Helena, Montana – Governor Greg Gianforte has recognized a longtime Montana public servant for more than three decades of dedication to state government, presenting Rob Virts with the Governor’s Outstanding Service Award ahead of his planned retirement.
The award recognizes Virts’ many years of work helping improve workplace safety, workers’ compensation programs, and risk management efforts for state employees across Montana.
Governor Gianforte praised Virts for the impact he has made throughout his career, saying his commitment has benefited workers, agencies, and families throughout the state.
“Rob has dedicated his career to protecting Montana workers, strengthening workplace safety, and serving others with integrity and professionalism,” Gov. Gianforte said. “His leadership has improved outcomes for state employees and made a lasting difference in the lives of Montana families. We are grateful for his years of service and proud to recognize him with this award.”
Virts currently serves as the Program Manager for the Workers’ Compensation Management Bureau within the Montana Department of Administration (DOA). In that position, he oversees statewide workers’ compensation and risk management programs that support state government operations and employees.
More than three decades of public service
Before joining the Department of Administration, Virts spent nearly 10 years with the Montana Department of Transportation, where he served as Occupational Safety and Health Bureau Chief.
Throughout his 31-year career, he has built a strong reputation as a leader in occupational safety, workplace health, and risk management. State officials said his work has helped strengthen Montana’s safety culture while improving programs designed to protect employees across state government.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Virts has remained active in public service through several leadership roles.
He serves on the board of the Montana University System and is also the president of Kids’ Chance of Montana, a nonprofit organization that provides higher education scholarships to children whose parents have been seriously injured or killed in workplace accidents.
According to state officials, Virts has earned respect from colleagues throughout Montana because of his willingness to help others, share his knowledge, and support both employees and agencies.
His work has had a positive impact on countless state workers and their families while helping improve workplace safety standards across multiple government departments.
Although he has now received one of the state’s highest honors for public employees, Virts will continue serving Montana for another year before concluding his career. He plans to retire in July 2027 after more than three decades of service.
The Governor’s Outstanding Service Award was created to recognize state employees who consistently go above and beyond their normal responsibilities while serving the people of Montana. By honoring Rob Virts, Governor Gianforte recognized not only his years of service but also the lasting contributions he has made to workplace safety, public service, and the well-being of Montana employees and their families.
