Gov. Gianforte announces new director of Montana Department of Transportation

Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Thursday that Larry Flynn will serve as the director of the Montana Department of Transportation.

Flynn, deputy director since 2023, replaces outgoing MDT Director Chris Dorrington.

“Larry Flynn is the right leader to continue the positive progress we’ve seen at MDT under Director Dorrington’s leadership,” Gianforte said in a statement. “His wealth of experience and years of public service to the department come at a critical time for this organization. I am grateful to Director Dorrington for his service and to Larry for taking on this important role for one of Montana’s largest state agencies.”

In late August, the Governor’s Office announced that Dorrington was stepping down Oct. 1 for a job in the private sector.

Flynn brings more than three decades of public service at the department to the role, with extensive experience leading the agency’s operations, finances and policy development, said the news release Thursday.

Flynn worked with Dorrington to oversee MDT’s more than 2,000 employees and $1 billion annual budget.

He previously served as MDT’s chief financial officer and Administration Division administrator for 16 years, overseeing accounting, budgeting and other agency functions.

“I am honored by the opportunity to lead the Montana Department of Transportation, a place I’ve dedicated my life to,” Flynn said in a statement. “Thanks to Gov. Gianforte for trusting me to lead the MDT team. Together, we will continue to invest in our roads and bridges, improve road safety, and deliver top notch customer service to Montanans across our state.”

A graduate of Montana State University, Flynn holds a degree in business management, the news release said.