Gov. Steve Bullock this week appointed Gene Walborn to serve as the new director of the Montana Department of Revenue, replacing Mike Kadas, who announced his retirement last month.

“It's fitting that 28 years ago today, Gene started with the Department of Revenue, and now he’s taking over the reins as director,” Bullock said in a statement. “I’m confident (Walborn) will lead the department with the professionalism, dedication and management he has shown his entire career in public service.”

Walborn has served with the Department of Revenue since 1990 and most recently held the position as deputy director under Kadas.

Walborn also has served as the administrator of the Business and Income Taxes Division and chief of the Business Tax and Valuation Bureau and the Centralized Assessment Bureau.

“It’s an honor to be appointed by Gov. Bullock to lead the department and its talented, skilled employees,” Walborn said. “I look forward to helping the governor achieve his administration’s goals and to continue the good work that the department has done to ensure fair and effective administration of the state’s tax and liquor laws.”

Walborn has served nearly three decades with the Department of Revenue, including managing the daily operation, providing overall policy direction, and serving as chief liaison for the Montana Legislature.

Kadas announced his plans to retire on March 19.

“I want to thank Gov. Bullock for giving me the opportunity to serve our extraordinary state and its people,” said Kadas. “It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of the department team. It is a great group of people and they are essential to the provision of a myriad of services that help make Montana a great place to live.”

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