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Gibson Appoints UDAF Deputy Commissioner

(Salt Lake City) – Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) Commissioner Kerry Gibson has appointed Kelly Pehrson to serve as deputy commissioner for the agency.

“I am pleased to have someone of Kelly’s ability and caliber join our team,” said Gibson. “He brings a wealth of government management expertise, a track record for pragmatic decision making and the capacity to elevate UDAF administrative functions.”

Pehrson worked for 12 years in San Juan County, initially as city manager in Monticello and then most recently as county chief administrative officer. Prior to that, he worked in the banking industry for 10 years, having completed an MBA with an emphasis in finance.

Pehrson added, “I look forward to adding my skill set and experience to this incredible department. UDAF plays a critical role for our agricultural community and under Commissioner Gibson’s leadership, I know we will work together to solve problems and plan for the future.”

Duties of the deputy director include oversight of budgets, human resources, and other administrative functions for the Department.

UDAF is responsible for the administration of Utah’s agricultural laws, which mandate a wide variety of activities including inspection, regulation, information, rulemaking, loan issuance, marketing and development, pest and disease control, consumer protection, improving the economic position of agriculture, and promoting our agricultural community.