Senate confirms Barry C. Conover as Executive Director of Utah State Tax Commission

The Utah Senate on May 2, 2011, unanimously confirmed Barry C. Conover as Executive Director of the Utah State Tax Commission.

The clerk read a communication from the Tax Commission and Governor Gary R. Herbert transmitting Conover's nomination. Senator Hilliard moved to consent to the appointment; Senator Niederhauser reported the confirmation committee had reviewed Conover's qualifications and found community response positive. The Senate then approved the motion by voice vote; a subsequent roll call read for the record showed 28 affirmative votes, 0 negative and 1 absent.

Conover addressed the Senate in a Committee of the Whole, describing a 38-year career at the Tax Commission, including 23 years as deputy executive director. He recalled former Executive Director Rodney Morelli, who died in 2010, and thanked commissioners and staff. "Through my many years of service here in the Tax Commission, I've had the opportunity to work with the senators," Conover said. "I promise you that I will do my level best and continue the responsibilities associated with administering taxes in a fair and equitable way to the citizens of the State of Utah."

The Senate's confirmation completes the statutory appointment process for the Tax Commission's top administrative post; the roll call was entered into the record for clarity and public record.