Mountainland chief to stay the course

OREM — When he introduces himself, people often say, "I thought you were dead."

When he orders pizza, delivery drivers sometimes think it's a prank.

And others automatically assume he is a Democrat, when in fact he's a Republican.

Now, this Andrew Jackson is set to become executive director of the Mountainland Association of Governments.

Jackson, of Orem, was selected from more than 60 applicants by the association's executive council after longtime Mountainland executive director Darrell Cook announced his retirement, effective Dec. 31.

Mountainland's executive council comprises every mayor in Utah, Summit and Wasatch counties, as well as three commissioners or council members from each of the three counties. Because there will be more than a dozen new mayors in Utah County, Jackson will serve as interim director until the new council is more familiar with him and the association. A ratification of Jackson's position is expected to take place in March.

The Mountainland Association of Governments provides services such as community development, transportation planning and aging and family services to Utah, Summit and Wasatch counties and their respective cities.

Jackson has worked for Mountainland for 13 years, including the past 51/2 years as Cook's deputy director. Before joining Mountainland, Jackson worked for Lindon city and Clark County, Nev. He holds master's degrees in geography and public administration from BYU and is a certified planner.

"No one who applied had the broad range and the ability to do everything and anything that MAG has like Andrew does," said Cook, who leaves the association after 37 years, including the past 17 as executive director.

Cook said Jackson has experience with aging services, transportation, community planning and the association's budget processes.

By selecting Jackson, the board demonstrated its confidence in the association, Cook said, because Jackson is set to continue in the direction Mountainland has been going.

"Undoubtedly, he will make his mark," Cook said, "but it will be an evolutionary mark rather than a radical shift."

Jackson, who called the position his dream job, said his challenge will be to improve on the great programs already in place, adding that Cook is leaving Moutainland at its "peak."

Unlike Cook, Jackson said he will be more involved in the implementation of projects, particularly with renovations of I-15 in Utah County.

Jackson expects the struggling economy to provide challenges, though he has "high hopes" for the association and the area and said he's ready to work hard.

"I love the area and want to make it better for everyone who is here," Jackson said. "When I retire in the future, I want these three counties to be a better place because of what I and the people I was able to work with were able to do."

e-mail: slenz@desnews.com