State of Montana Newsroom
Department Announces Departure of OPD Director
HELENA, Mont. – Department of Administration Director Misty Ann Giles today announced that Brett Schandelson will step down on November 19, 2025, as director of the Office of Public Defender (OPD).
"I am deeply proud of what our OPD team has been able to accomplish, overcoming enormous challenges and building lasting systems for better public defense in Montana. Thanks to the dedication and skill of this team, and our shared commitment to our mission, I have every confidence that OPD's future will be bright, and the agency will continue to thrive in the years ahead," said Schandelson. "I want to thank the Governor, Director Giles, the Budget Director, and all of my colleagues for their invaluable support of me and OPD over the years."
Schandelson served OPD for nearly eight years - beginning as Development and Operations Bureau Chief before stepping into the Director role in 2022.
"I'm grateful for Brett's leadership at OPD," Governor Greg Gianforte said. "He has been a stalwart defender of the constitutional rights of Montanans. I thank him for his service to the State of Montana and his commitment to a smooth transition at OPD going forward."
"I thank Brett for his time at OPD. He has worn many hats while at OPD – most importantly, protecting Montanans' constitutional right to counsel," said Director Giles.
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