BOZEMAN, Mont. – Governor-elect Greg Gianforte today announced his appointment of Malcolm “Mack” Long to lead the Department of Transportation.
“Mack is a problem solver, and the kind of leader we need running the Department of Transportation.” Governor-elect Gianforte said. “With a background in engineering and management, I’m confident that Mack will ensure our roads, railways, and airways are managed properly.”
Long brings twenty-five years of experience in professional construction operations and management to the position, serving as president of the JTL Group – a construction company started by his grandfather in Billings. After his retirement from JTL, Long served as owner of an oil field service business in Montana and Wyoming.
With a breadth of experience in the construction industry, Long has worked on airport reconstruction, highways, utilities work, and major industrial plant construction.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve the people of Montana as the Director of the Department of Transportation. I look forward to collaborating with Governor Gianforte, Lt. Governor Juras, and the great team at the Montana Department of Transportation to keep this state’s large and varied transportation systems moving smoothly and safely,” incoming director of transportation Mack Long said.
Long has received numerous statements of support for his appointment:
DAVE GALT, executive director of the Montana Petroleum Association
“The appointment of Mac Long as director of transportation will add much needed finance and management experience to Montana’s second largest department. Mac’s experience in highway construction and maintenance will be a huge positive for Montana’s highway users.”
DEBBIE NOHRTON, former MDT Aeronautics Division Administrator
“With his engineering background, time spent as a business owner and experience as a construction operations manager, Mack is well positioned to lead the agency.”
BOB WARREN, president of the Montana Contractors Association
“I had the pleasure of working with Mac 30 years ago at Western Materials in Missoula. As a contractor, his appointment will be a great segue to stronger partnering between contractors and MDT. The Montana Contractors Association is looking forward to solidifying our relationship with MDT. Having a leader who understands the nuances of running a contracting business will mean that everyone succeeds.”
Long is the eighth agency head appointed by Governor-elect Gianforte, who campaigned on installing new leadership and adopting a culture of customer service at state agencies.
Born and raised in Billings, Long is a graduate of Montana State University where he earned a B.S. in Business Management and Construction Engineering Technology, as well as the University of Montana where he earned a master of Business Administration.