Southwest Montana News

Governor Greg Gianforte has announced the nomination of Adam Meier to lead the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The governor emphasized the importance of having a "solutions-oriented" department to address ongoing challenges such as the pandemic and addiction issues. He stated, "With his strong background as an effective leader and change agent, Adam will bring greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency to DPHHS as it serves Montanans."

Adam Meier's professional background includes his role as a partner and senior policy consultant with Connecting the Dots Policy Solutions, LLC. His work focused on health, human services, education, and workforce policy. From May 2018 to December 2019, Meier served as secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), where he led reforms in health policy, child welfare, substance use disorder response, and public benefits delivery.

Expressing gratitude for his nomination, Meier said, “I am humbled and honored to join the outstanding team Governor Gianforte has assembled... Together... we will work to build a more cohesive and effective health and human services ecosystem.”

Meier's experience extends beyond state-level positions; he has served at the federal level with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a contracting officer and locally on the Fort Thomas City Council.

Support for Meier’s nomination came from leaders in both Montana and Kentucky. Kurt Alme from Montana’s Governor’s Office of Budget and Program Planning praised Meier's experience in health services. Marilynn Bartlett from the National Academy of State Healthy Policy highlighted his leadership in public health programs. Kimberly Moser from Kentucky's House of Representatives commended his organizational leadership during challenging times.