With a unanimous vote by the Taylorsville City Council, Dina Williams Blaes has been appointed as the city’s new Chief of Strategic Engagement. Blaes brings more than three decades of experience in public service, urban planning and policy development, most recently serving as Director of Regional Development for Salt Lake County.
Her appointment was made by Mayor Kristie Overson and ratified by the City Council in their meeting Wednesday evening.
“Dina’s extensive background in strategic planning, community development and regional collaboration makes her an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” said Mayor Overson. “Her ability to connect people and ideas across multiple sectors aligns perfectly with our goals for the city’s continued growth and innovation.”
In her new role, Blaes will lead initiatives that strengthen Taylorsville’s partnerships with public and private stakeholders, while enhancing communication and collaboration between city departments and the broader community.
Blaes’s distinguished career includes leadership roles in both government and the private sector. At Salt Lake County, she oversaw a diverse portfolio encompassing planning, transportation, housing, sustainability and economic development. She previously served as the county’s Associate Deputy Mayor of Finance and Administration and has consulted widely on urban planning and public policy throughout the Intermountain West.
Her academic credentials include a master’s degree in city and metropolitan planning from the University of Utah, a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in art and architectural history, and earlier studies in architecture and environmental design at Parsons School of Design in New York City.
A Salt Lake County native and longtime advocate for Utah’s cultural and natural resources, Blaes has held leadership roles on numerous boards and commissions, including the Utah Board of State History, the Utah Museum Advisory Board, the Jordan River Commission and the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council.
“I’m honored to join the City of Taylorsville and excited to work with Mayor Overson, the City Council and staff to advance the community’s vision for the future,” Blaes said. “Taylorsville is a city of incredible potential, and I look forward to building on its strong foundation to foster opportunity, inclusion and innovation.”
Blaes will take on many of the duties of Taylorsville Community and Economic Development Director Wayne Harper, who is retiring from the city after 13 years. He was first hired in 2012 as Executive Assistant to the Mayor before becoming the city’s Economic Development Director in 2014. Harper also is a state senator representing the Taylorsville area and will continue to serve in that position. Blaes will begin her role with Taylorsville City in July.