Leadership Team
The Utah Division of State Parks’ Leadership Team is comprised of a director and two deputy directors. While their main office is based out of DNR Headquarters in Salt Lake City, these individuals love outdoor recreation and spend much of their time visiting the outdoors and meeting with park managers, members of the public, and local and state officials.
Scott Strong – Director
Director Scott Strong has always felt a strong connection and appreciation for nature. Asking him to choose just one outdoor activity as a favorite would be extremely hard due to the wide variety of them available at state parks. Scott has hiked Frary Peak at Antelope Island State Park, rode ATVs at Wasatch Mountain State Park, floated the river from Green River State Park, and wakeboarded at Sand Hollow State Park.
Scott is also passionate about the game of golf. He has played competitively and also is heavily involved in the management and success of the four Utah State Park golf courses. He is a graduate of Weber State University with a degree in business administration and marketing.
Laurie Backus – Deputy Director of Operations
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Laurie graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in parks, recreation, and tourism. After a short stint working with the U.S. Forest Service, she was hired on as a law enforcement park ranger at Wasatch Mountain State Park. Since that time, she has spent her 20+ year career as assistant region manager, Jordanelle State Park manager, and most recently the north region manager.
Laurie’s passion for the outdoors doesn’t end after her work day. She currently lives in the beautiful Heber Valley area with her family and enjoys spending her free time horseback riding, shooting outdoor photography, kayaking, and caring for her numerous animals.
Chris Haramoto – Deputy Director
Chris has spent over 20 years dedicated to enhancing visitor experiences across Utah’s state parks. He began his career in 2003 as a park ranger at Antelope Island State Park, later moving into leadership roles as park manager at Hyrum, East Canyon and Lost Creek State Parks. He went on to serve as North Region Manager, overseeing park operations, staff development and community outreach.
As Deputy Director, Chris is focused on increasing access and encouraging broad participation in Utah’s state parks by removing barriers and creating pathways that welcome all visitors to experience these natural spaces.
Devan Chavez – Associate Director
Devan has always felt connected to the outdoors. Raised in Tooele, Utah, Devan spent his years exploring Utah’s outdoors with his friends and family. He attended Southern Utah University in Cedar City, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and a professional certificate in Parks and Tourism. Devan began his career at Utah State Parks as the assistant public information officer. He was later promoted to the lead public information officer and now serves as the Associate Director.
Devan is an avid traveler and has enjoyed adventures in Thailand, Nepal, China, England, Canada, Mexico, Eswatini, South Africa, and many places around the U.S. Devan considers health and fitness very important aspects of his life. He competitively coaches martial arts and enjoys trail running, hiking, camping, paddleboarding, mountain biking, road cycling, snowboarding, and more.