Gov. Cox names Beau Mason Commissioner of the Utah Department of Public SafetyTwenty-year DPS veteran to succeed retiring Commissioner Jess Anderson

SALT LAKE CITY (June 19, 2025) – Gov. Cox today announced the appointment of Beau Mason as Commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS), effective July 17, 2025. Mason will assume the role the day after Commissioner Jess Anderson retires on July 16 following nearly three decades of distinguished service to the state.

“Beau has spent more than 20 years keeping Utahns safe,” Gov. Cox said. “He knows every corner of DPS and has earned the trust of everyone who wears the badge. I’m excited to see where he takes the department.”

Since 2023, Mason has served as Deputy Commissioner, overseeing the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), State Bureau of Investigations (SBI), Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC), Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), and the Division of State Security. Prior to his executive role, Mason rose through the ranks of the Utah Highway Patrol from trooper to major directing field operations, the Special Emergency Response Team, Executive Protection, Motors, and the Aero Bureau.

Mason holds a Master’s in Leadership from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Southern Utah University. His professional credentials include graduation from the 290th Session of the FBI National Academy and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command.

“I’m grateful for the chance to keep serving Utah and to build on the strong foundation already in place,” said Mason. “By looking out for the talented people at DPS and working hand-in-hand with our partners across the state and nation, we can keep every community safe and moving forward together.”

Gov. Cox also expressed gratitude to Anderson as he steps down. “Our state is stronger because of Commissioner Anderson’s decades of leadership,” said Gov. Cox. “We’re deeply grateful for his service and wish him the very best in the years ahead.”

The Utah Department of Public Safety encompasses the Utah Highway Patrol, Division of Emergency Management, State Fire Marshal, Driver License Division, and several other bureaus and divisions that work together to safeguard lives and property statewide.

See here for a headshot of Beau Mason.