Category: US State Government of Utah

Source: US State Government of Utah

**Events labeled Media Access indicate that an event is open to media. Events labeled Media Availability indicates that an event is open to the media and that a media Q&A is planned.** 

**Please note that if a remote surge day is called, the governor and lieutenant governor’s schedules may change. 

Gov. Spencer J. Cox’s Schedule 

July 24-28, 2023 

**The governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change** 

Monday, July 24 – Pioneer Day (office is closed)

8:45 a.m. Participate in The Days of ‘47 Pioneer Day Parade 

Location: State Street and South Temple 

6:30 p.m. Attend Days of 47 Rodeo 

Location: Utah State Fairpark 

Tuesday, July 25

6 p.m. Speak at the Japan Governors Association

Location: Virtual meeting 

Wednesday, July 26

9 a.m. Hold strategy meeting 

Location: Kearns Mansion 

10:30 a.m. Meet with Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget 

Location: Kearns Mansion 

Thursday, July 27 

9 a.m. Interview with Utah Public Radio

Location: Virtual meeting

9:30 a.m. Meet with Boards and Commissions 

Location: Governor’s Office 

10:15 a.m. Meet with Aimee Winder Newton, senior advisor and director of Office of Families

Location: Governor’s Office 

10:55 a.m. Photo with August Employee of the Month

Location: Gold Room 

1:30 p.m. Host Spirit of Service Awards 

Location: Gold Room 

MEDIA AVAILABILITY 

2:45 p.m. Meet with Homecare & Hospice Association of Utah Executive Director Matt Hansen 

Location: Governor’s Office 

3:30 p.m. Meet with Wayne Niederhauser, state homelessness coordinator 

Location: Governor’s Office 

4:15 p.m. Meet with Neil Abercrombie, senior advisor for legislative affairs

Location: Governor’s Office 

7 p.m. Speak at Muslim Heritage Month celebration 

Location: Huntsman Center, University of Utah

Friday, July 28

No public meetings 

Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson’s Schedule 

July 24-28, 2023  

**The lieutenant governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change.**

Monday, July 24  – Pioneer Day (office is closed)

9 a.m. Participate in the Fiesta Days Grand Parade

Location: Spanish Fork

7:30 p.m. Participate in the Fiesta Days Rodeo

Location: Spanish Fork Fairgrounds

Tuesday, July 25

8:15 a.m. Lieutenant governor’s team meeting

Location: Rampton Room

9:30 a.m. Meet captain and crew of USS Utah

Location: Gold Room

10 a.m. Meet with elections team

Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Office

11 a.m. Meet with Sarah Sun, Miss Utah 2023

Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Office

1:30 a.m. Meet with Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity

Location: Rampton Room

2 p.m. Meet with senior advisors on tribal affairs

Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Office

3:30 p.m. Visit Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation

Location: Ogden

Wednesday, July 26

9 a.m. Hold strategy meeting 

Location: Kearns Mansion 

10:30 a.m. Meet with Office of Families director

Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Office

Thursday, July 27 

9 a.m. Meet Mountain Heights Academy students

Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Office

9:30 a.m. Meet with Boards and Commissions 

Location: Governor’s Office

10:30 a.m. Meet with Department of Veterans and Military Affairs

Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Office

1:30 p.m. Host Spirit of Service Awards 

Location: Gold Room 

MEDIA AVAILABILITY

Friday, July 28

No public meetings

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Source: US State Government of Utah

**Events labeled Media Access indicate that an event is open to media. Events labeled Media Availability indicates that an event is open to the media and that a media Q&A is planned.** 

