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Senate Consents to Multiple Gubernatorial Appointments, Including Kim Cordova to CCJJ
Summary
The Utah Senate consented, by recorded roll call, to a package of governor-recommended appointments — including Teresa A. Foxley to USTAR, Natalie Young to the Utah Arts Council, Ryan E. Benali to the Dene Advisory Committee, and Kim Cordova as executive director of the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice — by a 20–0 vote with eight absent.
The Utah State Senate on an extraordinary December 2017 session consented to a slate of gubernatorial appointments presented by Governor Gary R. Herbert.
Secretary-to-the-Senate communications read nominations including Teresa A. Foxley to the Utah Science Technology and Research Governing Authority (USTAR), Natalie Young to the Utah Arts Council Board of Directors, the reappointment of Ryan E. Benali to the Dene Advisory Committee (Navajo Trust Fund), and Kim Cordova as executive director of the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ). The communication referenced Utah Code 67-1-1 and related provisions governing appointments.
Senators who spoke in support emphasized nominees' qualifications. A committee report was read noting a favorable recommendation for Kim Cordova from the Senate judiciary confirmation committee. Senator Escamilla told the Senate that Cordova's resume "speaks for itself" and described her as "overly qualified," praising her experience and readiness to work on victims' issues and reentry efforts. Those remarks were followed by a formal motion to approve the list of appointees.
The Senate recorded the consent vote as 20 "yay" votes, 0 "nay" votes, and 8 absent. President Niederhauser announced the Senate had consented to the governor's appointments. The communications did not specify effective start dates for each appointment in the portions read on the floor.
The confirmations include several appointments that touch state research, arts and criminal-justice oversight bodies. Kim Cordova's selection to lead CCJJ drew explicit praise from colleagues who noted her perspective on prosecution and defense and her experience working with survivors and individuals in the justice system.
The Senate completed the roll call and concluded the extraordinary session with brief closing remarks and seasonal well-wishes.
