HELENA — Brian Gootkin, the former director of the Montana Department of Corrections and former Gallatin County Sheriff, has been confirmed as U.S. Marshal for the District of Montana.
President Donald Trump announced last October that he would appoint Gootkin to the position. On Sunday, Gootkin was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in a vote of 46-43.
Before working in state government, Gootkin spent 21 years with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. He was appointed sheriff in 2012 and served in the position until 2021.
Governor Greg Gianforte named Gootkin as the Department of 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.
Montana’s U.S. senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy congratulated Gootkin on clearing the vote.
“Brian Gootkin has served Montana proudly for years, and we are thrilled that he has been confirmed to serve as Montana’s U.S. Marshal. Brian’s experience at the Department of Corrections and as Sheriff of Gallatin County have proven his commitment to public safety and the rule of law. We look forward to seeing the continued impact he will have on our great state,” they said in a news release.
“Congratulations to Brian Gootkin on his confirmation,” Gianforte posted 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.”
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.
