Huntsman picks general counsel

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. on Monday named the executive director of the Department of Workforce Services, Tani Pack Downing, to be his general counsel.

She replaces Michele Christiansen, who was nominated by Huntsman last week to serve as a 3rd District Court judge. Downing's post at Workforce Services will be filled by Kristen Cox, Maryland's former secretary of disabilities.

"Tani has served brilliantly at DWS and has been an integral part of this administration's Cabinet," Huntsman said in a statement. "She has earned the trust and respect of her colleagues throughout state government and brings a wealth of knowledge to this office."

Downing is an attorney and previously worked as general counsel for Workforce Services. Her legal experience includes private practice in Nevada and Hawaii, corporate law practice in Utah and several years as an associate general counsel with the Utah Legislature.

"I am honored and excited about this new opportunity and Gov. Huntsman's confidence in my abilities," Downing said. "I'm proud of the department and all we have accomplished over the past two years."

Her successor, Cox, is a Brigham Young University graduate who ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor of Maryland last year on the GOP ticket with former Maryland Gov. Bob Ehrlich.

Ehrlich had chosen Cox, who is blind, to establish the country's first cabinet-level disabilities department in 2003. She will return to Utah next week to begin working with the department and expects to relocate her family here in June.

"I am so pleased that Kris has chosen to come back here and join Utah's public service ranks," Huntsman said. "From lobbying and advocacy to running a department to coordinate and evaluate programs, Kris' knowledge and experience are broad."

Cox said she she is "thrilled" at the opportunity. "So many good things are happening in the department, and I am excited to be able to engage in issues such as eligibility consolidation and employee training."