Commissioner Peterson Names Regulatory Services' Director Kyle Stephens As New Deputy Commissioner

Commissioner Peterson selected Director of Regulatory Services, Kyle Stephens, as the department's new deputy commissioner. The appointment takes effect immediately.

The commissioner said he selected Stephens because of his excellent organizational skills and his broad experience and understanding of agriculture, and the workings of the department. The commissioner pointed to Stephens' success in planning and executing the 1999 NASDA conference in St. George, and his accomplishments with food safety protection during the Olympics.

"Kyle has assisted me many times while we have been without a deputy commissioner, and he has demonstrated exceptional organizational skills," said Commissioner Peterson. The department's deputy commissioner position has been vacant since August, 1999, following the retirement of Van Burgess.

"I am excited about the appointment and look forward to the challenge and opportunity of moving the department through the coming years," said Stephens.

Stephens is a 27-year veteran of the department who was hired in 1975 as a meat inspector. The following are some of the various positions Stephens has occupied: 1975, Meat Inspector; 1977,
Supervisor, Meat Compliance Program; 1979, Supervisor, Farm Custom Slaughter and Custom-Exempt Meat Plant Program; 1980, Administrator, Agriculture Loan Program; 1990, Director, Food and Dairy Division and Department Hearing Officer; 1993, Director, Division of Regulatory Services and Department Hearing Officer.

Stephens will perform a dual role as deputy commissioner and director of regulatory services until a new division director is appointed. Program directors within Regulatory Services will help Stephens oversee day-to-day responsibilities until a new director is named.

One of Stephens first assignments will be to help Commissioner Peterson draft the department's 1000-Day Economic Plan. This plan was initiated by Governor Leavitt to propel the state to a higher level of performance during the next three years and beyond.

Stephens will also help the commissioner conduct an internal review of the department that is intended to streamline and accelerate its efficiencies.

As Regulatory Services Division Director, Stephens was responsible for the direction and coordination of the compliance activities of the following programs: dairy inspection, food inspection, retail meat
compliance, egg and poultry grading, product labeling, bedding and upholstered furniture, and weights and measures.

Stephens is active in many national and local organizations and has served on the executive boards or as president of the following organizations: National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments; Dairy Division of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (1992-1996); Western Association of Food and Drug Officials (1992-1994); National Association of Rural Rehabilitation
Corporations (1988-1991).

A native of Henefer, Utah, Stephens received his B.S. degree in Animal Science from Utah State University. He is a graduate of North Summit High School in Coalville.