In June, we had the privilege of recognizing Cheryl Hohman for an incredible milestone, 30 years of service to Flathead County. Cheryl’s career has spanned decades of change, innovation, and growth, most notably through her work in our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department where she’s played a vital role in organizing and maintaining the land data that supports nearly every aspect of county planning and services.
Cheryl has resided in the Flathead since 1987, when Columbia Falls became home. What she found here wasn’t just scenery, it was community. “Our friends are more like family,” Cheryl said, describing the small-town closeness that makes the Flathead so special.
Her career with the County began in the plat room, where she spent 11 years before transitioning into GIS when it was still a brand-new concept. She saw an opportunity—not just for career advancement, but for learning. “I wanted an advancement in knowledge. This job offered that,” she said. At the time, GIS meant digitizing paper maps using early software and a process called "rubber sheeting" to align old mylar map data with modern coordinate systems. What started as an innovative experiment has grown into one of the County’s most essential departments, and Cheryl has been there every step of the way.
As a Cadastral Specialist, Cheryl manages the massive regional GIS database that tracks everything tied to land in Flathead County, from fire districts and school boundaries to special improvement districts, zoning, city limits, and much more. Every parcel in the County has a story, and Cheryl has helped tell it accurately and reliably.
While the work is highly technical and often behind the scenes, Cheryl says the real reason she’s stayed so long is simple: “If someone told me 30 years ago I’d still be here, I would have said ‘no way’. But when you love what you do, it’s easy to stick with it.”
These days, she works closely with two teammates, Nate and Chris, both of whom bring their own impressive backgrounds in GIS and surveying. “We’re a small team with a huge workload, but we work incredibly well together,” Cheryl said. “I have a lot of knowledge backing me up.”
Even with 30 years under her belt, Cheryl has no plans to leave anytime soon. “I’m going to stick around,” she said. “My husband and I are happily busy people here and Flathead County is home.”
From paper maps to digital systems, from handwritten notes to smart databases, Cheryl has helped guide Flathead County into the future—quietly, diligently, and with tremendous dedication.
We’re proud to celebrate her 30 years of service, and even more grateful she’s not done yet.