Governor Spencer Cox has named Hannah Freeze as the next Great Salt Lake Commissioner, an increasingly important position that carries out policies designed to save the lake.

Freeze, who recently served as the deputy commissioner, takes over immediately. She previously oversaw the state’s agriculture water optimization program for Utah’s Department of Agriculture & Food, which offers funding and persuades farmers and ranchers — the state’s largest water users — to switch to newer technologies that grow crops with less water.

“Hannah understands that protecting the Great Salt Lake requires cooperation from people across the basin,” Gov. Cox said in a statement announcing her appointment. “She has earned the trust of agricultural producers, water users, conservation leaders and our state and federal partners. Her experience, practical approach and ability to bring people together will be invaluable as Utah continues this important work.”

Freeze’s appointment was supported by Senate President J. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, and House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, who were consulted on the hiring.

Read the full story at Fox 13 News.

This article is published through the Great Salt Lake Collaborative, a solutions journalism initiative that partners news, education and media organizations to help inform people about the plight of the Great Salt Lake—and what can be done to make a difference before it is too late. Read all of our stories at greatsaltlakenews.org.