University Communications and Marketing

MSU Billings announces Interim Dean of the College of Business

Former First Interstate BancSystem executive brings business expertise

University Communications and Marketing, 657-2266

Garding served as the president and CEO of First Interstate BancSystem from 2012 to 2015. He is still involved at First Interstate as the corporate and government relations officer. He began his career with First Interstate in 1971 and held several management positions with the company including branch president, regional president and chief risk officer.

“Ed brings a wealth of business experience and a strong connection with MSUB to the College of Business. I know that he will strengthen ties with the community and put student success as a top priority,” commented MSU Billings Chancellor Dr. Dan Edelman. “The College of Business faculty have expressed unanimous support for Ed as their Interim Dean.”

He has held board positions with the Montana Bankers Association, Wyoming Bankers Association, and Pacific Coast Banking School (Seattle, WA), where he also served as chairman. Garding is currently is on the board of the Billings YMCA and the Montana Chamber of Commerce.

Garding is an alumnus of MSU Billings (formerly known as Eastern Montana College), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Since then, he has continued to be active on the MSU Billings campus, serving as a current board member and past chairman of the MSU Billings College of Business Advisory Board. Garding also previously served on the MSU Billings Foundation Board. He was a recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award in 2004.