My Montana story began 40 years ago . . . .
on the banks of Beaver Creek---about ½ mile upstream from what was then the small Ophir School. My parent’s old log cabin was our headquarters for outdoor adventure.
The fabulous skiing at Big Sky was not nearly so ‘big’ back then---no Moonlight Basin or Yellowstone Club, a mountain bounded by the runs off Andesite Mountain and in the bowl under the shadows of [tram-less] Lone Mountain.
My dad left an old Wagoneer at the airport the whole year around with the keys under the floor mat. A stop at Lee and Dad’s in Belgrade for provisions and off we went.
The Big Sky community was much smaller back then and full of colorful characters---welcoming folks that would become lifelong friends.
For the past 20 years the Gallatin Valley has been my family’s full-time home. My wife, son and I have been blessed by families across the Valley---as warm and welcoming as those Big Sky Montanans 40 years ago.
These friends have included dedicated professionals in the legal community.
When I took the district court bench in January 2022, I enjoyed a reunion with many people with whom I had worked regularly before becoming Belgrade’s city judge.
During my nearly seven years on the bench in Belgrade, I developed an abiding affection for Belgrade, its residents as well the dedicated public servants at city hall. I learned so many important things about being a judge from that generous community.
Following my judicial appointment by Governor Greg Gianforte in December 2021, I embarked on a mission to build a qualified team of professionals to support an efficient, technologically forward-thinking department to serve our local justice system. It is an exciting process and I am honored to be leading it.
It is a profound privilege to serve as your newest district judge and, especially, to have the opportunity to serve the community that has given me and my family so much.