**Please note that if a remote surge day is called, the governor and lieutenant governor’s schedules may change. 

Gov. Spencer J. Cox’s Schedule 

July 17-21, 2023 

**The governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change** 

Monday, July 17  

7 a.m. Attend Shared Stewardship tour  

Location: Beaver

Tuesday, July 18

8 a.m. Speak at Association of Public and Land Grant Universities conference 

Location: Salt Lake City Marriott City Center 

9:30 a.m. Participate in Days of ‘47 Cattle Drive 

Location: Little America Hotel, North Parking Lot 

MEDIA AVAILABILITY 

2:30 p.m. Meet with Wayne Niederhauser, state homelessness coordinator 

Location: Governor’s Office 

Wednesday, July 19

8 a.m. Speak at Show Up For Teachers Conference 

Location: Mountain America Expo Center 

MEDIA ACCESS

12:15 p.m. Meet with Brian Redd, executive director of Department of Corrections

Location: TBD

Thursday, July 20 

9 a.m. Meet with Colorado River Authority 

Location: Virtual meeting 

9:20 a.m. Meet with Joel Ferry, executive director of Department of Natural Resources

Location: Virtual meeting 

9:45 a.m. Meet with Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew Durrant

Location: Governor’s Office 

10:30 a.m. Meet with senior advisor of legislative affairs and policy 

Location: Governor’s Office 

1:15 p.m. Visit UServe 

Location: UServe building 

6:30 p.m. Attend Honors in Education Show Up For Teachers Gala 

Location: Grand America Hotel 

Friday, July 21

No public meetings 

Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson’s Schedule 

July 17-21, 2023  

**The lieutenant governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change.**

Monday, July 17 

No public meetings 

Tuesday, July 18

No public meetings 

Wednesday, July 19

No public meetings 

Thursday, July 20

No public meetings 

Friday, July 21

No public meetings 

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Source: US State Government of Utah

NEWS RELEASE

July 12, 2023 

Contact:

Emma Williams 

Office of the Governor

(385) 303-4383, ewilliams@utah.gov

Gov. Cox appoints Eric Gentry to Fifth District Court 

SALT LAKE CITY (July 12, 2023) — Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Eric Gentry to the Fifth District Court, replacing retiring Judge Michael Westfall. Gentry’s nomination requires confirmation by the Utah Senate. 

“I appreciate Eric’s willingness to serve our great state in this new capacity,” Gov. Cox said. “His years of experience will be a tremendous asset as he takes on the responsibilities of this role, and I’m confident he will apply the law fairly.”

Gentry is a longtime prosecutor and currently serves as a Deputy County Attorney in Washington County where he’s been since 2007. Currently, he is assigned to the Special Victims Prosecution team, where he manages a caseload that consists exclusively of homicide, child and adult sexual offenses, serious physical abuse, and other high-profile cases. Prior to this role, he served as a prosecutor for the city of Santa Clara, the city of Enterprise and was an assistant city attorney for the city of St. George. Gentry was also an associate at Snow, Jensen & Reese and an associate at Christopherson, Farris, White & Utley, both in St. George.. 

“I am humbled and honored to be appointed by Gov. Cox to the Fifth District Court,” Gentry said. “I am especially grateful for the opportunity to serve in the communities of my family’s heritage and home. If confirmed, I commit to the people of southern Utah that I will diligently fulfill the responsibilities and duties of my appointment, and will apply the law in a fair, impartial, and respectful manner.”  

Gentry graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Child Development/Special Education from Southern Utah University and received his J.D. from the J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University. As a husband and father of five, he enjoys playing and coaching sports, music composition and enjoying recreation in Utah’s beautiful outdoors. 

Photo can be viewed here.

