Gov. Cox appoints Alex Peterson as senior adviser, director of Utah Office of Families

SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Spencer Cox appointed Alex Peterson to serve as the new senior adviser and director for the Utah Office of Families on Tuesday, the second person to fill the role since its inception in 2022.

Peterson will succeed Aimee Winder Newton, the current director, on Sept. 8.

"Alex understands that strong families are the foundation of a strong state," Cox said. "Her experience in education policy, child protection and strategic leadership will be an asset as we continue working to support parents and improve outcomes for Utah children. I am grateful she has agreed to serve."

Peterson began working in Congress before serving as national director of donor relations and personal aide to Ann Romney during Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign. She then led corporate relations at doTERRA International and volunteered as a researcher and data analyst with the Utah Women and Leadership Project.

Following her time in those positions, Peterson worked as the director of strategic development and impact at The Policy Project. She now serves as the board chair and policy adviser with that organization, focusing on the prevention of child sexual abuse.

The Office of Families is designed to advance policies that help support parents, protect children and strengthen marriages and families.

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