Montana Title 2. Government Structure and Administration § 2-15-111. Appointment and qualifications of department heads

(1) At the beginning of each gubernatorial term, the governor shall appoint each department head who serves as a director as provided in this chapter.

(2) An appointment of a director by the governor is subject to the confirmation of the senate, except that the governor may appoint a director to assume office before the senate meets in its next regular session to consider the appointment. A director so appointed is vested with all the functions of the office upon assuming the office and is a de jure officer, notwithstanding the fact that the senate has not yet confirmed the appointment. If the senate does not confirm the appointment of a director, the governor shall make a new appointment.

(3) A director serves at the pleasure of the governor. The governor may remove a director at any time and appoint a new director to the office.

(4) The governor shall select a director on the basis of the person's professional and administrative knowledge and experience and additional qualifications that are provided by law.

(5) If a vacancy occurs in the office of a director, the governor shall appoint a new director to serve at the pleasure of the governor.

(6) Heads of departments who are not directors must be elected or appointed and serve and have their vacancies filled as provided by law.