(Salt Lake City, UT) - Governor Gary R. Herbert has made appointments to key positions within his administration that will further his commitments to economic development and fiscal responsibility within the State of Utah.

Derek Miller will serve as Governor Herbert’s Chief of Staff, replacing outgoing chief Jason Perry. Miller is currently Deputy Director at the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Ron Bigelow has been appointed Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, replacing John Nixon. A certified public accountant, Bigelow currently represents West Valley City in the Utah House of Representatives and is Manager of Finance for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Michael Mower has been named Deputy Chief of Staff. Mower currently serves as the State Planning Coordinator in the Governor's Office of Planning & Budget. Along with his new duties, he will continue to serve in that position.

“With their combined experience in several key areas of my administration, these three men will hit the ground running in the Governor’s Office and continue the success we have experienced so far,” Governor Herbert said.

In addition to his experience in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Miller has served as the Director of the Utah Division of Real Estate, as Congressional Counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and as a management consultant with Arthur Andersen.

“I am honored to join Governor Herbert's team and help achieve his vision for the State of Utah in leading the nation as the best performing economy and being recognized as a premier global business destination,” Miller said.

As the House budget chairman for the Utah Legislature for eight years, Bigelow brings a firsthand knowledge to the Governor’s Office. His understanding of the state budget and individual state agencies will allow for a seamless transition in the Budget Office heading into the 2011 legislative session.

“The opportunity to now serve in the executive branch, after 16 years in the Legislature, is an exciting transition,” Bigelow said. “I am looking forward to working more directly with our Governor, Gary Herbert, and my legislative colleagues to serve all the people of the State of Utah.”

Mower has previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director for Governor Jon Huntsman. An attorney by profession, Mower has also served as a former aide to Congressmen Howard Nielson and Chris Cannon and Provo Mayor Lewis Billings.

“I look forward to serving Governor Herbert and the State in this expanded role,” Mower said. “I am anxious to help implement the Governor's vision to optimize state government and to do my part to ensure that Utah continues to be a well-managed state.”