Cathy Holland-Smith, a numbers whiz and a respected member of the non-partisan legislative budget staff, has been named the new head of the legislative budget office. Jeff Youtz, the longtime budget director, is moving up to become the new director of legislative services, overseeing budget and policy, research and legislation, computer systems and more. He’ll take over that job on Aug. 1, when longtime legislative services Director Carl Bianchi retires. Bianchi tried to retire last year, but legislative leaders prevailed upon him to stay on through another legislative session, saying they needed to rely on Bianchi’s experience and expertise for another year.

Holland-Smith has been on the Legislature’s staff since 1994, and most recently served as a principal budget analyst with expertise in criminal justice and health and human services. Youtz said of her, “She is highly regarded by the Legislature and her experience, professionalism and leadership skills will be a great asset to the Idaho Legislature’s nonpartisan budget staff. She will provide a seamless transition in staff leadership.”

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