Director's Office

The Director's Office of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services provides professional support to the agency's 11 divisions.

The office is made up of the department director; the deputy director, who also serves as the State Medicaid Director; the Office of Planning, Coordination, and Analysis; the Office of Budget and Finance; the Prevention Resource Center; the Office of Legal Affairs; the Human Resources Office; and the Public Information Office.

The Director's Office oversees the four overarching goals of the department:

• All Montana children are healthy, safe and in permanent, loving homes.
• All Montanans have the tools and support to be as self-sufficient as possible.
• All Montanans are injury free, healthy and have access to quality health care.
• All Montanans can contribute to the above through community service.

Director Joan Miles was appointed by Governor Brian Schweitzer in September 2005 to oversee the agency's 3,000 employees, 2,500 contracts, and 150 major programs. DPHHS is the largest agency of state government, with a biennial budget of about $2 billion.

Ms. Miles previously served 18 years with the Lewis and Clark City-County Health Department in Helena, Montana - the last 11 years as its director. Earlier in her career, she worked as a law clerk for the Montana Supreme Court and served two terms (1984-88) in the Montana Legislature as a representative of central Helena.

Ms. Miles has a bachelor's degree in medical technology from State University of New York at Albany, a master's degree in environmental studies from the University of Montana in Missoula, and a law degree from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. She is licensed to practice law in Montana and California.

The Deputy Director is John Chappuis. His responsibilities include overseeing the agency in the director's absence, overseeing Medicaid policy and administration throughout the Department, and working to ensure that the department fulfills the requirements imposed upon it by the Montana Legislature.

Mr. Chappuis was hired as Deputy Director in August 2001. He has worked for the Department for many years in various capacities, including as a bureau chief and then assistant administrator of Medicaid services.

Mr. Chappuis attended Clemson and Northern Michigan universities and holds a bachelor's degree in accounting. He has been a licensed Certified Public Accountant since 1981.

The Office of Planning, Coordination, and Analysis is responsible for 1) helping Department employees to plan and coordinate across divisions; 2) developing data sources and reporting statistics and trends in a form that is useful to top management at both the division and department levels; and 3) developing refinancing opportunities and other special projects that enhance the effective and efficient use of the Department's financial resources. The office is headed by Gail Briese-Zimmer.

The Office of Budget and Finance manages the department's budgeting processes. The office provides guidance and support to the department's 11 divisions concerning the reporting and operation of their financial structure, as well as overseeing the day-to-day management of appropriations and operating budget changes for the agency. The office ensures that uniform budgeting processes are used throughout the department and promotes standards that present complex budgeting and accounting records in the most simplified manner. The office is headed by Scott Sim.

The Prevention Resource Center (PRC) helps Montana communities to develop comprehensive prevention efforts in the areas of substance abuse, child and family safety, violence and crime. The PRC supports the Interagency Coordinating Council for State Prevention Programs, directs a statewide AmeriCorp* VISTA project, and provides information resources. The office is headed by Vicki Turner.

The Office of Legal Affairs represents the Department in court actions and administrative hearings, provides legal advice to the agency, and drafts administrative rules and legislation. Russ Cater is Chief Legal Counsel. He oversees a staff of nine attorneys and one paralegal.

For more information about Montana laws and rules, see the Montana Code Annotated or the Montana Administrative Rules.

The Human Resources Office is managed by Kathy Bramer. She and her staff are responsible for all aspects of employee recruitment and hiring, labor relations, contract administration, personnel policy administration, job classification and salary administration, employee relations, safety programs and training, and Equal Employment Opportunity programs.

Click here for information about job opportunities within the Department.

The Public Information Office is staffed by Jon Ebelt. His duties include writing and distributing news releases, organizing news conferences, managing web site content, reviewing publications, handling media inquires and serving as department spokesperson.

All news releases issued by the department are available online. To view news releases of other state agencies, visit Montana NewsLinks.

To contact the Director's Office:

111 North Sanders, Room 301, Helena, MT 59620
PO Box 4210 , Helena MT 59604-4210 
(406) 444-5622 
Fax: (406) 444-1970

Page last updated: 07/02/2008