1. (1)

   1. (a) The chief administrative officer of the department is the executive director, who is appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
   2. (b) The executive director serves at the pleasure of the governor.
   3. (c) The executive director shall receive a salary established by the governor within the salary range fixed by the Legislature in Title 67, Chapter 22, State Officer Compensation.
   4. (d) The executive director shall be experienced in administration, management, and coordination of complex organizations.

2. (2) The executive director shall:

   1. (a) administer and supervise the department in compliance with Title 63A, Chapter 17, Utah State Personnel Management Act;
   2. (b) supervise and coordinate between the economic service areas and directors created under Chapter 2, Economic Service Areas;
   3. (c) coordinate policies and program activities conducted through the divisions and economic service areas of the department;
   4. (d) approve the proposed budget of each division, the Workforce Appeals Board, and each economic service area within the department;
   5. (e) approve all applications for federal grants or assistance in support of any department program;
   6. (f) coordinate with the executive directors of the Governor's Office of Economic Development and the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget to review data and metrics to be reported to the Legislature as described in Subsection 35A-1-109(2)(b); and
   7. (g) fulfill such other duties as assigned by the Legislature or as assigned by the governor that are not inconsistent with this title.
3. (3) The executive director may appoint deputy or assistant directors to assist the executive director in carrying out the department's responsibilities.
4. (4) The executive director shall at least annually provide for the sharing of information between the advisory councils established under this title.

Amended by Chapter 343, 2026 General Session