Bullock taps DEQ head Tom Livers to serve as budget director

Governor Steve Bullock today announced the appointment of Tom Livers as the Director of the Office of Budget and Program Planning (OBPP).

"Tom has over four decades of experience in public service working with Democrats and Republicans and I'm confident Montanans can trust him to be a fiscally-responsible steward of our taxpayer dollars," said Governor Bullock. "I look forward to working with him to continue the investments we've made in our communities to make Montana an even better place to live, work, build a business, get a quality education, enjoy our public lands, and raise a family."

Livers has previously served as Director of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and has held several leadership positions at DEQ and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). As Director Livers spearheaded a major overhaul of the department's organizational structure, fostered a culture of collaboration across work units and among state agencies, and elevated the department's focus on problem solving and public involvement.

"I'm honored to serve as Budget Director and I look forward to working with the Governor and the administration to meaningfully advance policy to help Montanans," said Director Livers. "I've been privileged to work on challenging issues with the great team at the Department of Environmental Quality and I welcome the opportunity to work alongside the talented staff of the Office of Budget and Program Planning." 

Legislators from both sides of the aisle praised Livers' appointment to the position.

"I have worked with Tom for many years and have always found him to be someone who is willing to sit down, talk about hard issues and come to an agreement," said Duane Ankney (R-Colstrip), SD 20. "He is a good choice for the job and I look forward to working with him this session."

"I've worked with Tom for over 25 years and I've personally seen his ability to work across the aisle and find common ground on a wide variety of issues. It makes him a great fit to take the helm of the state's budget," said Jon Sesso (D-Butte), SD 37. "We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and working with the Executive to ensure our shared values and priorities as Montanans are reflected in the upcoming budget."

Livers replaces Dan Villa, who recently accepted a new role as Executive Director of the Montana Board of Investments. Villa served as Director of OBPP since 2011.