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Source: US State Government of Utah

**Events labeled Media Access indicate that an event is open to media. Events labeled Media Availability indicates that an event is open to the media and that a media Q&A is planned.** 

**Please note that if a remote surge day is called, the governor and lieutenant governor’s schedules may change. 

Gov. Spencer J. Cox’s Schedule 

July 10-14, 2023 

**The governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change** 

Monday, July 10  

No public meetings

Tuesday, July 11

No public meetings

Wednesday, July 12 – National Governors Association Summer Meeting*** 

11 a.m. Attend Executive Committee meeting

Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City

12 p.m. Attend Chairman’s Reception

Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City 

1 p.m. Attend Republican Governors Association reception 

Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City 

5:30 p.m. Speak at National Governors Association Welcome Reception 

Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City 

Thursday, July 13 – National Governors Association Summer Meeting 

6:30 a.m. Attend Governors and First Spouse breakfast 

Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City 

8 a.m. Attend NGA Opening Plenary

Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City

10:30 a.m. Attend NGA Governors and First Spouses lunch 

Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City

11:45 a.m. Speak at Governors’ Actions to Accelerate Infrastructure Projects meeting 

Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City

1 p.m. Speak at Governors and Spouses outing 

Location: Brigantine, New Jersey

3:30 p.m. Speak at National Governors Association VIP reception 

Location: Steel Pier, Atlantic City 

4:30 p.m.  Speak at A Taste of New Jersey

Location: Steel Pier, Atlantic City 

6 p.m. Attend Governors and Spouses Dinner

Location: Council Oak Steakhouse, Atlantic City 

Friday, July 14 – National Governors Association Summer Meeting 

6 a.m. C-SPAN interview with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy* 

Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City

6:45 a.m. Attend Governors and First Spouses breakfast 

Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City

8 a.m. Speak at Closing Plenary: Transition of NGA Leadership and Introduction of the 2023-2024 Chair’s Initiative*

Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City

9:30 a.m. Hold press conference with Gov. Phil Murphy and Gov. Jared Polis

Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City

MEDIA AVAILABILITY 

10 a.m. Attend 2023 Chair Initiative Funder lunch 

Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City  

11:45 a.m. Host National Governors Association Initiative virtual national media briefing  

Location: Virtual meeting 

MEDIA AVAILABILITY 

*Broadcast or livestreamed at nga.org.

***Times listed are MT.

Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson’s Schedule 

July 10-14, 2023  

**The lieutenant governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change.**

Monday, July 10

8:15 a.m. Lieutenant governor’s team meeting

Location: Rampton Room

9 a.m. Meet with elections team

Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Office

10:30 a.m. Meet with general counsel

Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Office

11 a.m. Meet with senior advisor of federal affairs

Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Office

2 p.m. Attend Utah Valley University campus safety roundtable

Location: Utah Valley University, Orem

Tuesday, July 11

2 p.m. Visit Mountain Valley Seed Company

Location: South Salt Lake

3:05 p.m. Tour Department of Agriculture and Food with Commissioner Craig Buttars

Location: 315 S 2700 W, Taylorsville

Wednesday, July 12

2 p.m. Visit The Chosen set with Utah Film Commission

Location: Goshen

Thursday, July 13

1 p.m. Attend S.B. 117 discussion with Colorado City / Hildale City Police Department

Location: 50 Colvin St, Colorado City

1:45 p.m. Tour Cherish Families

Location: Short Creek Community

2:15 p.m. Meet with local leaders

Location: Short Creek Community

Friday, July 14

No public meetings

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Source: US State Government of Utah

**Events labeled Media Access indicate that an event is open to media. Events labeled Media Availability indicates that an event is open to the media and that a media Q&A is planned.** 

