Montana Department of Transportation director to retire

Montana Department of Transportation Director Mack Long will retire later this month, Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Friday.

Long has served as MDT director since Gov. Gianforte took office in January 2021 after working in the construction business for 25 years with Billings-based JTL Group and for an oil business.

“It’s been an honor to lead MDT and be part of the governor’s successful, productive administration,” Long said in a statement. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served the state I call home, and after talking with my wife and family, it’s time for me to retire and spend time with them at our home in Billings.”

In his retirement announcement, Long said he was proud of the progress MDT made under his leadership, saying the department improved customers service and road infrastructure safety.

MDT Deputy Director Larry Flynn will serve as the department’s interim director once Long’s retirement is official on March 22.

“I’m grateful to Mack for his leadership at MDT and his service to the people of Montana,” Gianforte said in a statement. “On his watch, the agency has emphasized the importance of customer service and streamline permitting to improve our state’s transportation infrastructure. I appreciate the personal sacrifice Mack and his family made as he entered public service. I’ll miss the good-natured approach he brought to serving Montana and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Long made $65.57 an hour in his role as director, according to the state salary database.