Idaho Gov. Butch Otter called a press conference this morning to name acting state Controller Brandon Woolf permanently to the position, with the news that state Controller Donna Jones is retiring to focus on recovering from injuries sustained in a May 25 car accident.

Woolf, 40, started in the controller's office 15 years ago as an intern; he's been a bureau chief, division administrator and chief of staff before being named acting controller during Jones' absence. His appointment is subject to approval by the Idaho Senate. "Brandon is an Idaho kid," Otter said, calling his career in the controller's office "a great success story in and of itself."

Woolf said Jones has recently learned that her recovery from her injuries likely will take about two years. "Donna is not a quitter, but she wanted to do what was best for the citizens," Woolf said. Woolf said he does plan to run for the position in 2014 when the current term ends; he said he'll run as a Republican.