Gov. Little appoints Mary Lynn Hartwell, Joel Beck to Idaho State Board of Education

Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little announced today the appointment of Mary Lynn Hartwell of Idaho Falls and Joel Beck of American Falls to the State Board of Education.

"Mary Lynn Hartwell and Joel Beck bring a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to public service, and a strong connection to Idaho's communities and schools. Their professional backgrounds and firsthand experience with education and community leadership will be valuable as the State Board works to strengthen Idaho's education system and prepare students for success," Governor Little said.

"The Idaho State Board of Education welcomes Mary Lynn and Joel and are grateful for their willingness to serve Idaho's students and families. Mary Lynn brings decades of business and community leadership from Idaho Falls, and Joel brings a legal background and firsthand experience as a former school board trustee in American Falls. We look forward to working together as we remain committed to strengthening Idaho's schools and universities for the next generation," State Board chairman Kurt Liebich said.

Hartwell is a longtime Idaho Falls community leader with more than four decades of experience in the insurance industry. She retired as executive vice president of The Hartwell Corporation in 2013 and continues to serve on its board of directors.

Hartwell has served on the College of Eastern Idaho Finance Committee. She is president of the Civic Center Performing Arts Foundation and serves as an emeritus board member of the Idaho Community Foundation. Her past community service includes leadership roles with United Way of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County, Zonta Club, Idaho Falls Rotary, Idaho Falls Arts Council, and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Hartwell received the 2026 John D. Hansen Award for Civility and Public Service from the City Club of Idaho Falls. She is a graduate of Idaho Falls High School.

"I'm honored to serve Idaho in this role and give back to the state and community that have given me so much. I look forward to working with the other members of the State Board of Education to support Idaho students, families, and educators," Hartwell said.

Beck is a lifelong Idahoan, attorney, former American Falls school trustee, and community leader. He earned a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of Utah and a law degree from the University of Idaho in 2002. He has practiced law in Idaho for more than two decades and is a partner and owner of Ruchti & Beck Law Offices in Pocatello.

Beck currently serves on the Sixth Judicial District Magistrate Commission and the boards of Friends of the Children-Eastern Idaho and the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association. He previously served as an American Falls School District trustee and was on the Community Council of Idaho board.

"As a product of Idaho's public schools and a former school board trustee, I understand the importance of ensuring Idaho students have access to a strong education and the opportunities they need to succeed. I'm honored to serve Idaho in this capacity," Beck said.

Hartwell and Beck replace Bill Gilbert and Cindy Siddoway whose terms on the board expired.