Montana State Auditor-Elect James Brown Announces Agency Senior Management Team

DILLON, Montana—James Brown, Montana State Auditor-Elect, announces his leadership appointments to the agency’s senior management team.

On November 5, 2024, James Brown of Dillon was elected as Montana’s 18th State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. He will be sworn into office on January 6, 2025.

In announcing his senior management, Brown said, “After conducting both a public and internal agency search for talented and qualified individuals to join my administration, I am pleased to report that the following Montanans will serve with me as I step into leadership of this important public office.”

• Deputy Auditor—The current Deputy State Auditor, Mary Belcher, has agreed to carry on her current role as the senior leader in the agency, backing up Auditor Brown as agency head.
• Government Affairs Director and Deputy Insurance Commissioner—Frank Cote will retain his duties serving as the agency’s Deputy Insurance Commissioner and policy point man. Mr. Cote has more than 30 years of experience working for and with the Auditor’s office.
• Chief of Staff and Communications Director—David Sanders of Helena will serve as the agency’s Chief of Staff and Communications Director. He will oversee all areas of agency management and external relations. Mr. Sanders will move over from the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC), where he presently holds the same roles and duties.
• Executive Assistant—Heather McRae will join the agency as Commissioner Brown’s executive assistant. Ms.McRae worked with Commissioner Brown at the PSC before being appointed to this new role.

“I am pleased to have assembled an extremely qualified and talented team that shares my commitment to enhancing public trust in government and ensuring Montanans have a watchdog in this vital consumer protection role. Each appointee is committed to making a real difference in the agency’s operations by working efficiently and with accountability,” Brown said.

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