HELENA, MT – Governor Brian Schweitzer chose Mike Ferriter, 51, a 29-year veteran of Montana's correctional system, to succeed Bill Slaughter as director of the Montana Department of Corrections.

Ferriter will begin his post July 1, when Slaughter officially retires from state government after more than 30 years in public service.

"With a tremendous amount of experience in Montana's correctional system, Mike Ferriter is a proven asset to the Department of Corrections and the State of Montana. I am honored to have him step up and take on this important new role," said Governor Schweitzer.

Since 1995, Ferriter has been administrator of the department's Community Corrections Division. He began his correctional career as a Youth Court officer in Great Falls in 1977.  

"I've made the Montana Department of Corrections my career and the opportunity to complete that career as director is a natural step for me to take at this point in my life," Ferriter said. "The department faces many challenges, as do corrections agencies throughout the nation, and I'm looking forward to tackling those problems and helping direct a department that performs vital public services for Montanans every day," he said. "I'm honored by the confidence that Governor Schweitzer has shown in appointing me to this crucial position."

Slaughter said Ferriter's extensive knowledge of community corrections makes a perfect match for the department's increased emphasis on expanding such services.

"He's the right guy at the right time," Slaughter said.

The position's salary is $88,173.