Rep.-elect Chris Stewart hires his top advisers

Washington • Congressman-elect Chris Stewart has hired two key staffers marking the early steps in his transition to federal office.

He tapped Brian Steed, his campaign manager, to be his chief of staff. Steed, a Logan native, previously taught economics at Utah State University and was once a deputy county attorney in Iron County. He will relocate to Washington, D.C., and manage Stewart's House office.

Stewart also hired Dell Smith to manage his affairs in Utah as his state director. Smith has performed those same duties for Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, during the past four years

Smith lives in Juab County, which is now represented by Stewart in Utah's 2nd Congressional District and not Chaffetz, due to once-a-decade redistricting. Smith retired from the Utah National Guard after serving 36 years. He earned the rank of command sergeant major.

Stewart, a former U.S. Air Force pilot, has said he wants to focus on military issues. He has known Smith for some time.

"Dell has been a tremendous asset and he is a great resource," said Chaffetz, who will now begin looking for a new state director.

Chaffetz noted his chief of staff, Justin Harding, worked for Rep. Rob Bishop, when he was first elected.

"The idea is that the new guy needs someone who has some experience in the district. It makes sense," he said.

Stewart, who is in Washington for a second week of House orientation meetings, said: "Brian and Dell will serve as the core components of my staff as we begin to compile an effective team to help meet the district's needs."