Don Leonard stepped down as chairman of the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council at the bimonthly meeting on Wednesday, March 13. The council expressed appreciation for his service by presenting a resolution of thanks.
“Don has ably led GSLAC for 7 years with professionalism, insight, skill, and humor. He is always inclusive, fair, and highly knowledgeable about the issue and subjects at hand. He has a knack for running great meetings that most always end on time,” the resolution reads.
GSLAC was established during the 2010 legislative session by HB 343. The council’s mandate is to advise on the sustainable use, protection and development of the Great Salt Lake. The group, consisting of 11 members, works to advise the governor, The Department of Environmental Quality and The Department of Natural Resources.
All members are appointed by the governor and represent different areas and sectors with an interest in the lake.
Leonard became chair in 2017, following in the footsteps of Leland Myers, who led the council since its inception. Leonard initially served as the first council member representing the Aquaculture Industry. While his four-year term was set to end in 2026, Leonard decided to resign and gave his support to Tim Hawkes.
Hawkes, attorney and former Utah legislator, currently serves as chairman of the board for Great Salt Lake Artemia and is a senior fellow at the University of Utah. Coming from a background in communications and law, Hawkes has dedicated several years to work on the Great Salt Lake.
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