After more than two years on the job, Robles resigned from the Office of Ethnic Affairs in mid-August. Her last day is Friday.

Robles, 29, is scheduled to start her new post as director of Zions Bank Business Resource Center on Monday.

She said leaving the state office will allow her to "pursue public service in a different capacity." Robles declined to say what public office she wants to run for in 2008, but plans to make an announcement within the next several weeks.

"Being outside of state government helps you explore different ideas and seek positions that as a state employee you can't," said Robles, a Salt Lake City resident, on Tuesday.

Robles - who earned a bachelor's degree in business marketing and master's degree in public administration from the University of Utah - said she's also excited about her new job working with small-business owners. The bank's resource center helps people develop plans, from marketing to financial proposals, for their new businesses.

As a governor-appointed state director, Robles oversaw the respective state offices of Black, Hispanic/Latino, Pacific Islander and Asian affairs. Each office is headed by a director, who is supposed to serve as a community representative in state government.

Palmer DePaulis, executive director of the state Department of Community and Culture, said Robles served a vital role in working with state departments to recruit, promote and retain minority state employees, as well as making sure Utah agencies reach out to and provide minorities with state resources.

Robles also helped with organizing the office's community events, such as the state's first ethnic business conference.

"She's done a very admirable job in bringing change to the [minority] community," DePaulis said Tuesday. "She's passionate and has done a good job."

DePaulis said the director's post is a job appointed by the governor, but it will most likely go through a search process where people will be able to apply. Plans to find a new director will probably start next week, he said.

"We'll get busy right after [Friday] to figure out a process to replace her," said DePaulis.

jsanchez@sltrib.com