Governor Gianforte Appointed Larry Flynn as MDT Director

Larry Flynn, a longtime agency official, has been tapped to lead the Montana Department of Transportation.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People

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Governor Greg Gianforte has appointed longtime agency official Larry Flynn to lead the Montana Department of Transportation, succeeding Chris Dorrington. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Governor Greg Gianforte has appointed Larry Flynn as the new director of the Montana Department of Transportation. Flynn succeeds outgoing director Chris Dorrington to lead the state agency.

Why it matters

The appointment places an experienced financial veteran at the helm of a state agency responsible for massive infrastructure investments across Montana. Flynn is tasked with overseeing critical operations and policy development for the department.

The Montana Department of Transportation oversees an annual budget of $1 billion and maintains a workforce of more than 2,000 employees. Flynn brings 16 years of experience from his previous role as the agency's chief financial officer.

The players

Greg Gianforte

He is the current Governor of Montana and is responsible for making high-level appointments to state agencies.

Larry Flynn

He is the newly appointed director of the Montana Department of Transportation who previously served as the agency's deputy director and chief financial officer.

Chris Dorrington

He is the outgoing director of the Montana Department of Transportation.

The details

Flynn previously served as the agency's deputy director since 2023, where he managed operations, finances, and policy. His transition follows an extensive tenure in leadership roles within the department.

Timeline

  1. Larry Flynn began serving as deputy director in 2023.

  2. Governor Gianforte announced the appointment on October 1, 2026.

Market Landscape

The appointment follows Montana's efforts to align state leadership with the management of federal funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Flynn's financial background positions the agency to prioritize fiscal oversight while navigating major infrastructure projects.

Residents may see shifts in departmental policy and project prioritization under the new director's management. The appointment impacts how state transportation resources are allocated and managed across Montana communities.

The takeaway

Flynn's extensive background as a chief financial officer suggests a future departmental focus on budgetary efficiency. His transition ensures continuity for an agency managing the state's largest transportation expenditures.

Further reading

For more information on state leadership transitions, visit Montana People.

Live Poll

Do you trust the management of your state's transportation agency to efficiently handle its budget?