Malcom “Mack” Long, director of the Montana Department of Transportation, plans to retire on March 22, with Larry Flynn – Montana DOT’s deputy director – stepping in to serve as the agency’s interim director.
Appointed by Governor Greg Gianforte (R) as director in January 2021, Long brought 25 years of experience in professional construction operations and management to his role at Montana DOT. He previously served as president of the JTL Group, a construction company started by his grandfather in Billings, Mont. After his retirement from JTL, Long served as the owner of an oil field service business in Montana and Wyoming.
Long also served as the chair of the Committee on Construction for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) since January 2022.
“I’m grateful to Mack for his leadership at Montana DOT and his service to the people of Montana,” Gov. Gianforte noted in a statement. “On his watch, the agency has emphasized the importance of customer service and streamlined permitting to improve our state’s transportation infrastructure. I appreciate the personal sacrifice Mack and his family made as he entered public service. I’ll miss the good-natured approach he brought to serving Montana and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
“It’s been an honor to lead Montana DOT and be a part of the governor’s successful, productive administration,” Long said. “I’m proud that we’ve reduced red tape, improved our customer service, and made great progress to improve the safety and resiliency of our state’s transportation infrastructure. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served the state I call home, and after talking with my wife and family, it’s time for me to retire and spend time with them at our home in Billings.” Learn more about Montana DOT here.