NEWS RELEASE
Contact:
Emma Williams
Office of the Governor
(385) 303-4383, ewilliams@utah.gov

SALT LAKE CITY (June 27, 2024) – The Business and Chancery Judicial Nominating
Commission has selected nominees for a vacancy on the Business and Chancery Court. This
position was created by the Legislature during the 2024 Legislative Session.

The nominees for the vacancy are: Michael Barnhill, Associate/Partner, Michael Best &
Friedrich; David Billings, Shareholder/Partner, Fabian Van Cott; Jason Boren, Associate/Partner,
Ballard Spahr LLP; Erin Byington, Executive Director, Utah Family Defenders Association; Rita
Cornish, Judge, Second District Court; Mackenzie Hanks, Corporate Counsel, Intermountain
Health; Jeffrey Makin, Senior Vice President, Sunrun Inc.

Written comments can be submitted to the Business and Chancery Judicial Nominating
Commission at judicialvacancies@utah.gov or Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice,
P.O. Box 142330, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2330. The deadline for written comments is noon
July 8, 2024. The Nominating Commission may request further information or conduct an
investigation of the nominees after reviewing public comments. After the public comment
period, the names will be sent to Gov. Spencer J. Cox, who will have 30 days to make an
appointment. Gov. Cox’s appointee is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.