Montana to reopen search for executive director

Montana Public Employees' Retirement Board voted unanimously today to rescind a contract offer made to Terry Teichrow, hired in late October as executive director of the $4 billion Montana Public Employee Retirement Administration, Helena, and reopen the hiring process, according to Carole Carey, president of the retirement board. The vote followed a Nov. 10 letter to Ms. Carey from Gov. Brian Schweitzer, in which he wrote that the board may have violated the state's open meeting and public participation laws in the process of hiring Mr. Teichrow, a grant writer for the state and a former retirement board president. Ms. Carey said the board was slated to vote on the matter Nov. 16, but it was delayed because Mr. Schweitzer filed a lawsuit Nov. 15 in Lewis and Clark County District Court in Helena. Ms. Carey said the board will reopen the search and hire process "as soon as possible." She could not say whether Mr. Teichrow would be reconsidered. Mr. Teichrow was hired to replace Michael O'Connor, who will retire at year's end. Mr. O'Connor has made "no indication" he will remain after Dec. 31 if a new executive director has not yet been hired, Ms. Carey said; she was not sure who would act as interim executive director if that situation arises.