Cox will replace Tani Pack Downing, who will become Huntsman's general counsel.

A Brigham Young University graduate and former missionary to Brazil, Cox, who is blind, was an unsuccessful candidate for Maryland lieutenant governor on the 2006 Republican ticket with former Gov. Bob Ehrlich.

Cox also has served as president for the Utah chapter of the National Federation of the Blind.

Downing served as the general counsel for the Department of Workforce Services before becoming its director.

Before that she was associate general counsel with the Utah Legislature for seven years.

Earlier this month, Huntsman appointed Downing's predecessor, Michele Christiansen, to replace 3rd District Judge Leslie Lewis, who was ousted by voters.