Tax Commission Structure & Management

The Utah State Tax Commission is charged with collecting revenue for the state of Utah and local governments and administering tax and assigned motor vehicle laws. The main Tax Commission offices are located in Salt Lake City, with additional offices located around the state. See this page for more information about the Tax Commission and tax commissioners.

Tax Commission Executive Director

The executive director is appointed by the four tax commissioners and the appointment is approved by the Governor. Under a management agreement, the executive director runs the day-to-day operations of the Tax Commission.

Deanna L. Herring

Deanna L. Herring is an active member of the Utah State Bar and earned her law degree from California Western School of Law in San Diego, California, in 2000. Before that, Deanna graduated magna cum laude from the University of South Florida, majoring in Business Administration. Deanna joined the Utah State Tax Commission as the Deputy Executive Director in January 2019.

As the Deputy Executive Director, she oversaw many functions initially, including the agency’s budget, the State’s tax and motor vehicle systems, records disclosure, and other programs. Deanna quickly took on more tasks, overseeing all programs and functions under the administrative side of the agency, in conjunction with the then executive director.

Three of the largest projects Deanna has managed and helped develop at the Tax Commission are the agency’s Pay for Performance program, teleworking program, and the modernization of the agency’s strategic plan. Leading a united effort, involving key personnel, to design and develop these programs, Deanna has helped to provide more structure and guidance for performance standards, ensure efficient and effective staff management, and lead and guide the agency into the future.

Deanna was confirmed as the Executive Director by the Utah State Senate on January 24, 2025, after being nominated by the commissioners with the support of Governor Spencer J. Cox. Regarding the agency’s over 700 employees, Deanna has commented that their technical expertise and skill are in high demand and their dedication and professionalism are commendable.

I am humbled that this group of people choose to contribute their talents for public service. We succeed and improve together. We are honest, open, and transparent in our dealings. We welcome feedback as we strive to provide respectful, timely, and accurate service delivery to our customers, which include the Governor, the legislature, our executive branch partners, any person, business, or local entity that has a tax and/or motor vehicle connection with the state of Utah, as well as our coworkers.

Deanna views her job as that of a facilitator to move the agency forward stating, “They are the experts and it’s my job to help clear the path so that their expertise can get to those who need it. Good customer service starts at the top.”

Prior to coming to the Tax Commission, Deanna spent almost 19 years working for the Utah Legislative Auditor General’s Office where she was a Senior Audit Supervisor. In that position, Deanna performed independent and insightful performance audits of numerous government and quasigovernmental agencies and programs.

Deanna and her husband Jeff have three children and enjoy traveling, skiing, and attending sporting events and musical theater.