State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Announces Leadership Change at Montana Department of Corrections
Eric Strauss to serve as Director starting January 6
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the appointment of Eric Strauss as Director of the Montana Department of Corrections (DOC).
In October, Gov. Gianforte announced the current director, Brian Gootkin, was nominated by President Donald J. Trump to serve as a United States Marshal for the District of Montana. Stauss will assume the role on January 6.
“Eric has been a strong leader who will carry on Director Gootkin’s progress at the Department of Corrections,” Gov. Gianforte said. “He’s committed to overseeing the historic investments we’ve made into our correctional facilities and building the future of corrections in Montana. I’m grateful to Director Gootkin for his service to the State of Montana and I look forward to seeing what Eric accomplishes in this role.”
Strauss has served as DOC’s deputy director since December 2024. Prior to that, he served for nine years as the administrator for the Employment Standards Division at the Montana Department of Labor & Industry. Strauss also previously held the position of Director of Organizational Excellence at St. Peter’s Hospital.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by Governor Gianforte’s trust in me to serve as the next Director of the Montana Department of Corrections,” Strauss said. “I want to thank Director Gootkin for his leadership and dedication to public safety and rehabilitation. I look forward to building on the Department’s strong foundation and working alongside our dedicated staff and community partners to ensure a safer, more effective corrections system for all Montanans.”
A native of northeastern Montana, Strauss graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. He also holds a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Montana. Strauss currently serves as a board member of Shodair Children’s Hospital and previously served as a board member for the Helena Area Habitat for Humanity and as a commissioner on the Commission on Community Service. Strauss resides in Clancy with his wife and two kids.
A headshot of Eric Strauss may be downloaded here.
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