Utah Department of Agriculture staff honor Commissioner Craig Butters ahead of retirement

Staff at the Utah Department of Agriculture offered tributes to Commissioner Craig Butters during remarks at a department meeting, praising his leadership and support as he prepares to retire.

A Utah Department of Agriculture staff member said, "Commissioner Butters, I hope you have a wonderful retirement." Another staff member added, "Had, and I wish him all a lot in the future."

Several staff described Butters as supportive and steady. One staff member said, "I've really loved working for him. I as a commissioner, I've always felt very supported and heard whether it's been a difficult situation where you need, you know, some support or guidance or really exciting opportunity that he's been open to. So I'm really gonna miss him. You know, like, he's he's made a huge mark on me both personally and at the department." Another staff member said, "As I think back over the years of the interactions that I've had with Commissioner Butters, the interaction that he's had directly with us and and the way that he supported us within the division is simply giving us the latitude to be able to do what we feel is best."

Staff also praised Butters's demeanor and decision making. "He exemplifies so many incredible qualities. I have appreciated his kindness, his encouragement, his sense of service. His leadership has been phenomenal for us here at the department," a staff member said. A different staff member, identifying themselves as the director of divisions, said, "As the director of divisions that are fairly controversial and technical, I appreciated commissioner's open mindedness and objective decision making." Another remark summarized departmental progress under his leadership: "So under Craig's leadership, we've been able to make great strides in all of our departments here at the Department of Ag. And it's thanks to his leadership and his contacts and the people that he knew. So we appreciate him. We're gonna miss him. Good luck, Craig." A final staff member said, "He takes time with each individual employee to really hear and understand what they are going through, and he cares to address it, as well as our external audiences. I have loved every minute that he has been here, and we are so gonna miss" followed by a concluding "miss him."

The remarks celebrate Butters's internal work and relationships; the transcript did not specify a retirement date, any succession plans, or any formal personnel actions related to his departure. No motions or formal votes were recorded in the provided transcript excerpts.