Andrew Gruber named new director of Wasatch Front Regional Council

SALT LAKE CITY — The Wasatch Front Regional Council on Thursday unanimously approved Chicagoan Andrew Gruber as its new executive director, effective July 1.

Gruber, a New York City native and attorney, most recently served as the senior deputy executive director for legal and governmental affairs for the Chicago Regional Transportation Authority. The Chicago RTA is an organization that oversees the funding and regional planning for three transit agencies in Chicago, which has the nation's second-largest public transit system.

The WFRC oversees planning and funding of roads and transit in Davis, Morgan, Salt Lake, Tooele and Weber counties.

Gruber, 40, plans to begin his tenure at the WFRC by listening and learning.

"The key challenge the Wasatch Front faces is growth," he said. "The region is expected to grow dramatically in the future. The challenge is how to enhance the livability and quality of life in our future and our children's future."

Gruber will replace Chuck Chappell, who will retire after seven years with the WFRC.

Chappell is earning $128,800 a year. The WFRC is finishing negotiating Gruber's five-year contract, but he likely will make a similar amount, said WFRC Chairman Michael Jensen.

— Laura Hancock