Injured Idaho Controller Retires

Idaho state Controller Donna Jones stepped down from her position last week to focus on recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident on May 25.

"Upholding my sacred oath to fulfill my duties to the people of Idaho is incredibly important to me," Jones said in a statement. "My medical team now anticipates my recovery could take up to two years. Knowing this, I cannot in good conscience deliver anything less than a full measure to those who have trusted me all these years."

"I have chosen to retire and ensure the people are represented by someone who can give them all of his attention and energy," she added.

Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter appointed acting Controller Brandon Woolf to permanently fill the vacancy left by Jones' retirement.

"For nearly 30 years Donna has been a dedicated public servant. It's a selfless act for her to retire from office, ensuring the people of Idaho are represented by a controller who can devote all his time and energy to the job," Otter said in a statement.

"Just like Donna, I have complete confidence in Brandon's ability to be an outstanding state controller."

Jones was elected controller in 2006 and re-elected in 2010.

Woolf, 40, who was appointed acting controller on July 3, is a 15-year veteran of the state controller's office.

Hired initially as an intern, he has held a variety of leadership posts in the controller's office, including bureau chief, division administrator, and most recently chief of staff. Woolf will serve out the remainder of Jones' term, which ends in January 2015.

His appointment is subject to approval by the Idaho Senate.

Woolf received a bachelor's degree in political science from Utah State University, and a master's degree in business administration from Boise State University.

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