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SALT LAKE CITY — One of Utah's most popular political pundits, Kirk Jowers, announced Thursday he is stepping down as director of the University of Utah's Hinckley Institute of Politics for a job in the private sector.
"At times, it seems mind-blowing I would leave it because I don't think it's possible to be happier or more fulfilled," Jowers said of his decade running the institute. "It does feel like the right move and the right time to do something else."
His is leaving to become vice president of corporate relations at doTERRA International, a Utah-based company founded in 2008 that sells therapeutic essential oils through "wellness advocates."
Jowers said he is also leaving as a partner in the Washington, D.C., law firm of Caplin & Drysdale to focus on his new position. At the law firm, he worked for a number of Republican presidential candidates, including his longtime friend Mitt Romney.
Earlier this year, Jowers had advised U. President David Pershing that if Romney made a third run for the White House, he would take a leave of absence from his campus duties.
In addition to running the institute, which includes an internship program that places students in 58 countries around the globe, Jowers is also the U. director of federal relations and chief strategist for the office of global engagement.
Romney chose not to run again in 2016. And Jowers, who had considered challenging Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, in next year's GOP primary, also decided now was not the time to make his first run for office.
At times, it seems mind-blowing I would leave it because I don't think it's possible to be happier or more fulfilled. It does feel like the right move and the right time to do something else.
–Kirk Jowers
Jowers, who also briefly looked at running for governor in 2010 with Romney's son Josh as his lieutenant governor candidate, said he'll "never say never" about a run for office, but "there's absolutely nothing in my plans for the forseeable future."
He may, however, continue as an adviser to Gov. Gary Herbert. Jowers also headed a commission intended to increase voter turnout in Utah for former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.
The news release from the U. noted Jowers has often been called the "most quoted man in Utah." Because of his extensive network, he has often been called upon by state and national media to provide political commentary.
His resignations at the U. and the law firm become effective June 30. Jason Perry, the U.'s vice president for government relations, will serve as the institute's interim director.
Names are already surfacing as potential candidates to take over permanently as institute director, including former Utah Congressman Jim Matheson, a Democrat who chose not to seek re-election last year.
Jowers said in his new job, he will be helping the relatively new company deal with sourcing products throughout the world, handling international, public and government relations.
His position may also be a lucrative opportunity. Jowers said the company didn't exist seven years ago and now it has a billion dollars in sales annually. "I think there is a lot of growth there and if there is, I'll be a part of that," he said.
During the past decade, Jowers said he was able to accomplish just about everything he wanted to at the Hinckley Institute of Politics, including securing funding in the 2015 Legislature for a new building that will accommodate up to 500 attendees at events.
"Kirk has served the Hinckley Institute and our entire community with great distinction," Pershing said.
The 50th anniversary of the institute, which hosted a record 116 political forums in 2014 and has added many new programs under Jowers, will be observed in May.
