HELENA — The city of Helena has seen a revolving door at the city manager’s office in recent years, with four individuals holding the position over the last six years, not including interim appointments. Now, Alana Lake is stepping into the role, and she’s already focused on the future.
“Think about the future of Helena, you know, not just what’s here in front of us today, but how can we be thoughtful and strategic about what we want to do in the future,” Lake said.
Lake was appointed as the next city manager in December 2025, following a 3-2 vote by the city commission. She will operate under the guidance of the commission.
A fifth-generation Montanan, Lake grew up in Frenchtown before relocating to Helena in 2023. Her background includes over a decade of experience in military and federal law enforcement. Currently, she serves as the executive director of the Montana Public Service Commission, overseeing more than forty personnel and managing a $6 million budget.
Despite her lack of direct experience in city government, Lake believes her leadership skills honed through years of service will be transferable. “To be able to gather all those skillsets and place them in the community where they can have a huge impact to where I grew up, is just such a special thing for me to think about,” she stated.
Lake described a smooth transition into her new position, attributing much of that to the support she received from city staff, particularly former city manager Tim Burton. Burton took the time to discuss the role’s challenges and opportunities before his departure, and has continued to offer his assistance. “He was willing to provide time before he left the seat where we sat down and discussed a number of things,” Lake said. “Even after his departure, he’s offered to be a resource, and so I’ve definitely capitalized on that.”
Acknowledging the recent instability in the city manager’s office, Lake expressed her desire to provide consistent leadership. “Coming in here, my main goal coming in has been to listen and to learn,” she said.
Lake emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to infrastructure projects and community development. “Really understanding the inner workings and details of a lot of these projects is extremely important to ensure that we’re not just providing this great new infrastructure,” she explained, “but it’s a thoughtful and collaborative effort with the community.”
In her first few months, Lake plans to focus on managing the city’s budget, working with Helena schools on recent bond projects, and addressing issues related to affordable housing and the local job market.
Lake encourages community involvement, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives. “You have the perspective in the community to make a difference,” she said. “We only have a specific silo of perspective here at the city, and so we need all your perspectives to come in and give us ideas of how to do business better and more effective.”
Prior to her appointment, Lake’s professional background included extensive experience in national security and regulatory oversight. She served as a counterintelligence officer at Idaho National Laboratory, advising senior officials on national security risks and leading investigative operations. Her military career involved multiple command assignments with the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, directing teams across the United States, Asia, and the Middle East in counterintelligence, criminal investigation, and security operations. She continues to serve as a Reserve Commander at Shaw Air Force Base and has received national-level awards for her service.
Lake holds a degree from Montana State University and is currently completing her MBA at Boise State University, while also attending Command and Staff College through Marine Corps University. She has publicly stated her commitment to transparent, accountable leadership and a mission-focused approach to advancing Helena’s strategic plan and supporting long-term community needs.
