Wells to take over budget office March 2

Jim Wells has been named interim Director of Administration replacing Julia Teska, whose resignation is effective March 2.

Wells is currently executive director of the Public Employee Benefits Program. Prior to that, he was deputy superintendent of education in charge of finance.

Gov. Brian Sandoval praised Wells’ breadth of experience in state government and with the state budget process saying his appointment comes at a crucial time.

Teska had planned to join her husband in Colorado at the end of this legislative session but has since accepted a new employment opportunity in that state.

Sandoval praised her service through the budget building process.

Wells becomes Sandoval’s fourth budget director in as many years. Before Teska, Jeff Mohlenkamp headed the department. He left for a local government post in California.

He was preceded by Andrew Clinger who became Reno City Manager.