Jon M. Huntsman, Jr.
Governor of Utah
Utah Governor Jon Huntsman was elected to a second term in November 2008 with a record percent of the voters, including the majority in all 29 of Utah's counties. As he begins his last four years, Governor Huntsman continues his commitment bolstering Utah's competitive economic development climate. He believes maintaining Utah's unparalleled quality of life is key to increasing the state's economic competitiveness which is essential to continue funding Utah's critical public education system.
During Governor Huntsman's tenure, Utah has been repeatedly recognized by many prestigious organizations for its dynamism, business climate and quality of life. Perhaps most importantly, Utah has been named by the Pew Center as the Best Managed State in America. Even in times of economic hardship, Governor Huntsman has worked collaboratively with legislators and his cabinet to minimize impacts to critical human services while maintaining job-stimulating construction projects and keeping the State's Rainy Day Fund in tact as a tool for any future fiscal distress.
In the past four years, Governor Huntsman has concentrated on raising teacher compensation while increasing student access to all-day kindergarten, early childhood literacy programs and core math and science programs. These things are all imperative in providing Utah businesses with the skilled workers they need to be competitive in the 21st Century. Governor Huntsman has called on the health care industry to reform a broken health care system, so that every Utahn has access to affordable, portable health insurance.
Governor Huntsman is Chairman of the Western Governors Association. He also currently serves on the Executive Committee of the National Governors Association.
Governor Huntsman earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania. His public service career began as a White House staff assistant to President Ronald Reagan and has included senior appointments in the Commerce Department and the State Department, as well as service as Deputy United States Trade Representative. He has twice been unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as a U.S. Ambassador. He speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese.
As a dedicated public servant, Governor Huntsman is committed to doing what is best for Utah's growing population. He and his wife, Mary Kaye, have seven children, including two adopted daughters from China and India.
