March 14, 2014
SALT LAKE CITY – Today, Senator Mike Lee announced that current Utah State Representative Ryan Wilcox has accepted the position of Northern Utah Director. Rep. Wilcox will resign his seat in the Utah Legislature effective March 16, 2014 and will assume his new role on March 17.
Senator Lee commented, “I am excited to have someone of Ryan’s caliber on our team. I have known Ryan for many years, and he is someone of who is highly respected as a state legislator. As the Chairman of the powerful House Revenue and Taxation Committee, he earned a reputation for being fair minded, thoughtful, and able to bring people with different viewpoints together to solve problems. And, as a lifelong resident of Weber County, he is someone who will be able to ensure that my office continues to respond to the needs of the citizens of Northern Utah.”
Raised on a dairy farm in West Weber, Representative Wilcox served on the House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee for the entire term of his House service. In that role, he has extensive knowledge of lands issues, and has worked at length with state, county, and local officials on policy involving our state’s natural resources.
In addition to his service in the Utah House of Representatives, Wilcox has significant business and managerial expertise, having served as a business manager for Sprint. In his professional capacity, he has oversaw retail stores in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Cache County, and at Hill Air Force Base.
“Having Representative Wilcox join our senior staff is one more step toward executing Senator Lee’s strategy to drive a positive conservative reform agenda,” said Boyd Matheson, the Senator’s Chief of Staff. “Ryan will also play an integral role to ensure that our office is closely connected and responsive to the needs of the people in Northern Utah.”
“Though the decision to step down from the legislature was very difficult, I am excited for the incredible opportunity I have to be a part of Senator Lee’s team,” said Wilcox. “While I will miss the regular interaction with my colleagues at the State Capitol, I will still continue to interact with elected officials regularly in this new role. Maintaining constant interaction, and being responsive to, our state’s community, government, and business leaders is a priority to Senator Lee.”
Ryan Wilcox’s Biography
Representative Ryan Wilcox currently serves as the Chairman of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee in the Utah House of Representatives. He has also served as the Vice Chair of the House Rules Committee, on the House Natural Resources, Agriculture & Environment Committee, and on the Public Utilities & Technology Committee. He is also the current Utah House Technology Chair. He has served in the Utah House of Representatives since 2008, and has represented the Ogden, North Ogden, Harrisville & Pleasant View areas since that time. He has also worked with the United States State Department on numerous issues involving foreign relations. Wilcox graduated from Weber State University with a degree in Commercial Spanish and Political Science. He is married to Kristina Beckstrom of Bountiful, and they are the parents of four children.
Communications Director
Brian Phillips
Brian_Phillips@lee.senate.gov
202-224-5444
Press Secretary
Emily Bennion
Emily_Bennion@lee.senate.gov
202-224-3904
