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Julie Fisher is stepping down as executive director of the Utah Department of Heritage and Arts to accept a management position with a global consulting firm.

She served five years in that post, and was appointed after serving four terms as a Fruit Heights Republican in the Utah House of Representatives.

"Heritage and arts represents the heart and soul of Utah," Fisher said in a news release. "It has been an honor for me to work with so many talented and dedicated people who come to work each day focused on making Utah a better place to live."

Fisher led the transition from the former Department of Community and Culture into the department's current organizational structure.

She also oversaw the digitization and cataloging of state historical records and more than 30,000 artifacts. The entire state art collection is now available for viewing online. Fisher also spearheaded efforts to significantly expand Gov. Gary Herbert's annual Native American Summit.

"Julie leaves a legacy of stewardship of Utah's unique cultural identity and resources," Herbert said. "She has fostered a commitment to accountability and efficiency in the management of taxpayer dollars and has laid a foundation which will support the department into the future."

Fisher came into the department director's spot in the wake of a reorganization and controversy over the agency's firing of the state archaeologist and his two assistants.

She was embroiled in her own flap a year ago when she forced the resignation of Lynette Hiskey, longtime administrator at the division of arts and museums, in a move that upset many in the arts community.

Brian Somers, who was appointed deputy director of the department in February 2013, will serve as the interim executive director while a search for a new director is conducted.