CONTACTS:

Amber Conger, Communications Director, Department of Administration - 406-444-5764

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 20, 2019

Department of Administration Director announces Montana Heritage Center project committee members

Committee members will report to Director Lewis throughout the planning and design phase of the Montana Heritage Center project

MONTANA – Director John Lewis today announced that he has appointed twelve Montana citizens to the Heritage Center project committees.

The Steering Committee is an ad hoc committee which oversees and sets direction for the Building Committee. The Building Committee is comprised of representatives from multiple state agencies, members of the Legislature, and members of the community. The Building Committee will be tasked with fully and openly considering the current, future, and projected needs of the Montana Historical Society, the Capitol complex, and the public, with particular attention to the Society’s responsibilities and mission.

Members were selected based on the specific responsibilities related to their positions, expertise, and the ability to represent the interests of constituent groups. The committees will report to Director Lewis throughout the planning and design phase of the Heritage Center project.

“I’m grateful for the interest from Montanans about this important project.” Director Lewis said. “I look forward to working with each member as we analyze the best location and design for the new Heritage Center.  We remain committed to ensuring this is an open and transparent process,” added Lewis.

Members of the Steering Committee include:

Bruce Whittenberg, Chair, Executive Director, Montana Historical Society

Russ Katherman, Vice-Chair, Administrator, Architecture & Engineering Division, Department of Administration

Steve Baiamonte, Administrator, General Services Division, Department of Administration

Lauren Berka, Director’s Office, Department of Administration

Kent Kleinkopf, Board President, Montana Historical Society Board of Trustees

Members of the Building Committee include:

Russ Katherman, Chair, Administrator, Architecture & Engineering Division, Department of Administration

Bruce Whittenberg, Vice-Chair, Executive Director, Montana Historical Society

Denise King, Central Services Administrator, Montana Historical Society

Jennifer Bottomly-O’Looney, Senior Curator, Montana Historical Society Museum

Steve Baiamonte, Administrator, General Services Division, Department of Administration

Jennifer Olson, Administrator, Community Development Division, Department of Commerce

Honorable Terry Gauthier, Senator, Senate District 40, State of Montana

Honorable Julie Dooling, Representative, House District 7