DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Monday, August 15, 2011

CONTACT:  

                        Marilyn Ross

                        Acting Executive Director

                        406-843-5247

 

                        Marissa Kozel

 

 

(HELENA) – The Montana Heritage Commission (MHC) today announced a staff reorganization to improve the operating efficiency and economic stability of the agency.

 

The reorganization was approved by the Board of Commissioners and the Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, to which the MHC is administratively attached.

 

Two new positions, Business Development Manager and Grants Coordinator, have been created to improve the agency’s business development and fundraising capabilities and allow management to more effectively manage staff.

 

The restructuring will result in the elimination of the position of Site Manager and will combine the positions of Curator of Interpretation, Curator of Collections and Archeologist into a single Cultural Resource Manager position.

 

Two previously unfilled positions from the Helena office in Reeder’s Alley have been eliminated and business operations have been moved to MHC headquarters in Virginia City. The number of seasonally hired workers for Virginia and Nevada Cities has also been reduced from 12 to six.

 

“These changes will allow the Montana Heritage Commission to develop into a stronger, more focused agency and increase its long-term viability,” said Marilyn Ross, Acting Executive Director of the MHC. “It is imperative we take these steps to comply with our statutorily directed mission to preserve Montana’s history and operate with sustainable revenues.”

 

The MHC is charged with acquiring, managing and preserving properties and artifacts with outstanding historical value on behalf of the state of Montana. These include properties in Virginia and Nevada Cities, and Reeder’s Alley in Helena.

 

The Montana Legislature created the MHC and authorized the purchase of restoration properties in Virginia and Nevada Cities from the Bovey family in 1997. The communities have become popular tourism destinations, allowing visitors to experience life during the 1860s gold rush era.

 

Since 2001, the MHC has maintained operations though a combination of various state revenue sources and federal grants. The conclusion of the federal funding has resulted in an unsustainable operating and staff structure.

 

“This was a very difficult decision, but a very necessary one,” said Ross. “We evaluated each and every position to determine how it could fit into our structure for the future. We are committed to preserving Montana’s heritage and providing the best level of service possible, but we must operate under the financial realities of today.”

 

The reorganization is effective today, August 15, 2011.

 

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