Devin Wiser Weber State University

Devin Wiser () will serve as moderator and lead the panelists in discussion and Q&A

Devin Wiser received his undergraduate degree from Utah State University and his law degree from George Mason University. He worked for ten years on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC in various capacities, including as Deputy Chief Counsel for a committee in the House of Representatives and as Chief of Staff to a senior Republican Member of Congress. Devin is currently Executive Director of Government Relations and Executive Director of the Walker Institute of Politics at Weber State University.

Dr. Ryan Frazier Weber State University

Dr. Ryan Frazier () will discuss geography’s role in truly reflective representation in Utah, and why geospatial thinkers are crucial to drawing new districts

Dr. Frazier is interested in teaching students to utilize the power of Geographic Information Science and Remote Sensing to convey information about landscapes, patterns and processes through maps and visualizations. Dr. Frazier’s research focuses on leveraging GIS and Remote Sensing to learn more about ecosystems, and specifically forests after wildfire. Dr. Frazier is certainly excited by new applications of GIS and Remote Sensing as well as a good map.

Dr. Leah Murray Weber State University

Dr. Leah Murray () will give a Political Scientist’s perspective on this year’s redistricting process

Leah Murray is the Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor in the Department of Political Science and Philosophy at Weber State University. Murray currently serves as the Academic Director of the Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service and in that role co-chairs the Political Engagement Coalition and advises the American Democracy Project team. She was recognized as the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Endowed Professor for 2017 - 2020. Her primary research interests are in American politics, specifically youth political engagement. Her recent research has focused on campus climates for political learning. She teaches courses on all aspects of American politics. Murray received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Syracuse University in 1996 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science from the University of Albany in 2004.

Mallory Bateman University Of Utah

Mallory Bateman () will discuss trends in the 2020 redistricting data in Utah cities and counties

Mallory Bateman is a Senior Research Analyst and the Utah State Data Center Coordinator at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, focused on research and community engagement in Utah. She has a BA in Urban Planning from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in Social Policy and Planning from the London School of Economics.

Katie Wright Better Boundaries

Katie Wright () will discuss local issues and demonstrate how to get involved in current community engagement efforts

Katie Wright is a professional in the nonprofit sector with a focus on connecting human and financial capital to challenges such as climate change and democracy reform. As executive director of Better Boundaries, she is charged with supporting Utah’s nascent Independent Redistricting Commission and working with state legislatures to adopt maps that give all Utahn’s fair representation.

Gordon Haight Utah Independent Redistricting

Gordon Haight () will detail Utah’s upcoming redistricting dates and deadlines, the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission’s role in redistricting, and opportunities for public engagement

Gordon Haight, formerly the Assistant City Manager of the City of Herriman was named the Executive Director of the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission in May of 2021. The Commission is a bipartisan group composed of seven commissioners – appointed by both Democratic and Republican party leaders – with the chair appointed by Utah’s governor. To avoid conflicts of interest, Commissioners cannot be lobbyists, elected officials, political party leaders, or executive appointees.

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