Director's Page
Creating a Safer Montana Through Accountability, Rehabilitation, & Empowerment
Director Eric Strauss
Director Eric Strauss was appointed by Governor Greg Gianforte to serve as the director of the Montana Department of Corrections in 2026. He joined the department in 2024 as the deputy director. Director Strauss comes to the department following almost nine years of service as administrator for the Employment Standards Division at the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Prior to his tenure with DLI, he held the position of director of Organizational Excellence at St. Peter’s Hospital. Director Strauss earned his Master of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Montana.
Deputy Director Natalia Bowser
Natalia Bowser was selected as deputy director of the Montana Department of Corrections in March 2026. She initially joined the team at the DOC in 2025 as Innovation chief, overseeing project management, research and analytics, security technology, desistance initiatives, comprehensive safety culture, and infrastructure improvements. Prior to that, Deputy Director Bowser served as director of the Montana Board of Crime Control for seven years. She also held various positions in Finance and Operations at the Montana Highway Patrol between 2003 and 2018.