FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 18 2025
Contact: Jon Ebelt, Communications Director, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757
jebelt@mt.gov
DPHHS Announces Transition at Montana State Hospital
Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton today announced the appointment of Dr. Daniel Bemporad as the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Montana State Hospital (MSH).
Dr. Bemporad, a distinguished forensic psychiatrist, returns to MSH on July 26. He previously dedicated four years to serving patients at the facility and has recently been supporting DPHHS with its efforts to reduce the backlog of court-ordered evaluations at the hospital. His appointment follows the resignation of Dr. Kevin Flanigan, who has served as MSH CEO since July 2024. Dr. Flanigan has decided to conclude his service at MSH on August 8, 2025.
"I am profoundly grateful to Dr. Flanigan for his unwavering commitment to Montana’s most vulnerable patients and the positive impact he has had on MSH," stated Dir. Brereton. "During his tenure, Dr. Flanigan transformed the hospital’s culture and moved the facility closer to federal certification, allowing Dr. Bemporad to seamlessly carry the ball forward. I welcome Dan back to DPHHS as an employee and believe he is the right psychiatric leader for MSH at this crucial time.”
Dr. Bemporad earned his undergraduate degree from SUNY Stony Brook before attending Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school. He completed his general adult psychiatry residency at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, where he served as chief resident.
Dr. Bemporad brings a deep understanding of MSH operations and patient care to his new interim role, ensuring a smooth transition and continued focus on the hospital's vital mission.
“I’m thrilled to continue my service at DPHHS and build upon the great work of Dr. Flanigan and the outstanding MSH team,” said Dr. Bemporad. “I believe that MSH is on the right track, and I’m honored to take the helm during this period of positive momentum. Together, we’ll ensure patients continue to receive the high-quality care they deserve as we move towards federal recertification.”
MSH is Montana's only public psychiatric hospital and is a vital part of the state's health care system. Its core mission is to offer comprehensive inpatient psychiatric treatment to adults with severe mental illness, particularly when their needs are beyond what community mental health services can provide. MSH is dedicated to patient safety, recovery, and well-being, ultimately helping individuals stabilize and reach their highest level of health and independence.