Mont. Code Ann. § 2-15-103

In accordance with Article VI, section 4, of the Montana constitution, the governor is the chief executive officer of the state. Subject to the constitution and law of this state, the governor shall formulate and administer the policies of the executive branch of state government. In the execution of these policies, the governor has full powers of supervision, approval, direction, and appointment over all departments and their units, other than the office of the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, auditor, and superintendent of public instruction, except as otherwise provided by law. Whenever a conflict arises as to the administration of the policies of the executive branch of state government, except for conflicts arising in the office of the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, auditor, and superintendent of public instruction, the governor shall resolve the conflict, and the decision of the governor is final.