Montana corrections department names Natalia Bowser as its new deputy director

The former executive director of the Montana Board of Crime Control has been tapped for the deputy director job at the state Department of Corrections.

Natalia Bowser joined the Montana Department of Corrections in August 2025 as innovation chief, running project management, research and analytics, among other items, according to a DOC press release issued on Wednesday.

"Natalia's wide range of skills and leadership experience will allow her to move seamlessly into this critical role at the DOC," director Eric Strauss said in the release. "We are at a pivotal time for the department as we prepare for the future of corrections in our state."

Bowser takes the position previously held by Strauss, who rose to the top post in December after then-director Brian Gootkin was nominated by President Donald Trump to be U.S. Marshal for the District of Montana.

Before working for the state corrections department, Bowser spent eight years as the director of the Montana Board of Crime Control. Created by the state in 1968, that organization takes on several roles in the criminal justice system: It helps coordinate different agencies across jurisdiction using data collection, supports education and intervention opportunities, and works to strengthen victim services in different communities.

Prior to the Board of Crime Control, Bowser worked at the Montana Highway Patrol in various finance and operations capacities.

"I am honored to step into this role and continue working alongside our dedicated employees," Bowser said in Wednesday's press release. "This is an exciting time for corrections in Montana, and I look forward to the work ahead."

Indeed, Montana's prison system is in the midst of a massive expansion project, particularly at the state men's prison outside of Deer Lodge, where 1,280 new beds are being constructed. Due to overcrowding, the DOC was holding roughly 600 inmates in out-of-state private prisons. The facility's water system failed late last year as well, adding a major replacement project onto the department's plate.

The DOC is also on the hunt for a location for a new women's prison.