LaFave named interim director of Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology

John LaFave has been named interim director of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG), filling a vacancy created by the departure of Dr. John Metesh.

“I have had the privilege of working at the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology for more than 30 years,” LaFave said. “I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the interim director. I want to thank John Metesh for his solid leadership over the past 12 years, he leaves the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology in a very strong position. The MBMG has a dedicated and talented team of scientists who are committed to our mission, serving the people of Montana and Montana Tech. It is an honor for me to serve in this new capacity.”

LaFave has been part of the MBMG research staff since 1993, and currently serves as the research division chief. For many years, he served as program manager for the MBMG’s Montana Ground Water Assessment Program. His research has focused on enhancing groundwater monitoring of Montana's principal aquifers and assessing regional groundwater quality. He has also served as an associate director of the Montana Water Center, a western-state representative to the National Groundwater Monitoring Network Board, and an affiliate faculty member of the Montana Tech Department of Geological Engineering.

“On behalf of the University, I thank Dr. John Metesh for his impressive service, and I welcome John LaFave into the interim position,” Montana Tech Chancellor Johnny MacLean said. “Mr. LaFave's experience and expertise are perfectly aligned with the MBMG’s needs as we make this leadership transition. I'm confident he'll continue serving the MBMG and Montana Tech with the utmost integrity."