Idaho Senate confirms multiple gubernatorial appointments to resource, insurance, energy and corrections boards

The Idaho Senate on Jan. 23, 2025, confirmed several gubernatorial appointments, adopting committee reports by voice vote and directing the secretary to notify the governor of the confirmations.

Why it matters: The confirmed appointees will serve on boards and commissions that oversee natural resources, workers' compensation insurance, energy policy, the state lottery and liquor operations, and juvenile corrections—areas that affect state regulation, economic activity and public services.

Brent Baker — Lake Pend Oreille Basin Commission: The Resources and Environment Committee reported it had under consideration the governor's appointment of Brent Baker, term to expire July 24, 2026, and recommended confirmation. "Brent Baker has been on the Lake Pend Oreille Basin Commission since 2003," said Senator Hart in opening remarks supporting the reappointment. After brief additional remarks from Senator Woodward emphasizing Baker's local ties and experience, the senate adopted the committee report by voice vote; the clerk will notify the governor.

Mark Brinkmeyer — Lake Pend Oreille Basin Commission: The Resources and Environment Committee recommended confirmation of Mark Brinkmeyer to the same commission, term to expire July 24, 2026. Senator O'Conowitz described Brinkmeyer as "first and foremost a conservationist" with industry experience; Senator Woodward added support citing Brinkmeyer's work with Idaho Forest Group and knowledge relevant to an outlet structure issue at Albeni Falls Dam. The committee report was adopted by voice vote and the appointment will be forwarded to the governor.

Steve Landon — State Insurance Fund Board: The Commerce and Human Resources Committee reported it had under consideration the appointment of Steve Landon to the State Insurance Fund Board, term to expire May 1, 2028, and recommended confirmation. Senator Ruttke summarized the State Insurance Fund's role, saying it "provides a reliable and competitive source of workers' comp insurance for over 33,000 businesses in the state of Idaho." Senator Sarah Lakey, the senate's representative on the board, spoke in support of Landon. The committee report was adopted by voice vote.

Scott Madison — Idaho Energy Resources Authority: The State Affairs Committee recommended confirmation of Scott Madison to the Idaho Energy Resources Authority; the committee report said his term is to continue at the governor's pleasure (transcript line stated a term-end typographical error as "June 30, 229," corrected here to 2029 based on context). Senator Ward Engleking and other senators noted Madison's long career in energy and utilities, including his position as executive vice president at Intermountain Gas Company. The committee report was adopted by voice vote.

Andrew Arulanandam — Idaho Lottery Commission and State Liquor Division: The State Affairs Committee reported it had under consideration Andrew Arulanandam for two positions: director of the Idaho Lottery Commission and director of the State Liquor Division. Committee members described his prior roles in party and policy organizations and said he had the background to manage the agencies. The senate adopted the committee reports for both appointments by voice vote.

Ashley Dowell — Department of Juvenile Corrections: The Judiciary and Rules Committee recommended confirmation of Ashley Dowell as director of the Department of Juvenile Corrections, with the committee noting her background in corrections and reentry work. Senator Lakey summarized Dowell's experience on criminal justice and behavioral health councils and urged confirmation. The committee report was adopted by voice vote.

Other gubernatorial items: The judiciary and rules committee earlier reported on the appointments of Christine Starr and Mary Martin to the Commission of Pardons and Parole and recommended confirmation; those nominations were referred to the 10th order of business and held for one legislative day. The Resources and Environment Committee reported several additional nominations (Craig Hill, Dean Stevenson, Linda Mitchell and Mark Gibbs) and forwarded them to the 10th order to be held for one legislative day.

Votes and procedure: For the confirmed appointments above, the senate adopted committee reports by voice vote; the record shows "the ayes have it" and the secretary was directed to file paperwork and notify the governor. No roll-call tallies were recorded in the floor transcript for these confirmations.