Gov. Greg Gianforte has appointed Eric Strauss as director of the Montana Department of Corrections, with Strauss set to assume the role on Jan. 6.
The appointment follows the announcement in October that current DOC Director Brian Gootkin was nominated by President Donald J. Trump to serve as U.S. marshal for the District of Montana.
“Eric has been a strong leader who will carry on Director Gootkin’s progress at the Department of Corrections,” Gianforte said in a statement. “He’s committed to overseeing the historic investments we’ve made into our correctional facilities and building the future of corrections in Montana. I’m grateful to Director Gootkin for his service to the State of Montana and I look forward to seeing what Eric accomplishes in this role.”
Strauss has served as the department’s deputy director since December 2024. Before joining DOC leadership, he spent nine years as administrator of the Employment Standards Division at the Montana Department of Labor & Industry. He has also served as director of organizational excellence at St. Peter’s Hospital.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by Governor Gianforte’s trust in me to serve as the next Director of the Montana Department of Corrections,” Strauss said. “I want to thank Director Gootkin for his leadership and dedication to public safety and rehabilitation. I look forward to building on the Department’s strong foundation and working alongside our dedicated staff and community partners to ensure a safer, more effective corrections system for all Montanans.”
A native of northeastern Montana, Strauss earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from the University of Montana and later completed a Master of Arts in communication studies at the same institution.
Strauss currently serves on the board of Shodair Children’s Hospital and previously served as a board member for Helena Area Habitat for Humanity and as a commissioner on the Commission on Community Service. He lives in Clancy with his wife and two children.
By DNU Staff