Little filling state leadership positions

Governor-elect Brad Little is continuing to round out his department leadership positions.

Among them, former McCammon State Representative Kelley Packer will serve as Bureau Chief of the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licensure.

Tom Kealey will serve as Director of the Department of Commerce. Kealey is a co-owner of the Chicago Connection restaurant chain and a former Morrison-Knudsen executive.

Col. Kedrick Wills has been named Director of Idaho State Police. Wills started as a patrol officer in Glenns Ferry before joining ISP in 1996.

Idaho Army National Guard Brigadier General Michael J. Garshak accepted the position as Idaho’s Adjutant General, the commanding officer of the Idaho National Guard. He will lead the Idaho Army and Air National Guard while overseeing the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security.

Bryan Mooney will be Director of the Department of Administration and Jani Revier as Director of the Department of Labor.

Melinda Smyser will slide from her post at the Division of Financial Management to serve as the Administrator of Drug Policy under the Little administration.

Susan Buxton will serve as Administrator of the Idaho Division of Human Resources and Jeffery Weak as Administrator of Information Technology Services.

“We have taken the honor of filling these positions very seriously and insuring we have the right person to lead these agencies and departments. These men and women are dedicated and valuable public servants.,” Little said. “There are more positions to fill as we near the end of this year and we will continue to seek applicants who share my vision to create the best possible atmosphere for Idaho kids to thrive here and allow those who have left to return.”