Utah Senate quickly confirms new executive director for community development and new insurance commissioner

The Utah Senate on Feb. 13 consented to two of Governor's nominations, confirming David Winder as Executive Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development and Merlin Stewart as Commissioner of Insurance.

The Senate first read the governor's communication transmitting the appointments under Utah Code section 67-1-1 and voted to waive the 15-day consideration period so it could act on the nominations. Senators then moved the body into a committee of the whole to receive brief remarks from the two nominees.

David Winder thanked the Senate for the confirmation and introduced multiple generations of his family in the gallery, saying he was grateful for the opportunity to serve and pledged that the department's divisions would provide "leadership, coordination, and taxpayer value" as they addressed economic and community challenges.

Merlin Stewart introduced family members and characterized his priorities as protecting market solvency and promoting accessibility of insurance products. He told senators he intended to keep the department from "unnecessary controversy" and to facilitate positive outcomes for the state.

Senators offered congratulations and emphasized accountability. The motions to consent were adopted by voice vote and recorded as favorable. Following the committee-of-the-whole remarks, the Senate returned the body to open session and directed enrollment and signature steps for the confirmations.

The Senate record shows the governor's letter and the Senate's waiver motion were handled in open session and that the nominees were received publicly before final enrollment.