Caroline Hargraves: Director, Marketing and Economic Development | LinkedIn
Caroline Hargraves: Director, Marketing and Economic Development | LinkedIn
Governor Spencer Cox has appointed Kelly Pehrson as the Interim Commissioner of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), effective March 8, 2025. This appointment comes after the retirement of Commissioner Craig Buttars.
Pehrson expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I am honored for the opportunity to serve as Interim Commissioner as I have loved working with Utah’s farmers and ranchers as Deputy Commissioner, and I look forward to continuing to support them and the vital work they do for our state.”
Pehrson has been serving as UDAF Deputy Commissioner since April 2019 and has worked under three commissioners. He previously held the position of Interim Commissioner in 2020, providing him with experience in managing departmental transitions. Before his tenure at UDAF, Pehrson dedicated 12 years to public service in San Juan County. He began his career there as City Manager in Monticello before advancing to County Chief Administrative Officer.
Pehrson will maintain this interim role until Governor Cox appoints a permanent commissioner.
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