For Immediate Release from the Office of the Governor

Dec. 3, 2010

SALT LAKE CITY – After helping Governor Gary R. Herbert successfully navigate two difficult budget cycles and his first legislative session, as well as achieve a sweeping victory in the November election, Jason Perry is leaving the Governor’s Office for the University of Utah.

“Since taking office, my top priority for the State of Utah has been economic development. I asked Jason to join my team because of his experience in this area, and quickly found him to be an invaluable advisor in this and many other areas,” Governor Herbert said. “He has been critical to our achievements over the past 18 months, and I am saddened to see him go, but I know he has helped set the stage for future success.”

Perry has accepted a position as Vice President for Government Relations at the University of Utah, where he will be responsible for managing the University’s state and federal relations. Perry has served with Governor Herbert since June 2009, first leading the Governor’s transition team before his appointment as chief of staff.

“The University of Utah is thrilled to have Jason joining our team, and grateful to Governor Herbert for supporting his decision to take this next step,” University of Utah President Michael K. Young. “His experience inside and outside the Governor’s Office, coupled with his commitment to higher education, make him uniquely qualified to represent the University throughout Utah and the country. We are absolutely delighted to have him on board.”

Perry graduated from the University of Utah’s College of Law in May 1999. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Brigham Young University. He has previously served as Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, as well as Deputy Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, an Assistant Utah Attorney General and a Special Assistant United States Attorney.

“It has been an honor to work alongside Governor Herbert and help him achieve his vision for the State of Utah,” Perry said. “Having worked closely with the Governor during his first 18 months in office, which has included a legislative session and an overwhelmingly successful campaign, I know the Governor is perfectly positioned to ensure that Utah remains the most dynamic state in the nation.”

Perry will continue to serve as Governor Herbert’s chief of staff through the end of the year.

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