A member of former state superintendent Sherri Ybarra’s inner circle has a new job in the education arena.

Marilyn Whitney will be the new executive director for IDeal, Idaho’s 529 College Savings Program. Whitney will begin in her new job Thursday.

“I am excited to work with the IDeal board to ensure that Idaho students have opportunities to expand and enrich their education,” Whitney said in a news release. “I’m committed to helping Idaho families plan and save for their students’ future education goals.”

Until recently, Whitney had served as Ybarra’s deputy for communications and policy, making her one of the superintendent’s point persons at the Statehouse. Previously, Whitney had worked for the State Board of Education and former Gov. Butch Otter.

“She brings a wealth of experience in both K-12 and higher education to this position,” said State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth, chair of IDeal’s board of directors.

IDeal is a state-sponsored tax advantage savings program, which allows families to save for future college costs. Since its founding in 2001, more than 60,000 families have enrolled in the savings program.