Sarah Swanson, new commissioner of Montana's Department of Labor and Industry | montana.gov
Sarah Swanson, new commissioner of Montana's Department of Labor and Industry | montana.gov
On Aug. 10, Gov. Greg Gianforte named Sarah Swanson as the new commissioner to helm the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Swanson was previously Director of Strategic Engagement for DLI, where she was responsible for connecting education and workforce needs.
“As a proven leader in both the private and public sectors, Sarah is a champion for reimagining workforce development and building sustainable public-private partnerships to empower hardworking Montanans,” Gov. Gianforte said, according to an Aug. 10 press release. “I look forward to partnering with her to build a stronger future for our state.”
Prior to this appointment, Swanson played a pivotal role as the Director of Strategic Engagement for DLI, working diligently to bridge the educational and workforce demands of the state, according to the press release. Her previous experience includes notable achievements in the private sector as an owner and General Manager for Farm Equipment Sales, Inc. (FES). Under her leadership, the John Deere dealer organization, based in northeast Montana, experienced exponential growth, opening three new locations, hiring over 100 new employees, and witnessing a staggering 1300 percent surge in sales.
Per the press release, Swanson's commitment to education and workforce development was evident when, after the successful sale of FES, she championed the Build Montana initiative. This project, done on behalf of the Montana Contractors and Equipment Dealers Associations, facilitated Montana high school students' access to John Deere’s exclusive training platform. Furthering her dedication to the public sector, Swanson went on to serve as the chief of staff for the Montana Office of Public Instruction before her tenure at DLI.
Swanson expressed gratitude and determination in response to her appointment, stating, “As a lifelong Montanan, I am honored to serve the people of Montana and am humbled by the confidence Gov. Gianforte has placed in me. I personally understand the challenges faced by small business owners, and I am passionate about bridging the gap between employers and education, modernizing IT infrastructure, and reducing bureaucratic obstacles for businesses,” according to the press release.
Swanson, originally from Valley County, officially assumed her role as commissioner on Monday, Aug. 14.
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