Senate Education Committee hears and concurs in governor's appointments to Montana Historical Society board

Senate Resolution 26, which seeks concurrence in six appointments to the Montana Historical Society Board of Trustees made by Governor Gianforte, was heard and recommended for concurrence by the Senate Education Committee.

Senator John Fuller introduced the resolution and listed the appointees: Kim Briggeman (Missoula), Tim Fox (Clancy), Peter Johnson (Clancy), William Jones (Harlowton), Rachel Reckin (Helena), and Candy Zion (Winifred). Hannah Slusser from the governor’s office testified in support and explained board makeup and statutory expectations: 15 trustees appointed by the governor serving five-year terms, with one trustee required to be recognized as a historian and one as an archaeologist. Slusser noted Rachel Reckin fulfills the archaeologist qualification.

Rachel Reckin, one appointee, testified about her background as a public archaeologist and historic-preservation specialist with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and described her academic credentials and experience as reasons for appointment.

Committee action and disposition

The committee received written statements for appointees unable to attend and took no opposition testimony. The chair called for a do-concur motion and the committee voted to concur; the record shows unanimous concurrence by voice and by I-by-proxy statements for absent members.

Why it matters: The Historical Society Board oversees stewardship of state historical resources and collections; trustee appointments shape board priorities for preservation, programming and historic site management.

Sources: SR 26 committee hearing transcript and testimony from governor’s office staff and appointee Rachel Reckin.