From Deseret News archives:
Herbert names press secretary
Former News reporter to serve as director of communications
Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert has named Angie Welling to be his spokeswoman.
Welling, a former reporter for the Deseret News, has served as the public information officer for the Utah Department of Corrections since November 2007.
"She's had some very good agency experience, in an agency that has some very difficult issues to address," said Jason Perry, Herbert's transition director. "She's also someone who knows the media in Utah."
Welling's appointment takes effect immediately, Perry said. She is expected to replace Lisa Roskelley as the governor's spokeswoman as soon as Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. resigns.
"Lisa has been Governor Huntsman's communications director for some time," Perry said. "She has lots of really great opportunities, and she's helping us through this transition period, as well."
Roskelley said she is planning to do some consulting work, but for now, she's focusing on "ensuring this transition is smooth on the governor and his confirmation hearings." She praised Welling's skills and said the new administration "is lucky to have her."
Huntsman, nominated in mid-May by President Barack Obama to be ambassador to China, is awaiting a confirmation hearing and vote by the U.S. Senate before he steps down as Utah's governor.
Perry, who is expected to become Herbert's chief of staff, said now that two key positions in the new administration have been filled, the focus for Herbert will be on finding his own lieutenant governor.
"We're still working on the timing of that," Perry said of when Herbert would be expected to announce his choice for the No. 2 state job.
Welling worked nearly eight years at the Deseret News, covering a variety of beats, including state and federal courts, business and state government.
"This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the transition to a Governor Herbert administration," Welling said. "I look forward to helping Utahns get to know Lieutenant Governor Herbert and his vision for the state."
Welling is a native Utahn and holds a journalism degree from Weber State University and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Utah.
e-mail: lisa@desnews.com
