Governor Spencer J. Cox appointed Hannah Freeze as the new Great Salt Lake commissioner on July 22, 2026, tasking her with leading conservation efforts for the state's shrinking lake. Freeze, who previously served as the deputy commissioner, succeeds Brian Steed and takes over the increasingly vital role immediately.
Extensive Conservation Background
Freeze brings more than 15 years of experience in the conservation field to the position, according to a press release from the Governor's Office. Her tenure as deputy commissioner involved collaborating with various stakeholders to advance legislation that provides additional conservation tools to water users throughout the Great Salt Lake basin.
Prior to her time in the commissioner's office, Freeze worked at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. In that role, she established and oversaw several conservation programs, including the Agricultural Water Optimization Program. This program was designed to help agricultural producers improve water efficiency through the use of new technologies and the upgrading of irrigation systems.
A Critical Role for a Shrinking Lake
The appointment of Freeze comes at a critical time for the Great Salt Lake, which has dropped to historic lows due to water diversions, drought, and the impacts of a changing climate. As reported by KPCW, the shrinking lake presents significant ecological and public health risks, including reduced snowpack affecting drinking water supplies and the potential for toxic dust storms containing naturally occurring arsenic and other minerals from the lake bed.
Under Utah law, the Great Salt Lake commissioner is granted the authority to override other governmental decisions that could threaten the lake's survival. The role involves securing water for the lake and enforcing policies specifically designed to protect it.
Bipartisan Support for Appointment
Governor Cox noted that Freeze has earned the trust of a wide range of stakeholders, including agricultural producers, water users, conservation leaders, and both state and federal partners. The governor emphasized that her ability to foster cooperation across the basin will be invaluable as Utah continues its conservation work.
Senate President J. Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz were consulted regarding the hiring. President Adams stated that the work required for the lake demands leaders capable of thinking beyond the next season, noting that Freeze has demonstrated the necessary judgment and foresight. Speaker Schultz added that Freeze understands that lasting conservation is achieved through partnership and collaboration.
Succession and Professional History
Freeze succeeds Brian Steed, who left the commission to take on a leadership role at Utah State University. Freeze, an alumna of Utah State University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, lives in northern Utah with her husband and two children.
Her previous work with the Agricultural Water Optimization Program focused on persuading farmers and ranchers—the state's largest water users—to adopt newer technologies to grow crops using less water. This experience is expected to be central to her new responsibilities in managing the water needs of the Great Salt Lake basin.
Future Priorities
As the new commissioner, Freeze will focus on maintaining the relationships she has built with state and federal agencies and water users across the basin. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving Utah and emphasized that the future of the lake depends on these established partnerships.
