Gov. Cox appoints Neil Abercrombie as new legislative director

Today Gov. Spencer J. Cox announced that Neil Abercrombie will join his senior staff as senior advisor of legislative affairs and policy. Following Lt. Gov. Henderson’s lead, he’ll be managing day-to-day interactions with the Legislature and working to advance the administration’s priorities. 

“Neil has earned a sterling reputation for his solid policy sense and relationships built on competency and good will. These attributes will allow him to hit the ground running,” Gov. Cox said. “We’re excited to have him join Team Utah and look forward to working together in advancing our goals for the people of Utah.”

Abercrombie has been vice president of government relations for Utah State University since 2016, where he also served as director of government relations. Prior to that, he was public finance and policy analyst for the Utah League of Cities and Towns and an adjunct professor at the University of Utah.

He has both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from Utah State University and also studied public administration at the University of Utah. 

Abercrombie will replace Karen Peterson, who was recently selected to fill the House District 13 seat vacated by Rep. Paul Ray.

He will start in his new role on Jan. 12, 2022.