Jerry Howe

A veteran of the Utah Legislature is taking over leadership of the Montana’s Legislative Services Division, which provides the state’s citizen lawmakers with research and legal advice, computer and payroll services, and support for the biennial sessions. 

Legislative leadership announced today that Jerry Howe succeeds Susan Byorth Fox, who led the nonpartisan agency for 16 years. 

Montana’s Legislative Council, an evenly split bipartisan committee that includes Senate President Mark Blasdel, Speaker of the House Wylie Galt, and other leaders, selected Howe after a nationwide search. 

“Mr. Howe exhibited a passion and desire to serve, a characteristic that exemplifies the Legislative Branch,” said Blasdel, who chairs the council. “Jerry’s experience and commitment will continue a long-standing tradition of service and excellence as he continues to lead an incredible group of professionals in the Legislative Services Division.” 

Kim Abbott, House Minority Leader and the council’s vice chair, said, “Jerry brings a wealth of experience and significant talent to this critical role. I am confident he will build on the excellent service we’ve received over the last 16 years.” 

Howe worked for the Utah Legislature for 32 years as a policy analyst and manager. He earned a Master of Public Administration degree and bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Brigham Young University and taught political science as an adjunct professor. 

“I am honored to be selected to serve the Montana Legislature in the Legislative Services Division and proud to join an office with such a distinguished reputation,” Howe said. “Although the Legislative Services Division performs many functions, it exists for one reason only — to serve the needs of every legislator in a professional, nonpartisan manner.  

“I envision an office that is more helpful than it is bureaucratic, more resilient than it is rigid, and more respectful, dignified, and professional than is expected.” 

Howe brings a love of the outdoors to Montana. He fishes, takes long-distance hikes, and finds solace in regular polar plunges in the winter. 

“I love a challenging adventure, a good meal, and the legislative process almost as much as I love my wife and family,” said Howe, the father of four. 

The Legislative Services Division dates to 1957 when legislators created a “key fact-finding body that ‘would provide the lawmakers with better intelligence and help free them from such heavy reliance on lobbyists,'” according to a history of the branch written by the first executive director. Today, the division has 69 full-time staff that includes attorneys, researchers, support staff, and an information technology team. The division also hires temporary session staff every two years. 

Susan Fox

Howe becomes the seventh director in the agency’s history. Fox, who will retire June 1, started her legislative career as a session staffer during the 1989 session and became a research analyst in 1992 specializing in human services and redistricting. She was named executive director in 2006 and led the effort to modernize the computer system the agency uses to draft legislation, run the session, and distribute the laws of Montana.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of my roles working for the Legislature,” Fox said. “I’m honored to lead an exceptional, dedicated, and hard-working staff. It’s always a pleasure to meet legislators from across the state and get to know Montana in a way that very few have the opportunity.”

Fox knows Howe through their work with the Council of State Governments. She said, “He’s the consummate professional and will continue to lead the division with honor and integrity.”