HELENA – A member of Rep. Denny Rehberg’s staff who suffered a severe head injury in a Flathead Lake boat crash last summer has resigned, Rehberg said Monday.
Dustin Frost resigned as Rehberg’s state director to pursue a private consulting business in Billings.
“When someone as intelligent, self-motivated and hard working as Dustin leaves, there’s always a hole to fill,” Rehberg said. “Dustin wasn’t only my state director, he’s a good friend.”
Frost said he has always wanted to own his own business.
“The last six years of my life have been more exciting and fulfilling than I could have ever imagined,” Frost said. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve on Denny’s behalf and leaving was a very hard decision. But I’m excited to face new challenges in the private sector.”
Frost was in a coma for more than a week after a boat piloted by state Sen. Greg Barkus of Kalispell crashed into rocks on the shore of Flathead Lake on Aug. 27. Barkus, his wife, Rehberg and his deputy chief of staff, Kristin Smith, also were injured in the crash.
Randy Vogel, who served as Rehberg’s state director from 2001 to 2007, will succeed Frost.
Rehberg also announced the hiring of Jack Ramirez as his senior policy adviser. Ramirez served with Rehberg in the Montana Legislature and they both later served on Sen. Conrad Burns’ staff.