Austin Named PAC Interim Director

John Austin has been named interim Executive Director of Panhandle Area Council, an economic development organization. John will step in beginning Monday when former ED Jim Hammond starts his new position as City Administrator in Coeur d’Alene. Austin is a former City of Coeur d’Alene finance director who owns Austin Consulting. He’s been a contract consultant for PAC for several years. “John coming on board during this transition will provide time for the search committee to review applications with the knowledge that the organization is being well-managed in the interim,” said Kerri Thoreson, PAC vice-chair. “He’s familiar with the function of PAC and the staff, as well as our clients.”