Kelly Pehrson
Executive Director, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food
Kelly Pehrson was appointed as the executive director of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food by Governor Spencer J. Cox in April 2025. Previously, Kelly Pehrson was appointed as UDAF Deputy Commissioner in April 2019 and has served under the last three commissioners. He also previously served as Interim Commissioner in 2020, giving him valuable experience in leading the department during times of transition. Prior to joining UDAF, Pehrson spent 10 years in public service in San Juan County, serving initially as City Manager in Monticello and later as the County Chief Administrative Officer. Pehrson was born and raised in the small town of Monticello, UT. After high school he graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Business Management. Later he received his MBA from the University of Phoenix. Pehrson has been married to his wife Heidi for 20 years and they have 3 kids, Katelyn 18 a freshman at Utah State University, Trey a junior in high school and Wyatt a freshman in high school.