An
Executive Board
is any executive branch board, commission, council, committee, working
group, task force, study group, advisory group, or other body with a
defined limited membership that is created to operate for more than
six months by the constitution, by statute, by executive order, by the
governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state auditor, or state
treasurer or by the head of a department, division or other administrative
subunit of the executive branch of state government. (Reference
67-1-2.5 Utah Code Annotated)
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Applications for boards and commissions are now taken online. Click on the Application Button on the left navigation bar for more information.
- There are approximately
400 executive boards in the State of
Utah. Included in this number are approximately 160 policy boards,
160 advisory boards, 65 licensing boards and 12 nominating committees.
The governor has the authority
to appoint or confirm members to about 275 of these executive boards.
The remainder are appointed by legislative leadership, directors of
state departments and divisions, other elected officials and others.
- Most executive
boards and commissions are created by federal law, state legislation,
or executive
order of the Governor.
However, boards can also be created by other elected officials and administrators
within the executive branch of state government. Each state board has
a different role and membership requirements. The membership is outlined
in the enabling document and is usually narrowly defined, often including
requirements for political or geographic diversity.
- There are several
types of boards with differing authority. Policy boards set state policy.
Advisory boards make recommendations to policy makers. Licensing boards
have an advisory role and manage occupational licensing in the state.
Nominating committees nominate individuals for various volunteer and
fulltime positions in state government.
- Anyone can apply
for or recommend an individual for a vacancy on a state board or commission.
A searchable electronic database, maintained in the governor's office,
contains information on citizens interested in public service. Applications are now taken on the Internet by using one of the board reports (Expiring Terms, Boards by Department, All Boards), navigating to the board you wish to apply to, and then clicking on the "Apply to Board" Button.
- The Governor believes
that all citizens have the right to help shape public policy. Therefore,
he maintains a general policy that board members serve only two terms
on a board (approximately eight years), giving more citizens the opportunity
to serve. However, after the first term expires, there is a review process
before an official reappointment is extended.
- Citizen members
are volunteers with a special interest in community service. However,
most boards offer a small per diem for meetings attended and reimbursement
for travel expenses. This benefit is often declined by board members
and donated back to the state. Citizen volunteers play a very important
role in shaping public policy and maintaining efficiency in state government.
