Andy Hunthausen [D], Vice-Chairman
Andy has served on the Lewis & Clark County Commission since 2007 and feels very grateful to play a role in our county government. He has long-standing family roots in the Helena Valley and in Lewis & Clark County. Andy was born and raised in East Helena where his parents have lived in their family home since 1960. He graduated from Helena High School in 1983, the University of Montana in Missoula in 1988 and Montana State University Northern in 1993. Andy is married to Pam Ponich-Hunthausen. They have two sons Max and Ben. Pam is the Director of Operations and the Clinical Director for the Florence Crittenton Home in Helena.
Andy has a vision for Lewis & Clark County where the county budget is balanced; where county staff work hard to become more efficient and always look for opportunities to serve the public better; where the citizens enjoy good health and have an improved quality of life; where our county experiences healthy, consistent and well-managed growth; where our county is a great place to work and play; and where good planning leads to a safe and productive community.
Education:
- University of Montana, 1988, graduated in Education
- Montana State University Northern, 1993, Master of Education in Counseling and Development
- National County Leadership Institute at NYU, 2008
- Leadership Montana Class of 2010
- Rocky Mountain Leadership Institute Colorado, 2008
Andy is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Certified School Counselor and a Certified Teacher.
Work Experience:
- Lewis & Clark County Commissioner
- Counselor for the Helena School District
- Workforce Investment Program Coordinator at Career Training Institute
- Clinical Therapist at Golden Triangle Community Mental Health Services
- Private Practice Counselor
- Clinical Therapist at Mental Health Services, Inc.
- Restorative Justice Trainer
- Admissions Counselor at Carroll College
- Teacher at St. Brendan's School
Community Involvement:
- Myrna Loy Center Board of Directors
- Center for Mental Health Board of Directors
- Montana Association of Counties Board of Directors (MACo)
- MACo Health and Human Services Committee
- MACo Finance Committee
- MACo Executive Board Member
- State of Montana Mental Health Oversight Advisory Council
- Lewis & Clark Search and Rescue Board of Directors
- State of Montana Electronic Government Committee
- Lewis & Clark County Human Services Taskforce Member
- Intergovernmental Transportation Committee
- Member of Helena Gold Rush Lions
- Youth Connections Advisory
- Carroll College Impact Drive Volunteer
- Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
- Democratic Action Club Member