Rep. Jackie Biskupski is the newest employee at the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office.

The part-time Democratic legislator from Salt Lake City finished her first day of work Monday as Sheriff Jim Winder's administrative assistant.

"Jackie is a super-qualified gal, and I'm excited to have her on board with the staff," Winder said Monday.

Biskupski got her bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Arizona State University. She will be in charge of Winder's scheduling, written correspondences and other business affairs.

In addition, Winder said he wants to tap Biskupski's eight years of legislative experience by having her serve as a liaison to the County Council, Mayor's Office and other county staff.

"That's kind of her forte, so she'll help us out," Winder said.

She will earn approximately $60,000 a year as one of Winder's exempt employees, said Galynn Larsen, the sheriff's human-resource manager. That's about even with the current administrative assistant, said John Mathews, the county's personnel director.

Every elected official has a handful of positions that are politically appointed. These exempt positions are not open to a competitive process, and the exempt employees serve at the will of the elected official, Mathews said.

Biskupski previously worked as an auto insurance adjuster.

Attempts to reach her for comment were unsuccessful Monday.

"I've known Jackie, she's a friend and also I know her to be an extremely diligent employee," Winder said. "She's very hard-working, just a good mix of personality."

The legislator replaces Linda Taylor, who had worked as former Sheriff Aaron Kennard's executive assistant during his 16-year tenure. Winder said Taylor will continue to work at the sheriff's office as a merit employee.

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E-mail: ldethman@desnews.com