The David and Lucile Packard Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Bullock to its Board of Trustees.
Bullock is a lawyer, former Montana Attorney General and two-term Governor of Montana. Throughout his career, he has been committed to protecting public interest, defending democratic institutions, and bridging political divides to advance practical solutions.
"Steve brings a powerful combination of executive leadership, legal expertise, and a deep, grounded commitment to public service. His experience working across party lines to protect public lands, strengthen democratic institutions, and invest in the well-being of families speaks directly to the Packard Foundation’s mission. We are delighted to welcome him."
Bullock served as Montana’s 24th Governor from 2013 to 2021, leading a state with one of the largest public lands portfolios in the country. During his tenure, he made record investments in education, expanded access to health care, and protected Montana’s public lands. He brought together ranchers, conservationists, and industry leaders to address complex land management challenges, including sage grouse habitat protection and sustainable forest management.
“Steve has spent his career building trust across divides and delivering for the people and places he serves. He brings to our Board the kind of grounded, principled leadership that moves people and institutions forward. We are honored to welcome him to the Board.” Jason Burnett, Chair, Board of Trustees, The Packard Foundation
Bullock’s commitment to democratic accountability has also been a defining thread of his public career. As Montana’s Attorney General from 2009 to 2013, he led the state’s challenge to the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, arguing that unlimited dark money in elections threatened the integrity of the democratic process.
Following his time as Governor, Bullock has continued his public service as the court-appointed Independent Monitor over Purdue Pharma and as one of three arbitrators overseeing disputes related to major national opioid settlements.
Bullock was elected Chair of the National Governors Association, the Western Governors Association, and the Democratic Governors Association, reflecting the trust his peers placed in his ability to lead on issues that cross state and party lines.
"I have long been an admirer of the Packard Foundation's work and its approach, and I am delighted to join the Board of Trustees. The Foundation is squarely addressing many of the most significant challenges facing our civil society and its institutions, and I am eager to roll up my sleeves and contribute to fulfilling its mission."
A Montana native, Bullock received his undergraduate degree from Claremont McKenna College and his law degree from Columbia University School of Law. He has practiced law in New York, Washington, D.C., and Montana, and has served on a range of corporate and nonprofit boards since leaving public office. He and his wife Lisa have three children: Caroline, Alexandria, and Cameron.
With this appointment, Bullock joins a distinguished group of leaders guiding the Foundation’s work to invest in children and families, protect and restore our natural world, and build just and inclusive societies.
