Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Role: Chief economist, Utah Legislature
NCSL involvement: Staff co-chair for the Economic Development and Labor Committee, one of NCSL’s eight Standing Committees
Years of legislative service: More than 30
“When given a choice between being right and being kind, choose kind.”
Why did you choose to work at the legislature?
There was an opportunity to define and develop the role of economist in the Utah Legislature. At the time they were looking for someone willing to jump in and try new ways of forecasting and developing an in-house revenue process. The chance to define my role and try new things was too good to pass up.
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
I am a compassionate person.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by the resilience of the people I work with.
What’s one thing you love about your state?
I love the variety of the scenery. You can go from mountain to desert in a matter of hours. The seasons are beautiful and keep things interesting.
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
I’ve been watching “Murdoch Mysteries” on Acorn TV, and I’m re-reading many of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple books.
What are some of the priorities of your NCSL Standing Committee?
The changing labor force, wage constraints and pension issues.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
For its “Staff Snapshots” series, State Legislatures News is asking legislative staff about their role in the legislature. To suggest a staffer for this series, please use the email icon above to contact Holly South.