Joel Ferry, Vice Chair

Governor’s Appointee

Appointed by Gov. Spencer J. Cox in June 2022, Joel Ferry serves as the executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR), overseeing approximately 2,500 employees across nine divisions and two offices. These include Forestry, Fire and State Lands; Law Enforcement; Oil, Gas and Mining; State Parks; Outdoor Recreation; the Utah Geological Survey; Water Resources; Water Rights; Wildlife Resources; the Office of Energy Development; and the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office. The Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner and the Colorado River Authority of Utah also coordinate closely with the department. 

A fifth-generation farmer from Corinne, Ferry brings a deep passion for water policy, land conservation, and agriculture to his leadership at DNR. He continues to operate his family’s farm, ranch, feedlot, and hunting properties.

Ferry’s background includes experience in banking with Zions Bank and extensive public service. He has served as a state legislator, chairman of the Box Elder County Republican Party, and held roles with several conservation and agricultural organizations, including the Box Elder Farm Bureau, Delta Waterfowl, and the Friends of the Bear River Bird Refuge. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from Utah State University.