Public Service Commission votes 4–1 to appoint Jamie Peterson as external affairs coordinator

The Public Service Commission voted 4–1 to appoint Jamie Peterson as its external affairs coordinator, the commission announced during a brief meeting.

Helena Lake, the commission’s chief of staff, read a motion submitted by Vice President Fielder that cited the screening and selection panel’s recommendation and moved that the commission appoint Peterson in accordance with the offer letter and the position duties in the internal policy manual. The motion passed with a 4–1 tally; Commissioner Molnar registered the dissent.

Lake introduced Peterson to the commission and summarized her background, saying Peterson is a "public affairs and communications professional with more than 20 of experience in Montana state government and communication roles," and that she had most recently served as director of the Office of Tourism at the Montana Department of Commerce. Lake said Peterson has also held senior roles at the Office of Public Instruction, the Department of Public Health and Human Services, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, and that she had managed "over 20,000,000 in programs" as part of her prior work (the transcript did not specify the units for that figure).

Jamie Peterson addressed the commission, saying she was "really excited to join this team" and that she looked forward to using her experience to support staff and provide services to the public.

There were no other substantive announcements. The chair offered Thanksgiving wishes to staff and Montanans, reminded attendees to travel safely, and adjourned the meeting, noting the commission will return next week.