MERIDIAN - Today, Meridian Mayor Robert Simison announced his intention to appoint Brian Whitlock to the Meridian City Council, filling a vacancy created when councilman Joe Borton resigned to become District Judge of the Fourth Judicial District. The council will consider Mayor Simison’s appointment of Whitlock during the May 28^th Council meeting. If confirmed, Whitlock will be sworn in immediately as the councilman representing District 1.
 
“Brian has dedicated the past 34 years to local, state, and federal government. He has served as key leadership staff with great focus on the public sector, communications, and budgets. His knowledge will bring unique perspectives and understanding to the challenges we face here in Meridian,” said Mayor Robert Simison. “I believe he will be a voice of consistency and reason for the district and community as a whole, and I am confident he is the right person to represent District 1.”
 
Whitlock has held a variety of instrumental roles throughout his career, including a local news reporter for KIVI Television, Deputy Press Secretary for U.S. Senator James A. McClure, and senior staff positions for Mayor, Senator, and Governor Dirk Kempthorne for 15 years. He was a trusted advisor, Chief of Staff, and State Budget Director to Governor Kempthorne. As budget director, he managed the state’s then $4 billion budget impacting every Idahoan through hundreds of programs and state agencies.
 
“I’ve always had a passion for public service and developing good public policy,” said Whitlock. “Meridian is a special place, thanks to Mayor Simison, the City Council and a long list of visionary leaders. I look forward to contributing to the success that has made Meridian the best place in Idaho to live, work, and raise a family.”
 
Brian has spent the last nine years as the President and CEO of the Idaho Hospital Association, representing all 51 community hospitals throughout the state. His main responsibilities include working with state and federal policymakers to ensure that Idahoans continue to have access to the right healthcare, at the right time, and for the right cost. With healthcare workforce challenges, Brian is working to expand our health education capacity to offset the additional shortages expected from an aging healthcare workforce and Idaho’s population growth. His experience brings a unique perspective to the discussion and efforts toward Meridian’s vision to be the healthcare epicenter of Idaho.
 
In March, Mayor Simison accepted letters of interest to fill the Meridian District 1 vacancy, and Mayor Simison and Council President Luke Cavener interviewed all applicants since then.
 
Meridian City Council will meet on Tuesday, May 28^th, to discuss the appointment. The topic will be discussed in the regular meeting which will begin at 6 PM and will be streamed online. Learn more about how to view the meeting, HERE. In accordance with state law and city code, Mayor Simison will appoint, with the approval of Meridian City Council Brian Whitlock to serve as a council member for the remainder of the term which expires at the end of 2025.  Whitlock will be eligible to run to retain the seat in the November 2025 election as long as he remains a resident of District 1.