Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging

A  Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging is mandated by the federal Older Americans Act of 1965 which was reauthorized in 2016. Eleven council members, a majority of whom must be age 60 or older, are appointed by each states' governor to serve three-year terms. The council advises the governor and the department on aging issues and long-term-care concerns.

The Montana Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging serves as the official advisory body to the Governor and the State Aging Coordinator in fulfilling the goals and objectives of the Montana State Legislature and the Older Americans Act of 1965 as amended. Eleven Montana citizens are appointed by Governor Steve Bullock to his Advisory Council on Aging; the Governor also appoints one of the Council members to serve as chair. The Council’s job is to advocate for aging issues and concerns.

Over the past several years, the Council has concentrated its efforts on providing information to older adults and their families and caregivers regarding the issues and challenges they face and providing resources that may help them plan for their long-term-care needs. The council accomplishes part of this outreach via the annual Governor’s Conference on Aging, held in September each year. More information on the conference is available at  the Montana Governor's Conference on Aging. The Council encourages seniors from all over our state to participate in the conferences.

Current Members: Bob Meyers (Chair), Ryan Clark (Vice-Chair), Gayle Carlson (Secretary), Roberta Bigback, Lori Brengle, Jim “Curly” Burns, Peggy Tombre, Alex Ward, Jerry Thux. 

Advisory Council Meeting Agendas

Advisory Council Meeting Minutes

Boards Operating Rules

Council Member Contacts

To learn more about the Governors Advisory Council on Aging , contact Nichole Thennis for more information - Nichole.Thennis@mt.gov

Mini Grants

Does your organization need financial assistance with a project? The Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging raises funds to be presented during the annual Governors Conference on Aging, as "mini-awards" to groups who need help with activities or projects which benefit older adults. Starting in January of each year, programs can apply for Mini-Grants by contacting the Office on Aging.

To learn more about Mini Grants, contact Nichole Thennis -  Nichole.Thennis@mt.gov

Celebrating Centenarians

Montana is rapidly aging and is ranked 5th in the United States in the percentage of citizens 65yrs and older. In order to bring some attention to Montana’s ‘aging tsunami’, the Council established a Centenarian Recognition ceremony, certificate and luncheon to honor our centenarians. If you are 100 years old or older or know someone who is, please visit the  Montana Centenarian's Program