Department of Heritage and Arts Executive Director Steps Down
SALT LAKE CITY (August 19, 2016) – After five years as the executive director of the Utah Department of Heritage and Arts, Julie Fisher will step down at the end of August to accept a management position at a global consulting firm. Prior to her service with Heritage and Arts, Fisher served four terms in the Utah House of Representatives.
“Heritage and Arts represents the heart and soul of Utah,” Fisher said. “It has been an honor for me to work with so many talented and dedicated people who come to work each day focused on making Utah a better place to live.”
During her tenure as executive director, Fisher led the successful transition from the former Department of Community and Culture to the department’s current organizational structure. She also oversaw the digitization and cataloging of state historical records and more than 30,000 artifacts. The entire state art collection is now available for viewing online. Fisher also spearheaded efforts to significantly expand Gov. Herbert’s annual Native American Summit.
“Julie leaves a legacy of stewardship of Utah's unique cultural identity and resources,” Gov. Herbert said. “She has fostered a commitment to accountability and efficiency in the management of taxpayer dollars and has laid a foundation which will support the department into the future.”
Brian Somers, who was appointed deputy director of the department in February 2013, will serve as the interim executive director while a search for a new director is conducted.
“Julie has brought together a diverse group of divisions in a way that encourages collaboration in improving the lives of Utahns,” Somers said. “On behalf of all employees in the Department of Heritage and Arts, we thank her for her long public service as our executive director and in the legislature and wish her well in her future endeavors in the private sector.”
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Governor appoints Dan Hemmert to Utah Senate
SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 26, 2016) – Gov. Gary R. Herbert has appointed Daniel Hemmert to the Utah Senate. Hemmert will serve in District 14 following the resignation of Sen. Alvin Jackson on July 1.
“I am pleased to appoint Dan to represent Utah Senate District 14,” Gov. Herbert said. “His sincere desire to enact sound fiscal, family and education policies will serve him well as he works to fulfill the demands of this position. I look forward to working together with him in this new capacity.”
Hemmert is the vice president and owner of Red Hanger Cleaners, which operates dry cleaning and professional laundry stores in Northern Utah. He holds a JD/MBA from Brigham Young University and is a native of Utah County. On Aug. 6, he was selected by district delegates to fill out the remainder of Sen. Jackson’s term.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve in the Utah Senate,” Hemmert said. “I am humbled to represent the community that I have loved my entire life. I look forward to getting to work for the people of District 14.”
Hemmert will serve the remainder of the current legislative term, which expires on December 31, 2016.
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