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Ryan Finn named to fill District 3 Gallatin County commission vacancy starting July 1
Summary
After a public hearing and brief public endorsement, the commission voted to appoint Ryan Finn to the District 3 vacancy effective July 1, 2026; commissioners discussed timing to accommodate Finn’s employment leave and the effect of adding a third commissioner to ongoing budget and regulatory work.
The Gallatin County Commission on May 5 appointed Ryan Finn to fill the District 3 vacancy, setting a start date of July 1, 2026.
Finn addressed the commission briefly and said he was "all in and happy to do it." Julia Shada, who identified herself as a member of the Gallatin County Democratic Central Committee, offered a public endorsement, telling commissioners she was impressed by Finn’s experience and approach and recommending his appointment.
Commissioners discussed timing and staff impacts; one commissioner recommended a July 1 start to allow Finn to use an employer leave policy and to avoid disrupting the ongoing budget process. After discussion, a motion to appoint Finn with a July 1 start date passed 2–0.
The appointment fills a temporary vacancy under MCA 7-4-2106; commissioners said they would complete onboarding steps before the start date.
