Salt Lake County Welcomes New and Returning Elected Officials

Nine Salt Lake County elected officials started a new term of service during this morning's Inauguration and Oath of Office Ceremony

Salt Lake County, UT — This morning, five newly elected officials and four returning elected officials took the oath of office to serve the residents of Salt Lake County.

"I am deeply honored to be re-elected as Salt Lake County Mayor and to continue serving alongside our dedicated elected officials. Together, we will build upon our achievements and address the challenges ahead, ensuring Salt Lake County remains a vibrant community for all residents," said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson.

Emceed by Doug Wright, retired KSL Newsradio broadcaster, the ceremony included a presentation and posting of colors by Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard. Magna Elementary School Choir performed the "The Star-Spangled Banner," "God Bless America," This Land is Your Land," and "Utah, This is the Place." The pledge of allegiance was led by Wild-Violet Badger, Salt Lake County Youth Government councilmember and winner of the Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission's 2024 Emerging Leader for Human Rights-Under 18 Award. Following the ceremony, guests and elected officials enjoyed the musical talent of Sam Gardner with the Mundi Project—a non-profit organization and a Zoo, Arts, and Parks (ZAP) funding recipient focused on creating access to music through pianos.

"My sincerest welcome to our newly sworn-in County officials. I appreciate your willingness to serve the People of Salt Lake County. Every year brings new challenges and new opportunities, and I know you will make the most of your terms in office. Thank you for the hard work you've put into making it this far and I look forward to working with each of you!" said Salt Lake County Council Chair Laurie Stringham.

All Salt Lake County elected officials serve four-year terms except for At-Large Councilmembers who serve six-year terms.

The five newly elected officials are:

• Councilmember Natalie Pinkney, At-Large Member C
  Natalie Pinkney stands as a beacon of resilience and dedicated leadership in Salt Lake County. Publisher of Priestess Magazine (a forthcoming women's issue magazine), an alumna of Marquette University and the University of Utah, she is dedicated to the community's prosperity. Honored with the Malcolm X Social Justice and Democratic Believer Awards, she's a living testament to the positive change that passionate leadership can bring about. Pinkney has become synonymous with fiscal empowerment and transparent governance, coming from serving on the South Salt Lake City Council for five years, serving as vice chair and initiating pivotal projects like the Financial Empowerment Center. A true people's council member, Pinkney is grateful to join the Salt Lake County Council as the first Black woman and first Black person county-wide. She has a deep-seated commitment to ensuring families receive the level of support that made a difference in her own life. Pinkney can't wait to work together to build a bold future for Salt Lake County.
  
  
• Councilmember Carlos Moreno, District 2
  Carlos A. Moreno, a former political asylee from Venezuela's socialist regime, was publicly accused of treason and conspiracy by the president of the Venezuelan Parliament. A 2009 graduate of Rafael Urdaneta University's Law School with a specialization in Venezuelan Labor Law from the University of Zulia, Moreno immigrated to the U.S. in 2009 as an international student. At Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), he earned associate degrees in Political Science and Homeland Security. Moreno made history as SLCC's first Latino and immigrant student body president, prompting a change in the Utah Board of Regents' bylaws that previously restricted the role to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. He served two terms as president and was elected Vice President of the Utah Student Association. Now a small business owner in West Jordan, Utah, Moreno values family and freedom. He and his wife, Norbelys, have three sons: Carlos Isaías, Carlos Rodrigo, and Carlos Luciano.
  
  
• Councilmember Ross Romero, District 4
  Before being elected to the Salt Lake County Council, Romero served in the Utah House and Senate. He served for eight years (2005-2012) and retired as the Senate Democratic Leader. Romero has "grown up" in Salt Lake County, graduating from Highland High School and the University of Utah, (Bachelor of Science). He received his Juris Doctrate from the University of Michigan, where he met his wife. They have been married for 27 years and have two great kids, a son and a daughter. Romero practiced law (Jones, Waldo) for a decade, was in banking (Zions Bank) for a decade, and now has a workforce attraction and retention consulting business, Inclusion Strategies. Romero enjoys spending his free time traveling, watching Utah athletics, visiting family, and attending his kids' competitions, performances, and events.
  
