HELENA, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte on Jan 21, 2025, announced the following appointments:

Board of Regents of Higher Education

Raina Mortenson, Malta: As a student at the University of Montana Western, Mortenson is enrolled in the Kinesiology program and grew up on her family's farm north of Dodson. Her term will run through July 1, 2025.

Heather Hoyer, Belt: Serving as District Superintendent for Great Falls Public Schools, Hoyer brings decades of leadership in teaching and administration through her work in Great Falls. Hoyer has a bachelor of science in secondary science education from UM Western Montana College and a master of education in educational leadership from the University of Montana. Her term will run through February 1, 2032.

Board of Public Education

Julia Maxwell, Marion: As Superintendent for the Marion K-8 School District, Maxwell previously served as a school administrator and elementary school teacher. Maxwell obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from MSU-Northern and master’s in educational leadership from Western Governor’s University. Her term will run through February 1, 2028.

Hannah Nieskens, Cardwell: As Superintendent for Whitehall Public Schools, Nieskens previously served as a teacher and administrator in Whitehall for nearly a decade. Nieskens has a bachelor of science in elementary education from Montana State University, a master’s degree in education technology, and a juris doctor from Concord Law School. Her term will run through February 1, 2032.

A full list of current appointments may be viewed here.