Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Tuesday that Misty Ann Giles will leave her post as director of Montana's Department of Administration at the end of August, and that former state lawmaker Mark Blasdel will take over the role.
Blasdel currently serves as director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development. Before that appointment, he represented the Flathead Valley in the Montana Legislature. The Department of Administration is one of the larger state agencies, overseeing state procurement, human resources, information technology infrastructure, and the management of state-owned buildings — functions that touch nearly every other agency in state government and, by extension, the daily operations of state services delivered to Montanans.
Giles has led the department under Gianforte and is departing at a time when state government is managing the aftermath of the 2025 legislative session and ongoing pressures on the state's IT and facilities portfolios. No reason was given in the governor's office press release for her departure. Her last day is expected to be in late August.
Blasdel's confirmation, if required, would go before the Montana Senate. His transition from economic development to general government administration represents a shift in portfolio, though both roles involve managing large state operations and working closely with the Governor's Office. Helena, as the state capital, is home to the bulk of the department's staff and facilities.