News Release
Statement by Governor Judy Martz on Board of Regents Appointment
1/30/2004
Kris Goss
406-444-3862
kgoss@state.mt.us
"Today I am naming Townsend native, Mike Foster, to fill a vacancy on
the
Montana University System Board of Regents. After interviewing four
excellent candidates, I decided that Mike is best-suited for this very
important appointment.
His first-hand knowledge of the university system, years of service in
the
legislative and the executive branches of government, and work in the
private sector make him a perfect fit for the Board of Regents. As the
University System pursues opportunities to work more closely with state
government and the business community to improve Montana's economy, I am
confident that Mike will be a valuable asset to the Board.
Mike was an excellent member of my cabinet and staff. With his
experience
in the Montana House and Senate and in the private sector, he will be
able
to hit the ground running to help the Regents develop a closer working
relationship with the legislature and the business community."
Mike Foster obtained his Bachelor of Arts degrees from Western Montana
College and Carroll College and a master's degree in public
administration
from the University of Montana. Prior to joining the governor's
administration, Foster served as Executive Director of the Montana
Contractors' Association. He served as Commissioner of the Department of
Labor and Industry and later as Chief Policy Advisor in the Martz
Administration. In 2002, Foster became Senior Director of Advocacy with
the
Montana Region of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health Systems
at
Saint Vincent Healthcare in Billings.
Mike and his wife, Mary, who is an elementary school teacher Billings,
have
three children, two attending Montana State University and a third in
5th
grade.
Statement by Mike Foster:
"I am deeply appreciative of Governor Martz for naming me to the Board
of
Regents. I fully support the direction the regents are taking to
improve
their relationship with the legislature and to work with the Governor's
Office of Economic Opportunity on having the university system be an
integral part of building Montana's economy, so our young people can
have
good paying jobs when they finish college. As a graduate of Western
Montana
College with a master's from the University of Montana and a parent of
two
Montana State University students, I know first-hand the value of our
state's higher education system."
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