Kerry Chlarson has been appointed as the new director of the Utah Labor Commission's Anti-Discrimination and Labor Division.

Chlarson graduated from the University of Utah in 1985 and was commissioned as an officer in the Marines shortly thereafter. He was injured in a car accident while serving and disfigured in the fiery crash.

"That forced a career change," he said, so he returned to the U. and received a law degree in 1991. He had law internships with the U.S. Department of the Interior solicitor's office and with Utah Supreme Court Justice Daniel Stewart.

Most recently, Chlarson has worked with the Labor Commission as an administrative law judge in its Wage Claim Unit. Previously, he was the managing attorney at the Disability Law Center.

"My goal is to help the division become more responsive to those who live and work in Utah; to help all of our stakeholders have a better understanding of the laws the division has been assigned to enforce; and to help resolve problems as quickly and effectively as possible," he said.

Labor Commissioner Sherrie Hayashi said, "Kerry's dedication to serving people, along with his professionalism and strong work ethic, will be a great asset."

Lee Davidson