Jefferson Moss, a Saratoga Springs Republican and the Utah House majority leader, is resigning from elected office to become the next executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity.
His last day in the Legislature, where he has served since 2017, will be May 30, according to a Friday morning announcement from the Utah House.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of House District 51 and the state of Utah,” Moss said in a statement. “I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished together to strengthen our economy, invest in education, and expand opportunity for Utah families. I look forward to continuing my work in a new capacity, helping lead Utah’s economic future.”
Republicans delegates will elect Moss’s replacement in the Legislature, likely at the May 31 Utah GOP convention, and the House GOP will pick their next majority leader in the coming weeks, according to a spokesperson.
Moss’s departure leaves a vacancy in Republican House leadership, where Rep. Karianne Lisonbee of Clearfield serves as the majority whip and Rep. Casey Snider of Paradise serves as the assistant whip.
“Rep. Moss is an extraordinary leader, a trusted colleague, and a loyal friend,” House Speaker Mike Schultz said in a statement. “His vision, work ethic, and collaborative approach have left a lasting mark on our state. Rep. Moss has a unique ability to bring people together, think outside the box, and solve complex challenges. While we’ll miss his leadership in the House, I know he will continue to serve Utah with the same passion and purpose in his new role.”
Democrats in the House called Moss “a consistent partner on issues shaping Utah’s economic and policy landscape,” adding in a statement Friday afternoon that they “look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”
Gov. Spencer Cox announced the appointment of Moss in a separate announcement Friday morning, the Utah County Republican “brings a rare combination of public service, private sector experience, and a deep understanding of innovation and education.”
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) House Majority Leader Jefferson Moss, R-Saratoga Springs, during a news conference addressing legislation aimed at teacher retention, at the Utah Captiol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024.
In a separate statement, Moss said serving in the Legislature “has been one of the great honors of my life.” He added, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Utah in this new capacity and help advance the Governor’s vision for economic opportunity across the state.”
In his new role at GOEO, Moss replaces Ryan Starks, whose departure was announced by the governor last week. The Economic Development Corporation of Utah — a private, nonprofit also focused on statewide business development — announced earlier this week that Starks would become their new executive director.
Moss also serves as the associated commissioner of innovation, commercialization and economic development at the Utah System of Higher Education and, according to the governor’s officer, will continue his leadership role at USHE.
Originally founded in 1981, the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity has a host of responsibilities, including recruiting new companies to the state, working to develop Utah businesses in local and foreign markets and overseeing groups like the Utah Film Commission and the Office of Tourism. The office, according to GOEO’s website, oversees more than $240 million in state and federal funding and has a staff of more than 100 people. GOEO also leads economic initiatives like the Utah Innovation Center and the Center for Rural Development.
Note to readers, 4 p.m. • This story has been updated to include a statement from Democrats in the Utah House of Representatives and details about Ryan Starks’ new position.
