Today, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson announced Joe Pyrah as her chief of staff. He starts on Monday.
“Joe is a trusted associate and well-respected voice in Utah politics,” Lt. Gov. Henderson said. “His expertise and commitment to fight for everyday Utahns make him an excellent fit for the Cox-Henderson administration. I am grateful for Joe’s willingness to lead my office and confident he will serve the state well.”
From 2011-2014, Pyrah served as chief of staff to Becky Lockhart, the first and only woman to hold the speaker’s gavel in the Utah House of Representatives. Since 2015, Pyrah has been a partner at Sego Strategies, a government affairs firm. His policy portfolio runs the gamut: He’s worked on issues related to public education, Utah’s youth, health care, housing, technology – and has a strong sense for the nuts and bolts of government.
“Opportunities to make lasting change are rare, and I believe public service is one of the best ways to make that change.” Pyrah said. “The Cox-Henderson administration has a reputation for thoughtful, pragmatic, conservative leadership, which we need now more than ever.”
Born in Anchorage, Pyrah grew up on a farm outside of Palmer, Alaska. He received a bachelor’s degree in communications from Utah State University before a 12-year stint covering government and politics for the Standard-Examiner and Daily Herald. He and his wife, Amy, call Provo home. Together, they have six kids.
