Bodnar's Former Chief of Staff Joins Campaign

Kelly Webster departs University of Montana role to work on gubernatorial bid.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:52pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic office space with a lone desk and chair, bathed in warm, golden light from a single window, creating a contemplative mood that reflects the transition of a university official to a political campaign.The departure of a prominent university official to join a gubernatorial campaign signals the fluid nature of talent between Montana's political and academic spheres.Missoula Today

Kelly Webster, who previously served as chief of staff and vice president for strategy and community relations at the University of Montana, has departed the university to join the campaign of gubernatorial candidate Greg Bodnar.

Why it matters

The departure of a high-level university official to join a political campaign raises questions about the relationship between higher education institutions and state-level politics, as well as the potential influence of political connections in hiring decisions.

The details

Webster held several influential roles at the University of Montana, including chief of staff and vice president for strategy and community relations. Her decision to leave the university and join Bodnar's campaign suggests a close professional relationship between the two individuals.

  • Kelly Webster departed the University of Montana in April 2026 to join Greg Bodnar's gubernatorial campaign.

The players

Kelly Webster

Former chief of staff and vice president for strategy and community relations at the University of Montana.

Greg Bodnar

Gubernatorial candidate in Montana.

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What’s next

It remains to be seen how Webster's move from the university to the campaign trail will impact Bodnar's bid for governor, as well as the perception of political influence in higher education hiring decisions.

The takeaway

This story highlights the blurred lines between politics and higher education, raising concerns about the potential for undue influence and the need for greater transparency in the hiring and staffing decisions of public universities.