forward to building on the progress our administration has made. 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."

Download Mark Blasdel's headshot here .

###