Staff

Erik joined Flathead County Planning and Zoning in June 2012 and was appointed Planning Director in July 2021. His responsibilities as Planning Director include serving as Zoning Administrator and Floodplain Administrator, and he is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Community and Regional Planning from Iowa State University and later completed a Master’s Certificate in Public Administration from Belhaven University. Prior to joining Flathead County, he worked as an Associate Planner in the private sector from 2006 to 2011, where he gained experience in development review and coordination within complex regulatory environments. His professional background also includes service in the Air National Guard as an Aircraft Structural Maintenance specialist.

Born and raised in Monticello, Minnesota, Erik witnessed firsthand the transformation of a rural community into a growing suburb—an experience that helped shape his interest in planning and land-use policy. This combination of public service, technical experience, and long-term planning perspective informs his approach to managing growth, balancing property rights, and guiding development in Flathead County.