Former Idaho Senate President Pro-Tem Bob Geddes, a geologist who also is a former Idaho state tax commissioner, was named the new director of the state Department of Administration today by Gov. Butch Otter. Geddes replaces interim director Keith Reynolds, the department’s chief financial officer, who has been serving in the post since former Director Teresa Luna resigned last month.

“Bob is a steady and trusted hand who knows his way around state government,” Otter said in a statement. “He has faithfully and conscientiously served the people of Idaho for many years. This new chapter in that service presents new challenges, but I know without a doubt that Bob is the right man to turn those challenges into opportunities for the Department of Administration and more importantly for the citizens we serve.”

Geddes served nine terms in the Senate as a Republican representing Soda Springs in eastern Idaho; he served on the state Tax Commission from January of 2011 to mid-2012, when he left to return to his previous longtime employer, Monsanto Corp., where he was an environmental engineer.

Geddes said, “I’m very happy to once again return to state service and I’m honored to accept this position and that Gov. Otter would invite me to take on this new role.” He added “My objective is to do my very best to be responsible and accountable to the citizens and fulfill the duties and responsibilities assigned to the Department of Administration. I look forward to working with the great employees at the agency.”