Salt Lake City (Dec. 12, 2017) – Mike Styler, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR), has named Weber County Commissioner, Kerry Gibson, as DNR’s new deputy director. Gibson will assume his position, Jan. 13, 2018, following the retirement of current Deputy Director, Robyn Pearson.
“Robyn’s 13 years of institutional knowledge and background are difficult to replace. He has represented DNR and the State with the upmost professionalism. I wish him well in retirement,” said Styler. “With Utah’s population continuing to grow, DNR is aggressively working to identify today’s opportunities and find solutions to tomorrow’s challenges. Kerry’s background as a farmer, state legislator and most recently county commissioner will make him a valuable asset to DNR as we transition into this new phase. Kerry has always been a fierce advocate for natural resources and we are pleased he has accepted this assignment.”
As deputy director, Gibson will work closely with members of DNR’s executive team, division leadership, state legislators and key stakeholders to manage and protect Utah’s abundant natural resources. DNR includes seven divisions: State Parks and Recreation; Oil, Gas and Mining; Forestry, Fire and State Lands; Water Resources; Water Rights; Wildlife Resources and the Utah Geological Survey.
Gibson has served as a Weber County Commissioner since 2011 and will resign from his position before joining DNR full-time. He was elected a member of the Utah State House of Representatives in 2004 and represented District 6 in Weber County until 2010. As a state representative, Gibson chaired the Natural Resources Appropriations Committee.
“I have always believed that local government is where real change happens and where the elected officials are most accountable. While it is bittersweet to close this chapter, I am grateful to Weber County residents for placing their trust in me and look forward to continuing our work together,” said Gibson. “This assignment allows me to use my unique background to help address some of Utah’s critical natural resource needs, including water conservation, infrastructure, watershed rehabilitation, and management of wildlife and agriculture. I am honored to have this new opportunity and excited to work alongside the exceptional men and women at DNR.”
In addition to his responsibilities as a state legislator, Gibson has been involved with many organizations, including the Farm Service Agency and the Farm Bureau and has served on the Utah International Trade Commission and the State Water Development Commission.
Gibson and his wife, Katrina, have six children and reside in West Weber.
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