MISSOULA — Brian Gootkin, former Gallatin County Sheriff and former director of the Montana Department of Corrections, was sworn in as the US Marshal for Montana at the Missoula federal courthouse on Monday by the Honorable William Mercer.
President Trump announced last October that he would appoint Gootkin to the position.
Governor Greg Gianforte named Gootkin as Corrections director in 2021. In that role, he oversaw the Montana State Prison and other state correctional facilities. Gootkin stepped down from the position shortly after being nominated to the U.S. Marshal position.
“Congratulations to Brian Gootkin on his confirmation,” Gianforte wrote on social media. “As Montana's U.S. Marshal, he will continue to serve our state with dignity having already exemplified his commitment to Montana communities. Thank you, President Trump, for this nomination.”
Before working in state government, Gootkin previously spent 21 years with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. He was appointed as sheriff in 2012 and served in the position until 2021.
Most recently, Gootkin has been working part-time as an advisor for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, looking at restructuring and rebuilding trust in the Enforcement Division.
