BUTTE – Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive Matt Vincent and the Parks & Recreation Director Search Committee have selected J.P. Gallagher as the next Butte-Silver Bow Parks & Recreation Director. Pending confirmation by the Council of Commissioners at a special meeting Wednesday, July 22nd (at the conclusion of the Council’s Committee of Whole meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m.), Mr. Gallagher will take up his post on Monday, July 27. The Search Committee consisted of Commissioner Cindi Shaw; Commissioner Dennis Henderson; Director of Public Works Dave Schultz; Director of Community Development Karen Byrnes; Director of Human Resources Ron Stormer and Parks Superintendent Kelly Dennehy.
“I am pleased with the selection of J.P. for this position,” said Chief Executive Matt Vincent. “Growing up and living in Butte for most of his life, he knows the facilities and outdoor opportunities Silver Bow County has to offer. His passion in recreation and previous professional experiences in education and management make him the ideal choice to lead our Parks & Recreation Department.”
Mr. Gallagher will be coming to Butte-Silver Bow from his position as the Principal at Whittier Elementary School. Previous professional positions have included: Physical education, health, and history teacher, head golf coach, and assistant track coach at Butte High School (2003 - 2010); Physical education teacher and Recreations Director at RYO Juvenile Detention Center (2002 -2003); Independent sales representative at Jostens, Inc., Butte (1997 – 2002); History teacher and assistant football coach at Flathead High School (1995 – 1997); and Physical education, and health teacher, head football, assistant wrestling, and assistant track coach at Choteau High School (1992 – 1995). Mr. Gallagher holds a Bachelor Science in Education from the University of Montana, Western (1992), a Master of Education from Graceland University (2008), and an Education Leadership Certificate from the Principal Certificate Program at Montana State University (2011).
“It is a great pleasure to be considered for the Parks & Recreation Director position with Butte-Silver Bow,” Said Gallagher, “Although it is a bittersweet moment to be leaving Whittier Elementary, where the students and staff made coming to work a privilege and honor every day. I have to follow my passion, which from a young age is sports and recreation. My goal in this position is to continue to improve our first class parks and recreation facilities and grow the fantastic outdoor opportunities within Silver Bow County. I cannot wait to get started.”
For additional question on this position, please contact Ron Stormer, Director of Human Resources at (406) 497-6429. If you would like more information on Mr. Gallagher’s background/qualifications or an interview please contact Jeremy Gatz-Miller, Butte-Silver Bow Online and Public Communications Administrator who will help facilitate your request.