Idaho’s Tourism Leader Leaving Post

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho's director of tourism is leaving her position as part of a bigger reorganization of the Department of Commerce. Karen Ballard has served as administrator for the Division of Tourism for the last six years and has worked with the agency on tourism for the last 20 years. But the Spokesman-Review reports  Ballard's post is being phased out as part of a broader effort to streamline the Commerce Department. Officials instead will create a new position of manager for tourism. Ballard says she does not intend to apply for that new position. Before coming to work for the state, Ballard served in the hospitality industry in the Sun Valley area.