COEUR d'ALENE - The Panhandle Area Council named an interim executive director on Friday who will help run the agency while the board searches for a permanent director.

John Austin has been named interim executive director of PAC, an economic development organization and business incubator located near the Coeur d'Alene Airport in Hayden.

Austin will start Monday when former Executive Director Jim Hammond starts his new position as city administrator in Coeur d'Alene.

Austin is no stranger to PAC. He is also a former finance director for the city of Coeur d'Alene. He now owns Austin Consulting, and has been a contract consultant for PAC for several years.

"John coming on board during this transition will provide time for the search committee to review applications with the knowledge that the organization is being well-managed in the interim," said Kerri Thoreson, PAC vice-chair. "He's familiar with the function of PAC and the staff, as well as our clients."

Thoreson said the PAC board is appreciative of Austin's willingness to help. She said Hammond has been doing an excellent job as executive director, and while PAC didn't want to see him go, the board understands that he will make a great city administrator for Coeur d'Alene.

Thoreson said she expects Austin to be at the helm for a month or so while the board selects a new director. She said PAC has already received close to a dozen resumes.

Austin could not be reached for comment Friday, but he did issue a statement to the media.

"I am looking forward to the transition to a new executive director," Austin wrote in his statement. "Having been associated with PAC for the last 24 years, including 10 as treasurer when I was with Coeur d'Alene, I appreciate the opportunity to help the Board find the next great hire to carry on the work Jim Hammond did the last six months."

Austin also praised Hammond's work to get PAC back on a sound financial track.

"The next director can focus on our mission of economic development and job growth," Austin wrote. "I'm pleased that Mayor Widmyer has appointed Jim to represent the city on PAC's Board. He'll remain a valuable resource to all of us at PAC as we move forward."

Austin said he looks forward to getting Hammond's replacement hired, so he can go back to contracting to do PAC's urban renewal work as he has since he retired.