Mayor Jenny Wilson is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly Colopy as the new Human Services Director for Salt Lake County. Colopy, originally from Salt Lake City, brings a wealth of experience in public health and social services.
Colopy returns to Utah after serving as the Director of the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services since 2013. In her role in Long Beach, she led a diverse department of over 55 programs, managing a $180 million budget primarily funded by grants and fees. She successfully expanded the department to include violence prevention, early childhood education, veterans’ services, and mental health support, among others.
One of her significant achievements during her tenure in Long Beach was her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Colopy played a lead role in designing and implementing policies, data analysis, testing, sheltering, and isolation efforts. Her work in this area has been nationally recognized and praised.
Colopy also spearheaded efforts to address homelessness, expanding the Homeless Services Continuum of Care from $11 million to $70 million. This included opening year-round bridge housing, purchasing shelters, and implementing innovative programs to reduce homelessness.
Mayor Jenny Wilson says, “Kelly Colopy’s experience and dedication to public health and social services are remarkable. Her accomplishments in Long Beach, particularly during the pandemic and in addressing homelessness, showcase her leadership abilities. We are delighted to welcome her back to Salt Lake City.”
Colopy says she is eager to return to Salt Lake County, “I look forward to returning to Salt Lake County to carry forward the culture of innovation and service in the Human Services Department and across the County. I thank the Mayor and County Council for this opportunity to serve the nearly 1.2 million people in the county, working to support wellness and resiliency through all stages of people’s lives.”
Colopy is returning home to Salt Lake County. From 2005 to 2012 she worked in various roles within Salt Lake County government including as Acting director of the Division of Mental Health, and Associate director of the Human Services Department.
