Montana Gov. Steve Bullock named Brenda Nordlund as the new acting commissioner of labor and industry on March 5. Nordlund replaced interim Commissioner Tom Lopach, who took over when Galen Hollenbaugh retired on December 31, 2019. Since Nordlund was an employee of the department and retained her status as a classified employee, she assumed the title of acting commissioner. Her term is set to expire on January 4, 2021.

The position of labor commissioner exists in all 50 states. Commissioners are tasked with various duties, which may include overseeing the fair treatment of workers, non-payment investigations, the state minimum wage, and other labor-related issues. Most labor commissioners are appointed by the governor. Salaries can range from $60,000 to $195,000. Nordlund will earn $116,480, according to state officials and the Great Falls Tribune.

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Brenda Nordlund
Galen Hollenbaugh
Montana state executive offices