Former Craig staffer appointed temporary NIC VP

COEUR d'ALENE — John Martin, former regional director for U.S. Sen. Larry Craig's North Idaho office, has been appointed on temporary assignment to serve as the vice president for community relations at North Idaho College.

"We're so pleased to have John serving in this important role," said NIC President Priscilla Bell on Tuesday. "He has significant legislative affairs experience and is well-known and respected in the community. He has lived in Hayden for many years and knows the attributes and issues of the college well."

Martin will serve in the position vacated by Kent Propst, who announced in July that he was leaving NIC for a position as the executive director of the foundation of Peru State College in Nebraska.

Martin will begin at NIC Aug. 18 and will serve on temporary appointment until a national search for a new vice president for community relations concludes.

Martin served as the regional director for Craig's North Idaho office from 2004 to 2008. Prior to that, he served as the disabled veterans outreach program manager for the Idaho Department of Labor.

His background also includes more than 30 years of human resources experience both in private industry and the military.

Martin holds a master's degree in management from Troy University in Alabama and a bachelor's degree in education from Frostburg State University in Maryland. He has also completed graduate and undergraduate work in communication at Boise State University.

"I am excited to be joining the team at North Idaho College," Martin added.

"NIC is the regional leader in educational opportunities and I am honored to be given this opportunity to serve."