Langhorst named state parks chief

Current Idaho state tax commissioner and former state Sen. David Langhorst, D-Boise, has been named the new director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Charles Correll, state parks board chairman, said, ” The Board selected David Langhorst based on his experience, management skills, and proven ability to lead through times of change.  He also has a strong desire to ensure access to Idaho’s many outdoor parks and recreational opportunities for future generations.” Langhorst will start Aug. 4, replacing Nancy Merrill, who has served as director since 2009. Idaho has 30 state parks, in addition to numerous recreational programs and trails.

Langhorst, a former commercial real estate appraiser, served in the state House from 2002 to 2004 and in the Senate from 2004 to 2008, rising to minority leader; he was appointed to the state Tax Commission in July of 2009. He’s been a high school teacher, a hunter safety instructor, and an active member of sportsmen’s and wildlife groups. Click below for the department’s full announcement.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LANGHORST SELECTED TO LEAD IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION

BOISE ( July 17, 2014 )—The Idaho Park and Recreation Board announced today that David Langhorst has been selected as the new director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR).

Most recently, Langhorst served as a Commissioner for the Idaho State Tax Commission. He also served as a State Senator in the Idaho Legislature from 2002 to 2008, and on several Boards of Directors throughout Idaho and on a national level.

Langhorst has a long history of public service, a strong desire to move the mission of the agency forward, and is excited to begin relating and interacting with all of the diverse groups that IDPR serves.

“We were extremely fortunate to have an outstanding group of qualified candidates.  The Board selected David Langhorst based on his experience, management skills, and proven ability to lead through times of change.  He also has a strong desire to ensure access to Idaho’s many outdoor parks and recreational opportunities for future generations,” said Board Chair, Charles Correll.

As the director of the agency, Langhorst will oversee the operation of 30 state parks, recreation programs and many recreational trail ways.

Langhorst succeeds Nancy Merrill who has served successfully as director since 2009.  During tight budget times she was able to ensure the agency’s existence and long-term sustainability.

Langhorst will assume his new duties August 4, 2014 .

To learn more about Idaho’s State Parks and Recreation Programs, visit www.parksandrecreation.idaho. gov .