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Senior Advisor Of Rural Affairs One Of The Appointments In New Cox Administration

Jennifer Napier-Pearce Office of the Lt. Governor

This week Governor- elect Spencer Cox and Lt. Governor- elect Deidre Henderson announced some key appointments for their upcoming team. One of these appointments is part of Cox’s effort to reach out to rural Utah.

“This position will expand the capacity of his office, to be able to bring a sense of meeting power to our rural community as we gather them together on important issues, to be able to develop that collaboration alongside other rural champions,” said Stephen Lisonbee. 

One of the issues Gov.-elect Spencer Cox campaigned on was better meeting the needs of the  state’s rural communities. As part of his effort to fulfill this promise, Cox appointed Stephen Lisonbee to his administration as the Senior Advisor of Rural Affairs.

While serving in this position, Lisonbee will not live near the State House, instead he will be working from LaVerkin. By staying put, Lisonbee said he is able better understand and communicate the needs of rural Utah to Cox.

“I's an ability to be a center, eyes and ears, for him as well as helping rural youth to have a voice and a sense of convenient power that can then connect into his ministration,” said Lisonbee. 

Remote work is no new concept for Lisonbee. Lisonbee worked as a  state division director for the Workforce Development Division while also living in LaVerkiin.

“You learn how to communicate remotely, work remotely, but to be proximate, when the attention and the need arises, and to be present in the community when you need to. And so being right here in the community gives me quick access,” said Lisonbee.

In addition to his advisor role, Lisonbee will continue to hold his current position as Assistant Vice President of the Office of Regional Services at Southern Utah University.