  
• Surveyor Bradley Park
  Bradley Park is a lifelong Salt Lake County resident currently living in West Jordan with his wife and three children. He is a professionally licensed surveyor who has been in the surveying and construction industry for nearly 20 years. In 2021, Park joined the County Surveyor's Office as chief deputy surveyor where he worked to make the office more efficient. He has a passion for public service and for using his unique knowledge to help the residents of Salt Lake County with property boundary questions. Park looks forward to finding new and innovative ways to serve the public as the next Salt Lake County surveyor.
  
  
• Treasurer Sheila Srivastava
  Sheila Srivastava is a certified public accountant (CPA), a first-generation college graduate, and a resident of Salt Lake County. She earned her college degree, became a CPA, and raised a family in Salt Lake County. She has enjoyed the parks, trails, and community services provided by Salt Lake County for over 34 years. Srivastava ran for Salt Lake County treasurer out of a commitment to give back and serve her community, emphasizing process over politics, and prioritizing the efficient, ethical, and responsible management of taxpayer dollars. She is honored to be the first woman elected as Salt Lake County treasurer and looks forward to applying her three decades of experience for the benefit of Salt Lake County residents.

Returning Salt Lake County elected officials who won reelection in November:

• Councilmember Dea Theadore, District 6
  Dea Theodore has spent most of her adult life helping others—from raising her two children to advocating for the residents of Salt Lake County Council District 6. Theodore graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Utah (Go Utes!). She has served on various boards throughout her career. As an avid runner, hiker, and skier, Theodore has a passion for being outdoors and taking advantage of our beautiful Cottonwood Canyons. Growing up, Theodore wanted to be a veterinarian and has a love for animals. She was excited that 2024 was declared "no-kill shelter year" in Utah. During her tenure on the Salt Lake County Council, Theodore has sought to increase awareness of public safety and search and rescue and is an ardent supporter of the Meals on Wheels program ensuring that the County's most vulnerable senior citizens have access to food. She remains committed to serving all constituents in Salt Lake County, providing quality services while keeping tax dollars low.
  
  
• Recorder Rashelle Hobbs
  Rashelle Hobbs is honored to serve another term as Salt Lake County recorder, a role she embraces with deep gratitude for the voters who entrusted her with this responsibility. With over a decade of experience in the recording industry, she has been a trailblazer in modernizing the office, championing transparency, and enhancing services like Property Watch to protect property owners from title fraud. Hobbs' leadership during the pandemic demonstrated her dedication to innovation and collaboration, earning respect across the community. She extends heartfelt thanks to her family, friends, and supporters whose belief in her vision made this journey possible. Hobbs is excited to continue serving Salt Lake County with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to progress.
  
  
• Assessor Chris Stavros
  Born, raised, and educated in Salt Lake County, Chris Stavros lives in the county with his wife, Annette Stavros, a dedicated sixth-grade teacher. He began his appraisal career in 1993, as a Hearing Officer for the Salt Lake County Board of Equalization. Shortly after, Stavros joined the Salt Lake County Assessor's office. Over the years, he progressed through various roles. In 2017, Stavros accepted the appointment of chief deputy assessor. He has also served as president of the Utah Chapter of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) and as a board member of the Utah Association of Appraisers (UAA). In 2020, he was elected Salt Lake County assessor. Stavros considers it an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Salt Lake County, bringing decades of experience and dedication to his role.
  
  
• Mayor Jenny Wilson
  Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson was first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2024. Serving 1.2 million residents across 700 square miles, she oversees a $2 billion budget and manages diverse initiatives, including health services, homelessness, economic development, arts, parks, and public safety. Under Mayor Wilson's leadership, Salt Lake County has expanded its economy through technology, mineral exploration, and tourism, recently adding a professional National Hockey League team and preparing for the 2034 Winter Olympics. Mayor Wilson collaborates with public, private, and non-profit partners to enhance winter sports and Olympic readiness. Previously, she served as a County Councilmember for a decade and has extensive experience in government, nonprofit, and private sectors. Her leadership roles include positions with the Sundance Institute, the 2002 Winter Olympics, and Voices for Utah Children, showcasing her commitment to innovation and community service.

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