**Please note that if a remote surge day is called, the governor and lieutenant governor’s schedules may change. 

Gov. Spencer J. Cox’s Schedule 

July 2-7, 2023 

**The governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change** 

Sunday, July 2 – Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving

7 p.m. Speak at Freedom Festival Patriotic Service

Location: Marriott Center, BYU

MEDIA ACCESS

Monday, July 3  

No public meetings 

Tuesday, July 4 – Independence Day 

9 a.m. Participate in America’s Freedom Festival Grand Parade

Location: Provo 

MEDIA ACCESS

Wednesday, July 5 

9 a.m. Interview candidates for Fifth District Court

Location: Governor’s Office

10 a.m. Meet with President Adams and Speaker Wilson

Location: Virtual meeting

11:15 a.m. Interview candidates for Fifth District Court

Location: Governor’s Office

1:45 p.m. Interview candidates for Fifth District Court

Location: Governor’s Office

3 p.m. Hold strategy meeting

Location: Rampton Room

4:15 p.m. Meet with Deseret News Editorial Board

Location: Rampton Room

5:30 p.m. Meet with University of Utah President Taylor Randall

Location: The Capital Grille

Thursday, July 6  

No public meetings

Friday, July 7 

7 a.m. Meet with NGA

Location: Washington, DC

8 a.m. Interview with FOX News

Location: Washington, DC

9 a.m. Meet with The Washington Post

Location: Washington, DC

10 a.m. Meet with the Wall Street Journal

Location: Washington, DC

12 p.m. Meet with Axios

Location: Washington, DC

1 p.m. Meet with FOX News

Location: Washington, DC

1:45 p.m. Meet with The Dispatch

Location: Washington, DC

Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson’s Schedule 

July 3-7, 2023  

**The lieutenant governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change.**

Monday, July 3  

No public meetings 

Tuesday, July 4 – Independence Day 

9 a.m. Participate in America’s Freedom Festival Grand Parade

Location: Provo

MEDIA ACCESS

Wednesday, July 5

8:15 a.m. Lieutenant governor’s team meeting

Location: Rampton Room

9 a.m. Interview candidates for Fifth District Court

Location: Governor’s Office

10 a.m. Meet with elections team

Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Office

10:30 a.m. Meet with Department of Cultural & Community Engagement executive director

Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Office

11:15 a.m. Interview candidates for Fifth District Court

Location: Governor’s Office

1:45 p.m. Interview candidates for Fifth District Court

Location: Governor’s Office

3 p.m. Hold strategy meeting

Location: Rampton Room

Thursday, July 6

10 a.m. Meet with Carbon and Emery county leaders

Location: Price

Friday, July 7

No public meetings 

Saturday, July 8

10 a.m. Speak at the 39th Annual Payson Scottish Festival

Location: Park View Elementary School, 360 S 100 E, Payson

MEDIA ACCESS

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Source: US State Government of Utah

NEWS RELEASE

June 29, 2023 

Contact:

Emma Williams 

Office of the Governor

(385) 303-4383, ewilliams@utah.gov

Gov. Cox issues declaration giving thanks for record breaking water levels, asks Utahns to join in prayers of thanksgiving 

SALT LAKE CITY (June 29, 2023) – Today, Gov. Spencer Cox is declaring Sunday, July 2, 2023, as a day of prayer and thanksgiving in Utah. He’s asking faith leaders and all Utahns throughout the state to join in offering prayers of thanks after a year of record-breaking snowfall.  

Utah has suffered from historic drought conditions and experienced exceptionally low soil moisture and reservoir storage. Parts of the state have experienced drought conditions nearly every year since 2000, with “extreme” and “exceptional” drought conditions statewide during 2021 and 2022. 

For the past two years, Gov. Cox has asked Utahns to unite in prayer to plead for divine help. 

“I believe prayer can be a powerful tool,” Gov. Cox said. “There is real power in people of all different faiths and backgrounds uniting together and pleading for help from a higher authority than our own. I also believe that people who pray for water will conserve water, and we need to continue to conserve.”

Utahns not only expressed faith and hope through prayer, but did their part to conserve tens of billions of gallons of water. Utah’s 2022-2023 winter received record-breaking snowfall. Almost all of the state’s reservoirs are full, the Great Salt Lake has risen five-and-a-half feet and Lake Powell is up more than 60 feet. 

To show gratitude for the water-filled year, Gov. Cox is asking once again that Utahns unite in prayer — only this time, to say prayers of gratitude. 

Declaration can be viewed here. 

