Utah Marriage Commission

Why Marriage Matters

Strong marriages support child well-being, adult flourishing, and vibrant communities. Read essays and listen to presentations that summarize the research on the value of marriage in contemporary society.  Why Marriage Matters

Utah Marriage Commission History

The Utah Marriage Commission began in 1998 as part of the Governor’s office. It was placed in the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) in 2004 to take advantage of TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) federal funding that came to DWS each year. A major purpose of TANF is to strengthen marriages and increase the number of children growing up in stable, healthy, two-parent families. In 2013, the Utah Marriage Commission was formally put in statute (63M-15) and transferred to the Department of Human Services, although it continued to be supported primarily with federal TANF funds. Then in 2021, the Utah Legislature passed a bill that further clarified the scope and responsibilities of the Commission. In addition, H.B. 55 designated Utah State University Extension, with its mission to translate research into programs and resources to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout Utah, as the host for the UMC. The Commission is directed by a group of volunteer experts appointed by the Governor and key staff (see below).

Learn more details about UMC’s history and responsibilities HERE

Voting Members

Jill Anderson
Appointment: 9/2022 
Commission Member 
CAPSA

Lauren Roberts
Appointment: 8/2023 
Commission Member 

Rep. Melissa Ballard
 Appointment: 5/2019
Commission Chair
Utah State House of Representatives

 Brad Barnett
Appointment: 4/2022 
Commission Member 
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Family Services

Jeremy Boden
Appointment: 8/2023 
Commission Member 

Tiffiney Christiansen
Appointment: 9/2022 
Commission Member 
Leavitt Group

Dan Evans
Appointment: 9/2022 
Commission Member 
Fox 13 News

Tamara Fackrell
Appointment: 9/2022 
Commission Member 
Rodriquez-Poston & Fackrell 

Bruce Hough
Appointment: 9/2022
Commission Vice Chair

Sen. John Johnson
Appointment: 4/2021
Commission Member
Utah State Senate

Sen. Mike Kennedy
Appointment: 4/2021
Commission Member
Utah State Senate

Chelom Leavitt
Appointment: 8/2023 
Commission Member 

Rep. Carol S. Moss 
Appointment: 5/2013
Commission Member 
UT House of Representatives

Joe Needham
Appointment: 4/2022 
Commission Member 
Needham Jewelers

Crystal Painter
Appointment: 4/2022 
Commission Member 
SLC Catholic Diocese

Mary Catherine Perry
Appointment: 9/2022 
Commission Member 

Lola Shipp 
Appointment: 8/2019
Commission Member 
Utah Board of Education

Krista Sorenson
Appointment: 9/2022 
Commission Member 
Sorenson Impact Foundation

Tessa Stewart
Appointment: 9/2022 
Commission Member 

Tanya Vea
Appointment: 9/2022 
Commission Member 
Bonneville Media

Dave Thomas
Appointment: 9/2022 
Commission Member 
Thomas Arts

Sen. Todd Weiler
Appointment: 1/2020 
Commission Member 
Utah State Senate

Advising Members

Jacalyn Leavitt
Honorary Chair

Dr. Mark O. Jarvis
Professor of Family Life, SLCC

Naomi Brower
Professor, USU Ext. Weber

Nate Bagley
Growth Marriage: Relationship Podcast, Speaker, and Researcher

 

UMC Host and Staff

Dr. Brian Higginbotham
Associate VP, USU Extension

Dr. David Schramm
Professor of Family Life, USU Extension

Alan J. Hawkins, PhD
Manager
Utah Marriage Commission