Governor honors Job Service manager
Gov. Greg Gianforte honors Laura Gardner at the Job Service office in Kalispell. (Courtesy photo)
Gov. Greg Gianforte honored Laura Gardner of Job Service Kalispell last week with his Outstanding Service Award for her more than 40 years of employment with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry and her career supporting workforce development across Northwest Montana.
“For more than four decades, Laura has helped connect Montanans to opportunity and strengthened our workforce,” Gianforte said in a release. “Her innovative approach, deep partnerships, and commitment to serving others have made a lasting difference for businesses, families, and communities across our state.”
During a visit to the Job Service Office, the governor presented Gardner with a letter of recognition outlining her career of service and a Montana state flag flown over the State Capitol in her honor. The Outstanding Service Award recognizes state employees who go above and beyond the call of duty in service to the people of Montana.
In the letter, Gov. Gianforte outlined that Gardner began her career with Job Service in 1983 and now serves as manager of the Kalispell and Libby offices. Throughout her tenure, she has led efforts to address workforce challenges and expand access to good-paying jobs. Serving as a region representative for the International Association of Workforce Professionals since 1983, she has brought national best practices to Montana, helping to strengthen workforce programs across the region.
Gardner also organizes the Northwest Montana Job and Opportunity Fairs, the largest workforce events in the region. These fairs connect hundreds of employers with job seekers and supports career opportunities for high school and college students.
Gardner also co-leads the state’s Reimagining Retirement initiative, connecting workers and retirees with flexible employment and mentorship opportunities. In partnership with Flathead Valley Community College, she helped launch the Become an Alum program, reconnecting more than 1,400 former students with education and career pathways in high-demand fields.