Ammon Mayor to become STAR director at REDI
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IDAHO FALLS – At the end of her term, Ammon Mayor Dana Kirkham has announced she will be taking a job as the director of science technology and research at REDI, the Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho.
REDI is a non-profit organization that seeks to grow, maintain and advocate for families, communities and businesses in the region.
Kirkham will begin working part-time for the non-profit organization on Sept. 11 and will transition to full-time when her time as mayor ends in December.
“I think it’s exciting,” Kirkham said of her new position. “It’s going to be an interesting challenge. It’s definitely an area that needs to be developed in our region.”
REDI CEO Jan Rogers said the science technology and research or STAR director is a new position where Kirkham will be able to focus her efforts on enhancing science, technology and research sectors operating in eastern Idaho. Her job will be to support and advocate for local businesses, communities and federal programs within these sectors.
“With her background in working at the federal government, CIA and State Department and her strong legislative experience, Dana will bring impressive skills to support STAR efforts throughout the region,” Rogers said in a press release.
Kirkham served as the Ammon mayor for four years. Before her time as mayor, she served for eight years on the city council with six of those years as the council president.
“I look forward to supporting eastern Idaho’s vast STAR industries while focusing specifically on federal programs across the region,” Kirkham said in a press release. “Managing and expanding these key sectors will benefit the whole region by creating more STAR related opportunities.”
Kirkham will now serve as a main point of contact for the science and technology industry in eastern Idaho as well as being a spokesperson for topics surrounding the STAR industry.