DPS NEWS

New DPS Administration

New Commissioner for the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS), Jess L. Anderson, has made new appointments within the Department. Among the new appointments made by Commissioner Anderson are two new Deputy Commissioners, a Lieutenant Colonel and Chief Special Agent.

Kristy Rigby – Deputy Commissioner: Prior to her appointment as Deputy Commissioner, Kristy has served as the Division Director of Highway Safety where she has excelled in balancing the demands of federal guidelines with building relationships through the state and all the way to the local municipalities. Deputy Commissioner Rigby will supervise Driver License, BCI, and Highway Safety.

Jimmy Higgs – Deputy Commissioner: Jimmy has most recently been serving as a Captain in the UHP as the Commissioner’s Executive Officer.  Jimmy has developed himself through the years with various opportunities that have taken him through the ranks of the UHP. Deputy Commissioner Higgs will supervise the State Bureau of Investigations, Statewide Information and Analysis Center, Operation Rio Grande, Crime Lab, and Information Security. Jimmy’s sworn uniform title will be Deputy Commissioner.

Mike Rapich – Deputy Commissioner: Colonel Rapich will continue to serve as the Colonel of the Utah Highway Patrol. Colonel Rapich has a deep passion for troopers, their safety and wellness, along with every UHP program. Colonel Rapich will also supervise DPS Communications and the Division of Emergency Management.  He serves as a Deputy Commissioner with a sworn uniform title of Colonel.

Mark Zesiger – Lieutenant Colonel: Zesiger has been promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel within the Utah Highway Patrol. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the UHP and has served as Major for the last four years, which prepares him to assist in this role as increasing demands are placed on the UHP. This position will function as the Superintendent of the UHP with the sworn uniform title of Lt. Colonel.

Brian Redd – Chief Special Agent: Chief Redd will serve as Chief Special Agent over SBI, SIAC, and Operation Rio Grande. Chief Redd has a tremendous vision of the significant impact of technology and policy in investigations. Brian’s sworn uniform title is Chief.

Tyler Kotter – Major: Major Kotter will continue to serve at the rank of Major but now under the uniform side of the UHP.  Tyler transfers from SBI to the UHP with a diversified working knowledge that will only continue to create balance between the sworn entities.

Beau Mason – Captain: Captain Mason has accepted a promotion to the rank of Captain and will serve as the Commissioner’s Executive Officer and supervise Professional Standards. Captain Mason has most recently been serving as the commander of Operation Rio Grande where he has embraced the DPS mission from the first day of mobilization.  He has a vast knowledge and experience throughout the department to which he will bring with him to the Commissioner’s Office.

Marissa Cote – Director Public Affairs: Marissa will serve as the DPS Director of Public Affairs.  She will supervise all PIO’s within DPS and continue to monitor all messaging coming out of DPS.

Kim Gibb – Director Legislative & Government Affairs: Kim will continue to serve as our legislative liaison with her new title of Director of Legislative & Government Affairs.  Kim has a great understanding of legislative affairs and a keen mind for reading and writing state statute and administrative rule.

Amy Lightfoot – Director Quality & Process Improvement:  Amy will continue to fill the critical role of Quality & Process Improvement.  Amy has been asked to continue to work with each division by identifying process improvement and drafting quality measures.