Former KSL Radio reporter and West Valley City spokeswoman Tammy Kikuchi will be the new governor's communications director. And Michael Mower - who worked for former U.S. Reps. Howard Nielson and Chris Cannon and for Provo Mayor Lewis Billings - will manage public correspondence and communication with legislators.

"Both new roles are complementary to my past experience," Mower said. "And on a professional level, it's a wonderful opportunity to get involved at the start of a great new gubernatorial administration. I'm anxious to move his agenda forward."

Kikuchi, 42, worked six years as vice president of Economic Development Corporation of Utah. In 2000, she took a job directing West Valley City's Community and Government Relations Office. And in May, Kikuchi became executive director of The First Tee, a nonprofit organization that uses golf to teach life skills to disadvantaged children.

"I'm very excited about this opportunity," Kikuchi said. "It's going to be quite a challenge."

For the past four years, Mower, 38, has been Provo's director of community and government relations. He was then-Gov. Mike Leavitt's 2000 campaign communication director. Mower also was the spokesman for Wasatch Constructors, the contractor on the Interstate 15 reconstruction project.

Huntsman noted Mower's and Kikuchi's combined private and public service in a news release announcing the new appointments Wednesday.

Earlier this month, the governor-elect appointed a handful of governor's office executives, including naming campaign manager Jason Chaffetz his chief of staff. There are 570 appointed, at-will employees and a core of 165 executives, including department directors, governor's office staff and commissioners the new governor can replace.

Kikuchi and Mower will start work full time Jan. 3.