After over 41 years of service to the State of Utah, Department of Government Operations Deputy Director Ken Hansen will be retiring this month. Ken is an incredible leader and is someone that many throughout the state have relied on for his extensive knowledge, his professionalism, and his desire to make a positive impact in every role he has been asked to fill. It has been an honor to learn from him and to work with him. While he will be greatly missed, we wish him a wonderful and relaxing retirement and are thrilled that he will have the opportunity to spend more time with his family.

Our own Ken Williams, State Archivist and Division Director, who worked with Ken for 29 years, shares his thoughts:

It has been an honor to work with Ken Hansen. He has taught me so much and has been a constant support to the Archives. I have to admit that at Archives we are a bit spoiled and know that deep down in Ken’s soul there’s an Archivist just waiting for retirement and for his wife to let him come over to our house and play! He has made the work a pleasure and a constant growth experience. I’m looking forward to this next chapter and can’t wait to continue working with Ken in a new way. 

Ken and the other Division Directors attended a small gathering (thank you COVID) to recognize and celebrate Ken Hansen’s exceptional 41 year career. Jenney Rees (Executive Director of of the Department of Government Operations) and John Barrand (Deputy Executive Director of of the Department of Government Operations) presented the Departments very first “Kenneth A. Hansen Outstanding Leadership Award.” Anyone who has worked with Ken knows how deserving he is of this recognition. The plaque also had this very appropriate quote: “The Most Powerful Leadership Tool is Your Own Personal Example.”

We wish Ken all the best as he embarks on this new journey! Congratulations on you retirement!