Rocky names chief of minority affairs

Salt Lake Mayor Rocky Anderson has selected Josie Valdez, a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Small Business Administration, to serve as the city's new administrator of minority affairs.

"Her wealth of experience and remarkable commitment to minority communities in Salt Lake City will be great assets to city residents and my administration," Anderson said in a statement.

Valdez retired over a year ago from her post as assistant district director of the Utah SBA office, in charge of minority development and business programs. She recently lost her bid to become Salt Lake County assessor.

She said her background in economic development would help her address some of the social issues she'll be facing.

"I am really excited," Valdez said. "I look forward into getting back into an organization that believes in shaking things up."

Since the post is appointed and Anderson isn't running for re-election, Valdez will serve for about a year, until until his term expires.

Valdez will take the post in early December. She replaces Mark Alvarez, who served in the post since 2004 and is stepping down to explore opportunities in writing and consulting.