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Source: US State Government of Utah

**Events labeled Media Access indicate that an event is open to media. Events labeled Media Availability indicates that an event is open to the media and that a media Q&A is planned.** 

**Please note that if a remote surge day is called, the governor and lieutenant governor’s schedules may change. 

Gov. Spencer J. Cox’s Schedule 

June 26 – 30, 2023 

**The governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change** 

Monday, June 26 

No public meetings 

Tuesday, June 27 

No public meetings 

Wednesday, June 28 

9 a.m. Meet with Division of Facilities and Construction Management

Location: Kearns Mansion

Thursday, June 29 

7:30 a.m. Participate in the Colonel’s Challenge

Location: Soldier Hollow

1:30 p.m. Meet with NGA Executive Committee

Location: Virtual meeting

2:15 p.m. Meet with senior advisor of federal affairs

Location: Governor’s Office

3:30 p.m. Meet with boards and commissions

Location: Governor’s Office

Friday, June 30

12 p.m. Speak at PGA press conference

Location: Black Desert Resort

MEDIA ACCESS

1:15 p.m. Meet with Department of Workforce Services employees

Location: St. George Office

Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson’s Schedule 

June 26 – 30, 2023  

**The lieutenant governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change.**

Monday, June 26

8:15 a.m. Lieutenant governor’s team meeting

Location: Rampton Room

9 a.m. Meet with elections team

Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Office

10 a.m. Snow College Magazine interview

Location: Virtual

11:30 a.m. Wildland Fire Operations Center groundbreaking ceremony

Location: 3534 S 700 W, South Salt Lake, UT 84119

MEDIA AVAILABILITY

12:30 p.m. Meet with senior advisors on tribal affairs

Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Office

Tuesday, June 27

9 a.m. Attend Emergency Management Administrative Council meeting

Location: East Senate Building, Aspen Room

11 a.m. Meet with senior advisors

Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Office

12 p.m. Speak at Office of Energy Development Energy Pathways Scholarship Award ceremony

Location: East Senate Building, Olmstead Room

8:15 a.m. Attend Utah Symphony concert

Location: Thanksgiving Point

Wednesday, June 28

10 a.m. Lethality Assessment Protocol update press conference with the Department of Public Safety

Location: The Refuge Utah, 1433 E 840 N, Orem

MEDIA AVAILABILITY

11:30 a.m. Capitol Preservation Board meeting

Location: Capitol Board Room

Thursday, June 29

8 a.m. Tour Utah State Correctional Facility with executive director Brian Redd

Location: 1480 N 8000 W, Salt Lake City

11:45 a.m. Speak at Department of Health & Human Services Martha Hughes Cannon Annual Award ceremony

Location: Hall of Governors

2:30 p.m. Meet with Department of Environmental Quality executive director Kim Shelley

Location: Lieutenant Governor’s Office

3:30 p.m. Meet with boards and commissions

Location: Governor’s Office

Friday, June 30

No public meetings

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Source: US State Government of Utah

Gov. Cox signs trade pacts with UK, France during European trade mission

SALT LAKE CITY (June 22, 2023) – Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox met with the United Kingdom’s Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost trade and investment with the United Kingdom. 

“We have an excellent working relationship with the British Consulate in Los Angeles and our counterparts in the U.K.,” Gov. Cox said. “This agreement will lead to a broader exchange of best practices, government-led missions, private-sector partnerships, academic cooperation and capital investment, and we look forward to the increased collaboration.”

The U.K.-Utah MOU is the first to prioritize fintech as well as aerospace, supply chain resilience and life sciences. This MOU is the fifth such arrangement between the U.K. and a U.S. state and marks a milestone in the U.K. trade ties with Utah. 

According to the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, more than 10,700 Utahns are employed by U.K. subsidiaries and 38,330 Utah jobs are supported by exports to the United Kingdom. In 2022 alone, Utah exports to the U.K. exceeded $7 billion. The U.K. is Utah’s largest trading partner (in terms of exports from Utah to the U.K.).

