Browning named VP at NIC

COEUR d'ALENE - Mark Browning, the new vice president for community relations and marketing at North Idaho College, is no stranger to education in Idaho.

The college announced Tuesday that Browning, chief communications and legislative officer for the Idaho State Board of Education, has been selected to fill the position. He will replace John Martin, who announced in June that he would be retiring at the end of the year.

Browning said he and his family are excited about the opportunity, and the move north.

"We have a great situation in Boise. The board experience has been great and I've learned a ton there, but the lure of northern Idaho was just too much," Browning said.

With the Idaho State Board of Education in Boise since 2007, Browning has been responsible for the development of all board communications and media relations throughout the state. He has also served as liaison to the Idaho House and Senate Education committees in addition to other roles in government affairs.

"His extensive experience in government relations will no doubt reinforce NIC's legislative efforts as well, and we are looking forward to him joining North Idaho College," said NIC President Priscilla Bell.

Prior to joining the Idaho State Board of Education, Browning served as news director for KBCI CBS 2 News in Boise, leading a news and production staff of more than 40. His background also includes anchoring, producing and reporting at other news organizations in southern Idaho as well as working as a marketing executive for The Post Register Newspaper in Idaho Falls for seven years.

Browning was selected to fill the role of vice president for community relations and marketing after a nationwide search led by a search committee of NIC faculty, staff, students and community members.

He is expected to assume his role as NIC vice president for community relations and marketing Jan. 2.