1. (1) The executive director is the chief administrative officer of the department.

2. (2) The executive director is responsible for:

   1. (a) the administration and supervision of the department;
   2. (b) the coordination of policies and program activities conducted through the department;
   3. (c) the development and approval of the proposed budget of the department;

   4. (d) preparing an annual report for presentation not later than November 30 of each year to the Government Operations Interim Committee which covers:

      1. (i) services provided to veterans, service members, and their families;
      2. (ii) services provided by third parties through the Veterans Assistance Registry;
      3. (iii) coordination of veterans services by government entities with the department; and
      4. (iv) the status of military missions within the state;
   5. (e) advising the governor on matters pertaining to veterans and military affairs throughout the state, including active duty service members, reserve duty service members, veterans, and their families;
   6. (f) developing, coordinating, and maintaining relationships with Utah's congressional delegation and appropriate federal agencies; and
   7. (g) entering into grants, contracts, agreements, and interagency transfers necessary to support the department's programs.
3. (3) The executive director is the acceptance authority for any gifts, contributions, or donations received under Subsection 71A-1-201(6) and shall ensure compliance with the restrictions and limitations described in Section 63G-6a-2404.
4. (4) The executive director may appoint deputy directors to assist the executive director in carrying out the department's responsibilities.
5. (5) A deputy director, described in Subsection (3), of veterans' services shall be a veteran.

Amended by Chapter 71, 2025 General Session