The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity is pleased to announce Dane Ishihara as the director of the newly formed Utah Office of Regulatory Relief.
“Dane is going to do awesome work in this new role, and we’re excited to have him be the first-ever director of the Office Regulatory Relief,” said Dan Hemmert, the Economic Opportunity office’s executive director. “I am confident Dane has the experience and capabilities to lead this new Legislative initiative.”
During the 2021 Legislative session, H.B. 217 was passed, which created the Utah Office of Regulatory Relief — the nation’s first office of its kind. As the Regulatory Relief office director, Ishihara will create a framework for analyzing risk levels to Utah consumers related to health, safety, and financial well-being. The framework will consider permanently removing or temporarily waiving laws and regulations inhibiting the creation or success of new and existing companies or industries.
Ishihara has more than 15 years of experience working for the state of Utah. Before working at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, he worked at the Utah Department of Commerce. During his tenure at Commerce, he managed the Utah Residence Lien Recovery program that balances mechanic lien enforcement between homeowners and lien claimants. Additionally, he coordinated with physicians and pharmacists to ensure patients had quicker access to naloxone to prevent opioid overdoses.
At Westminster College, Ishihara completed his undergraduate degree in economics and a master’s degree in community leadership. He enjoys cheering on the Utah Jazz and staying involved in the community. Download a photo of Ishihara here.