Malmen to be Otter’s chief of staff

Governor-elect Butch Otter has named his chief of staff: Jeff Malmen, who filled the same role for former Gov. Phil Batt and has been chief of staff in Otter’s congressional office for the past six years. Malmen also has served as executive director of the Idaho Republican Party and as a staffer for Sens. Larry Craig and Steve Symms. Said Otter, “I have relied on him for years to deliver sound advice and effective management, and I’m grateful that he’s agreed to continue in that role.”

Malmen, 39, is a native of Picabo who attended Boise State University. He and wife Erika have two sons, Connor and Liam.