Montana DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton to step down

Charlie Brereton, director of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), will step down on October 30 to pursue an opportunity in the private sector. Brereton, who has led the state’s largest agency for four years, will be succeeded by Dr. Doug Harrington, the department’s current state medical officer.

During his tenure, Brereton managed a biennial budget exceeding $7 billion, overseeing initiatives such as Medicaid roll adjustments, rural hospital stabilization, and behavioral health system investments. Governor Greg Gianforte described Brereton as a “transformational leader” who made significant contributions to Montana’s healthcare infrastructure.

Brereton’s departure follows a pattern of leadership turnover within the Gianforte administration, as directors from the Department of Administration and the Department of Transportation have also recently transitioned to the private sector.