The Honorable Brian Gootkin was sworn in as the United States Marshal for the District of Montana on June 1, 2026, following his confirmation by the United States Senate.
United States Marshal Gootkin oversees all United States Marshals Service (USMS) operations in the District of Montana, including federal judicial security, court security, fugitive investigations and apprehension, sex offender and missing child investigations, prisoner operations, asset forfeiture, and service of process.
Marshal Gootkin joined the USMS with over 30 years of law enforcement experience, including serving as a Deputy Sheriff, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Lieutenant, Undersheriff, and Sheriff of the Gallatin, Montana, Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Gootkin most recently served as the Director of Corrections for the State of Montana, where he was responsible for approximately 1,300 employees, 15,000 convicted felony offenders and a budget of $250,000,000 annually. His oversight included reducing a 40 percent attrition rate at the Montana State Prison to an annual average of 7 percent.
Mr. Gootkin’s experience spans military, law enforcement and corrections, emphasizing safety science and stakeholder collaboration. He is known for fostering teamwork and adapting to evolving needs and challenges. Mr. Gootkin has a record of delivering high-impact results through innovative problem-solving and effective communication, utilizing leadership skills to drive team performance and operational excellence.
Mr. Gootkin attended the Peace Officer Standards and Training in Helena, Montana, obtaining all law enforcement and corrections certificates. He also attended the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and the National Institute of Corrections in Longmont, Colorado. Mr. Gootkin served in the United States Air Force as a Security Specialist at the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana, from October 1989 to June 1993.