News Release

Governor-Elect Judy Martz
State Capitol, Helena, Montana 59620 Phone 406-444-3111

For immediate release: November 28, 2000
For more information: Betti Christie Hill, 444-3111

Martz Names Four Staff Members

Today, Governor-Elect Judy Martz named four members to her staff. They include:

• Leo Giacometto as Northwest Power Planning Council Representative
• Shane Hedges as Chief Policy Advisor
• Anastasia Burton as Press Secretary
• Heather Kiedrowski as Special Assistant to the Lieutenant Governor

"I feel so humbled by the dozens and dozens of applications and resumes we are receiving from people across the state," Martz said. "Karl and I are so thankful for the faith that people are placing in us as we go through this process."

"For years, I have actively worked with each of these four individuals who I'm announcing today, and I have the greatest confidence in their abilities and talents. Leo is certainly well-known across the state in the capacities he has worked - both in the private and public sectors. Shane's one of the most hardworking individuals I've ever known. Besides being incredibly bright and well-informed, he has endless energy. He'll be perfect for heading up our legislative shop."

"In this office, dealing with the press is extremely important, and I've had great experience with Anastasia during the past few years in her capacity," Martz said, "and I look forward to continuing our working relationship. And the same goes for Heather. Working for a campaign is incredibly difficult work, and she stepped up to the plate for that challenge. So we know that she'll be great working as Karl's special assistant."

Leo Giacometto is currently employed with Washington Group International as Vice President of Government Affairs in their Washington, D.C. office. In the past, he has served as a legislator from eastern Montana, U.S. Marshall for the state, Director of the Montana Department of Agriculture, and most recently as Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Conrad Burns.

Shane Hedges, who served as Campaign Manager for the Martz/Ohs Campaign, grew up in Plentywood and Cardwell. He worked for two years for U.S. Congressman Rick Hill as Deputy Chief of Staff and was the campaign manager of Hill's 1998 successful re-election effort. He is a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C.

Anastasia Burton has been involved with public relations for several years. She has worked as Press Secretary for Governor Marc Racicot since May 1998. Prior to that appointment, she was the Public Information Officer for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, and had previous experience as a media buyer for a media buying agency in California. She has a B.A. in Broadcast Communications from the University of Great Falls, and is a graduate of Conrad High School.

Heather Kiedrowski is a recent graduate of the University of Montana with a degree in Communications. She was employed by the Martz/Ohs Campaign as a scheduler for both candidates. Before that, she worked for the Montana Association of Realtors as Member Services Coordinator, then before that as Assistant Escrow Officer for First Montana Title Company. She grew up in Great Falls.