Gov. Spencer J. Cox appoints four to Utah Homelessness Council

SALT LAKE CITY (July 1, 2021) — Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Pamela Atkinson,  Brian Higgins, Bonnie Kier-Herrick and Tiffanie Price to serve as voting members of the Utah Homelessness Council.

“Finding lasting solutions to better serve those experiencing homelessness remains a top priority of this administration,” Gov. Cox said. “I’m grateful for the time, experience and perspectives Pamela, Brian, Bonnie and Tiffanie will bring to this important effort.”   

Pamela Atkinson is a senior advisor to Gov. Cox, a role she’s served with three previous governors. She is a tireless advocate for the homeless, refugees and low-income people and also serves on Envision Utah, Utah Coalition Against Pornography and the State Refugee Advisory Board. Atkinson was appointed to the State Board of Regents for 10 years and also served on the State Board of Education and the Utah College of Applied Technology Board. An elder in the First Presbyterian Church, Pamela will serve as a faith-based leader on the council. 

Brian Higgins is a mental health advocate and founder of the nonprofit Mental Healthy F.i.T. (films, ideas & tips). Higgins found his path to supporting marginalized communities and elevating mental health through lived experience. For an 18-month period, Higgins lived in various shelters and facilities. With community help, he gained employment and began volunteering for emergency services at The Road Home. He will serve on the council as an individual who has experienced homelessness.

Bonnie Kier-Herrick is a managing member of Kier Property Management & Real Estate, a position she’s held for the past 16 years. For the past seven years, she has served on the Weber-Morgan Local Homeless Coordinating Council. With both a for-profit and a nonprofit arm, Kier Corporation operates 10 properties in Weber County that are project-based with Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), benefiting families, seniors and people experiencing homelessness, with one property of 86 units devoted specifically for homeless individuals. The company also rehabilitated two historic properties in Ogden to preserve affordable housing. Kier-Herrick will serve as a statewide philanthropic leader on the council. 

Tiffanie Price is the founder of Axiom Properties and AxisT Inc. She serves on the Pioneer Park Coalition executive committee, was past board chair and one of the founding members of the organization. She also serves on the Salt Lake Police Foundation Board. Previously, Price served on Salt Lake County’s Collective Impact on Homelessness Committee, Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski’s transition committee and Girls on the Run. She will serve as a representative of the private sector with expertise in homelessness issues.

Appointees will serve four-year terms.

You can download this press release here.

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