Sandoval names new interim budget director

CARSON CITY — Gov. Brian Sandoval named a new interim budget director Monday to replace Julia Teska, who is leaving her cabinet post to join her family in Colorado and accept a new opportunity.

Jim Wells, executive director of the Public Employees’ Benefit Program, will become interim director of administration March 2. The position includes overseeing the state budget.

Sandoval said Wells, a public employee for more than 20 years, “is proficient in our budgeting process and will bring a wealth of knowledge and breadth of experience” to his new job.

Teska has been in the position for less than a year. She took over as director of administration in April 2014, replacing Jeff Mohlenkamp who retired. Before joining Sandoval’s cabinet, she was deputy superintendent for business and support services in the Department of Education.

Sandoval called her a “dedicated and loyal member” of his administration who was instrumental in the budget-building process.