“Our MOU with Utah builds on our existing strong relationship and unlocks new opportunities for British businesses, particularly those in the fintech sector in which Britain is a global leader,” International Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston said. “The MOUs we have agreed with U.S. states are already helping U.K. businesses grow their commercial links across the Atlantic.”

The state-level trade pact will strengthen Utah’s trading relationship with the U.K., unlocking opportunities for businesses to export more and encourage investment opportunities, which will in turn drive economic growth and create jobs. 

Earlier in the week, Gov. Cox also signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with President Renaud Muselier of France’s Region Sud. The LOI formalizes Utah’s relationship with Region Sud, an area that shares Utah’s leadership in tourism and innovation. The LOI includes establishing a partnership between a natural park in Utah and a natural park in Region Sud to exchange best practices in tourism. Both Utah and France also agreed to explore collaboration in new technologies, innovation, and health care.

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Source: US State Government of Utah

NEWS RELEASE

June 17, 2023 

Contact:

Emma Williams 

Office of the Governor

(385) 303-4383, ewilliams@utah.gov 

Gov. Cox signs bill setting 2023 election dates

SALT LAKE CITY (June 17, 2023) – Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox signed HB 2001, Election Amendments, today. This bill, which passed in a special session of the Legislature on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, enacts provisions related to a special election in the 2nd Congressional District, and the municipal elections that will be held in 2023.

“This new schedule makes sure Utahns will be represented in Congress with minimal disruption to our election system,” said Gov. Cox. “We thank our municipalities and county clerks for adjusting to these changes and we encourage all eligible Utahns to register to vote and participate in our elections this year.” 

“We care deeply about Utahns in the 2nd Congressional District, and they deserve a voice in Congress,” said Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, Utah’s chief election officer. “This timeline is our best option, balancing urgency with election security and accuracy. I’m confident in both our process and people.”

Under this new schedule, the primary election will be held on Sept. 5, 2023, and the general election will be held on Nov. 21, 2023.

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Source: US State Government of Utah

NEWS RELEASE

June 14, 2023 

Contact:

Emma Williams 

Office of the Governor

(385) 303-4383, ewilliams@utah.gov

Gov. Cox appoints Charles Stormont to Third District Court 

SALT LAKE CITY (June 14, 2023) — Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Charles Stormont to the Third District Court bench to fill the vacancy left by Judge Amy Oliver’s appointment to the Utah Court of Appeals. Stormont’s nomination requires confirmation by the Utah Senate. 

“Charles has a strong commitment to public service and a broad range of experience that will enhance his service on the court,” Gov. Cox said. “We appreciate his willingness to serve in this new capacity.”

Stormont currently serves as the Utah Department of Transportation’s Director of Right of Way and Property Management, where he oversees myriad complex real estate functions. Prior to joining UDOT in 2018, Stormont was senior counsel with Utah Transit Authority, of counsel at Fabian VanCott, member of Stormont Billings PLLC, and an assistant attorney general at the Utah Attorney General’s Office. 

“I am humbled by Gov. Cox’s appointment to the Third District Court and the opportunity to continue serving the people of Utah,” Stormont said. “If confirmed by the Utah Senate, I am committed to upholding the principles of integrity, respect, fairness, and fidelity to the law.”

Stormont currently serves on the Utah State Bar Third District Pro Bono Commission, the Utah Judicial Council’s Standing Committee on Resources for Self-Represented Parties, the Utah State Bar Access to Justice Commission and other legal activities. Civic involvement includes board member of The Road Home, board member of the I.J. & Jeanné Wagner Jewish Community Center, and candidate for Utah Attorney General.   

Stormont received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Davidson College and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. He has received awards including the S.J. Quinney College of Law, Pro Bono Initiative 2016 Distinguished Pro Bono Attorney Award, the Utah Judicial Council 2015 Service to the Courts Award, the International Right of Way Association 2018 Government Employer of the Year Award, and the Utah Department of Transportation 2019 Innovation Award. 

Photo can be viewed here.

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