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Bill would move hiring of Veterans Affairs administrator to Adjutant General; board would retain oversight
Summary
HB 81 would change supervision and hiring of the Montana Veterans Affairs Division administrator by making the Adjutant General the hiring official while retaining board oversight; the Adjutant General, the administrator and board leaders supported the change as aligning daily supervision and HR capability.
Representative Marta Bertoglio presented House Bill 81, requested by the Department of Military Affairs, to amend MCA 10‑2‑102 so the Adjutant General becomes the hiring official for the Montana Veterans Affairs Division (MVAD) administrator. The sponsor said the board currently hires the administrator but the Adjutant General conducts the day‑to‑day supervisory duties and DMA has human‑resources capacity to manage recruitment and selection.
Major General J. Peter Hronek testified that while the Board of Veterans Affairs provides oversight and policy direction, the Adjutant General conducts the supervisory duties and DMA has HR staff that perform recruitment and selection for divisions. MVAD administrator Kelly Ackerman said she relies on board support but also on daily supervision and support from the Adjutant General; she endorsed the bill as a way to streamline hiring and supervision.
Roger Hagan, vice chairman of the Board of Veterans Affairs, and retired Colonel Michael Stone, board chairman, both testified in support. No opponents were recorded in the hearing excerpt and informational witnesses from DMA stood by for questions. Proponents said the board would continue oversight and policy work while operational supervision and hiring authority would move to DMA to improve responsiveness and align supervisory duties.
