Lt. Gov. Spencer J. Cox has announced the appointments of Kirsten Rappleye as chief of staff of the Office of the Lt. Governor and Justin Lee as director of elections for the Utah Elections Office.
“I’m thrilled to have Kirsten and Justin join my senior staff,” said Lt. Gov. Cox. “They are sharp, driven individuals who will continue to be of great service to the state of Utah as they step into their new roles.”
Kirsten currently serves the Herbert/Cox administration as public information officer, overseeing media relations, interagency communications and assisting with communications strategy. From 2012 to 2016, Kirsten served as majority assistant to the Utah Senate. She holds a degree in Law and Constitutional Studies from Utah State University.
As chief of staff, Kirsten will advise Lt. Gov. Cox on policy and oversee the implementation of office initiatives and programs, boards and commissions and budget matters. She will assist the lieutenant governor in fulfilling his constitutional and statutory duties, including communicating with elected officials and governmental entities and coordinating intergovernmental policies and programs.
Justin currently serves in the Cox administration as deputy director of elections, a position he has held since 2012. Justin holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Utah, and an M.A. in Political Science from Utah State University.
As director of elections, Justin will oversee state elections, the day-to-day activities of the Elections Office and provide general supervision over all elections-related issues.
Other personnel changes in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor include Derek Brenchley, newly appointed as deputy director of elections, Jennifer Storie, newly appointed as office administrator, and India Nielsen, newly appointed as an elections specialist.
The appointments are effective Nov. 18, 2017.
