Beginning Oct. 1, Ward will divide her time between the governor's office and higher education. She will step into the new job fullÐtime on Jan. 3, 2005 - when Walker leaves office - and earn a salary in the $105,000 to $110,000 range.

"It's a new opportunity," Ward said Tuesday. "After working in the governor's office, it's just hard to top that."

Ward replaces former Executive Director Dale Hatch, who was fired last July for alleged "questionable transactions" involving the administrative fees that parents and grandparents pay to open and manage college-savings accounts. The job is under scrutiny by individual savers and securities managers.

In addition, an investigative audit report of the fund under the former director is expected to be released this week.

Ward says she will ensure that the savings plan's internal controls are appropriate and correct. "That's one of the first things I will look at," she said.

In addition to her responsibilities as UESP director, Ward, a certified public accountant and former state budget director, will act as special assistant to Higher Education Commissioner Richard Kendell on budgetary matters.

Ward was director of the Office of Planning and Budget before joining the governor's staff in 2003. Previously, she was the assistant director of the State Division of Finance. She also was a senior auditor with the state Auditor's Office.

Ward is a member of the American Women's Society of CPAs, and was named "Outstanding CPA in Business and Management" in 2003 by the Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants. She earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Utah.

Kevin Walthers, a former legislative analyst who also recently joined the state's higher education system, said Ward's managing the state-sponsored college savings plan sends the right message.

"It's great for the state because investment markets in New York know the plan is in good hands," Walthers said.

sykes@sltrib.com