Governor Appoints Scott Baird Executive Director of DEQ

Gov. Gary R. Herbert has announced the appointment of Scott Baird as the executive director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

“Scott Baird has been an invaluable adviser, and his contributions in this new role will be crucial to my administration’s efforts to combat environmental challenges and ensure that all Utahns can enjoy the very highest quality of life,” Gov. Herbert said.

Scott Baird was appointed as the interim executive director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in June of 2019.  Baird has been with the department since 2014, first appointed to serve as director of legislative and government affairs and later as deputy director, overseeing policy, planning and operational improvement.

Before joining DEQ, Baird worked in the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, where he provided several state agencies – including DEQ – with training and guidance on improving operations. Previously, he worked in Washington State’s Governor’s Office of Financial Management, Washington State’s Auditor’s Office, and at Deloitte Consulting, where he helped state and federal agencies improve operations and achieve better outcomes.

“I am grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to continuing my work alongside the bright and capable team at DEQ and serving the people of Utah,” Baird said. “Our state faces many environmental challenges. Working together, we can find practical solutions that will safeguard and improve the quality of life we enjoy now and for years to come.”

This appointment is subject to appointment by the Utah Senate.