The David Eccles School of Business today announced the appointment of Juliette Tennert as the Director of Economic and Public Policy Research.
In this role, Tennert will direct the economic and public policy research and analysis prepared by The Policy Institute, a newly created center within the Eccles School that prepares applied research and analysis for Utah decision-makers. Tennert joins a team of talented professionals from the University of Utah’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research and Center for Public Policy & Administration.
“Juliette brings a wealth of professional experience to this role as a former state budget director, chief economist and fiscal analyst for the Utah governor’s office and Legislature,” said Taylor Randall, dean of the Eccles School. “Her knowledge about the Utah economy, state finances, public policy and data analysis will be a great addition to our staff as we build out a public policy center within the Eccles School.”
Ms. Tennert will oversee a staff of economists and analysts who do research on the Utah economy and public policy issues impacting the state. She brings with her an outstanding track record of service to state decision-makers, serving as the State Budget Director and Chief Economist for Gov. Gary Herbert, Chief Economist for Gov. Jon Huntsman and as a Fiscal Analyst and Economist for the Utah State Legislature. Prior to her state service, Tennert was a research analyst for the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She has a Master’s Degree in Economics from UNLV and an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Chicago. She is also an adjunct instructor of public budgeting and finance at the University of Utah.
“Juliette has an outstanding reputation in economic and public policy circles in this state, and we are thrilled to have her join our staff,” said Natalie Gochnour, associate dean of the Eccles School and director of The Policy Institute. “As a state school, our job is to serve Utah, and Juliette’s expertise will help us provide critical data, research and analysis that decision-makers need to make smart choices.”
Tennert’s appointment fulfills another major step in the build out of The Policy Institute. Last summer, the U merged the Bureau of Economic and Business Research with the Center for Public Policy & Administration to form the seed entity for the new institute. The U is also investing $9 million in the restoration of the Enos Wall Mansion on South Temple where The Policy Institute will be located. In coming months additional steps will be announced.