Gov. Cox appoints Alex Peterson director of Utah Office of Families

SALT LAKE CITY (July 28, 2026) - Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Alex Peterson to serve as senior advisor and director of the Utah Office of Families, succeeding Aimee Winder Newton, who had led the office since its creation in 2022. Peterson will begin her service on September 8, 2026.

"Alex understands that strong families are the foundation of a strong state," said Gov. Cox. "Her experience in education policy, child protection and strategic leadership will be an asset as we continue working to support parents and improve outcomes for Utah children. I am grateful she has agreed to serve."

Winder Newton led the Office of Families since its creation in 2022. During her tenure, she championed social media legislation and education, home visiting programs for vulnerable families and other proactive policies to strengthen families and improve outcomes for children.

"Aimee built the Office of Families from the ground up and helped ensure the needs of parents and children were considered across state government," said Gov. Cox. "We are grateful for her leadership, her commitment to Utah families and her years of dedicated public service."

Created by Gov. Cox in 2022, the Office of Families advances policies that support parents, protect children and strengthen marriages and families. Peterson brings experience in public policy, strategic development and child protection to the role.

Peterson began her career working in Congress before serving as national director of donor relations and personal aide to Ann Romney during Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign. After returning to Utah in 2015, she led corporate relations at doTERRA International and volunteered as a researcher and data analyst with the Utah Women & Leadership Project.

Most recently, Peterson served as director of strategic development and impact at The Policy Project. She currently serves as the organization's board chair and policy adviser, with a particular focus on child sexual abuse prevention. Through all her work, Peterson has helped develop policies that strengthen the safety and stability of families.

"Utah's future depends on strong families and children who are safe, supported and prepared to succeed," said Peterson. "I am honored to build on the strong foundation of the Office of Families. I look forward to listening closely to parents, policymakers and partners across the state and advancing practical, evidence-based policies that meaningfully improve outcomes for Utah families."

Peterson earned a bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach, and holds a master's degree in education policy from Harvard University. Peterson and her husband, Ben, live in Utah County with their five children.

A photo of Alex Peterson can be found here.

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