Gov. Cox appoints USU vice president of government relations as new legislative director
On Jan. 3, Neil Abercrombie, the former vice president of government relations at Utah State University, was appointed to Gov. Spencer Cox’s senior staff as senior advisor of legislative affairs and policy.
In this new position, Abercrombie will work with Cox alongside Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson to manage the day-to-day interactions between the executive branch and the Utah legislature. Abercrombie will also coordinate with all the executive agencies to advise the governor on bills.
“Each piece of legislation needs to be reviewed by the governor for signature or veto — hundreds of bills to be reviewed in the 45-day legislative session,” Abercrombie said. “It’s a big job, but I’m excited to work with the governor and his cabinet.”
Gov. Cox also expressed excitement about Abercrombie’s appointment to his senior staff in the press release about the announcement.
“Neil has earned a sterling reputation for his solid policy sense and relationships built on competency and good will,” Cox wrote in the press release. “These attributes will allow him to hit the ground running.”
Abercrombie was appointed to replace Karen Peterson, who was elected to fill Utah’s State House District 13 seat in December.
According to the press release, Abercrombie assumed his new position on Jan. 12, just days prior to the start of Utah’s 2022 legislative session.
Prior to his political career, Abercrombie was raised in Aberdeen, Idaho, about 100 miles northwest of Cache Valley.
He enjoyed basketball, football and golf, among other sports, and began showing an interest in politics in high school.
Later, Abercrombie earned his undergraduate degree from USU in 2003 after studying political science and philosophy. He went on to earn a public administration Ph.D. from the University of Utah in 2009.
Abercrombie listed internship opportunities during his time as a student as one of the biggest contributors to his current successes and recent appointment to Gov. Cox’s staff.
“I interned with the Idaho Legislature and in Washington, D.C.,” Abercrombie said. “I also had great professors that inspired me to study political science.”
Before Abercrombie was hired by USU, he worked for the Utah League of Cities and Towns, advocating for municipal government. In this position, he created several contacts across the state and started to develop some public policy expertise.
Abercrombie said his experience with the ULTC was a big help in getting hired as the director of government relations at USU in 2010.
The next year, the Institute of Government and Politics, or IOGP, opened at USU.
In 2016, Abercrombie took on the role of vice president of government relations at USU.
The IOGP was meant to expand political and policy internships to students of all majors across campus with a mission to enhance students’ understanding of government institutions and the political process by providing opportunities to bridge practical skills and academic training.
Abercrombie’s responsibility was to advocate for USU on Capitol Hill, both in Utah and in the District of Columbia.
Additionally, Abercrombie worked with connecting students to the right Capitol Hill internship opportunities.
Stephen Power, a senior at USU, interned with Sen. Mike Lee through the IOGP and said it was a positive experience. He also said Abercrombie was a great resource during the application process.
“When I first applied, I didn’t really know what I was doing or what my options were,” Power said. “It was already late in the internship application process but Neil scheduled a meeting with me and it was fantastic. He made sure that somewhere, somehow, I would get an internship, and he does the same thing for every student that applies through the IOGP.”
Power also talked about the role Abercrombie played during his internship.
“Neil would come and visit. He would stop by our offices and check in and take all the interns out to eat and make sure that we were OK,” Power said. “I’ve learned that Neil holds a lot of respect nationally and locally from a lot of important people. And people trust him.”
Abercrombie left his position at USU with high regard for the university.
“It’s unique to get the quality of education, research experience and social connections of a vibrant campus for the cost of tuition at USU,” Abercrombie said. “The students, faculty and staff here at USU are fortunate to be in Logan at such a special university.”
More information about IOGP internships can be found at usu.edu/iogp.
-Jared.Adams@usu.edu