Montana Republican Governor Elect Greg Gianforte is wasting little time getting prepared to be sworn in as our next Governor. Gianforte was elected November 3, receiving 56% of the vote and claiming the largest victory (12%) by any first term Governor since 1920.

Recently the Office of the Governor Elect released a statement announcing its Joint Transition Advisory team for the Department of Commerce and the Department of Labor and Industry.

The press release is included below and includes a couple names familiar to Blaine County residents.

BOZEMAN, Mont. – Governor-elect Greg Gianforte today announced his joint-transition advisory team for the Department of Commerce and the Department of Labor and Industry.

The advisory team will identify and review candidates to serve as the next directors of Commerce and Labor. The team will forward their recommendations to Governor-elect Gianforte.

"For too long, Montanans have lost out on good-paying jobs and better opportunities here in Montana. It's time to empower Montana workers and create an environment where small businesses thrive so that hardworking Montanans can prosper. I thank this team for its service, and look forward to getting its recommendations," Gianforte said.

This is the fifth transition advisory team established by the governor-elect to assist in identifying exceptional candidates to serve as agency heads and members of related boards. So far, Gianforte has announced transition teams for DPHHS, DOC, and FWP and a joint DNRC-DEQ advisory team.

All members of the Commerce/Labor Transition Advisory Team serve in a voluntary capacity and are not compensated for their time.

Earlier this month, Gianforte launched ServeMontana.com, a website in which individuals may submit their credentials for consideration to serve Montana, including leading state agencies.

Members of Governor-elect Gianforte's Commerce/Labor Transition Advisory Team follow:

Andrew Brekke – vice president of Erickson Insurance Group; member of the Montana Insurance Guaranty Association Board of Directors

Della Ehlke – cattle rancher and owner of Montana Hydraulics

Kristen Heck – president and owner of LC Staffing; founder of Loyal Care In-Home Assistance

Christina Quick Henderson – executive director of the Montana High Tech Business Alliance; adjunct instructor at University of Montana College of Business

Misty Kuhl – director of Native American Outreach at Rocky Mountain College; A'aniiih member of the Fort Belknap Indian Community

Tony Martel – president of Martel Construction; former president of the Montana Contractors Association

Derek Swank – executive vice president of Swank Enterprises, a commercial construction company; former president of the Montana Contractors Association

Dexter Thiel – president of Thiel Bros Roofing; founding member and former president of the Montana Roofing Contractors Association

Joe Unterreiner – former president and CEO of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, 1996-2020

Steve Wahrlich – owner of the Best Western Plus ClockTower Inn & Stella's Kitchen and Baker; member of Montana's Tourism Advisory Council.