In a significant leadership transition, the Summit County Democratic Party has appointed Anne Kirvan as its new interim chair, following the resignation of Rory Swensen, who was recently elected mayor of Coalville, Utah. Kirvan, a Park City resident since 2020, officially took on the role on Wednesday, marking a new chapter for the local political organization as it approaches crucial elections and community engagement initiatives in the upcoming year. Rory Swensen, who held the chair position prior to Kirvan, expressed gratitude for his time in office and emphasized the importance of his new responsibilities as mayor. “Serving as chair of the Summit County Democratic Party has been an honor,” Swensen stated in a press release. “Stepping down from party leadership enables me to serve all Coalville residents with greater focus and integrity. I am confident in the continued strength of the party and in Anne Kirvan’s leadership during this transition.” This leadership change comes at a time when the party is gearing up for its internal elections scheduled for early 2027. Anne Kirvan's political journey began in her home state of Michigan, where she became actively involved in grassroots initiatives, particularly focusing on ballot measures. She recalled, “We were doing the same ballot initiative as Prop 4, and I moved to Utah before it hit the ballot in Michigan, but I learned right away that Utah was working on the same thing.” Kirvan’s reference to Utah Proposition 4 highlights her commitment to civic engagement and the importance of redistricting, a pressing issue affecting voters across the nation. Since relocating to Utah, Kirvan has maintained her dedication to political activism. Her involvement intensified when Swensen invited her to serve as a delegate at the state convention last year. “Since then, I’ve been dabbling in state and local committees, as well as networking with other Utah Democrats,” Kirvan explained. This experience has equipped her with a deeper understanding of the party's dynamics and the challenges it faces. The decision for Kirvan to step into the interim chair role arose after discussions about leadership following Swensen’s election. “There are four vice chairs, but none of them could step up. I said I would, and here we are,” she recounted. Her willingness to take on this responsibility underscores her commitment to the party and her confidence in the support she has received from fellow members. “I want to effectively fill Rory’s shoes and other previous leaders,” Kirvan asserted, acknowledging the established protocols and practices that have guided the party thus far. As Kirvan begins her tenure, her first major task is to organize the upcoming caucus, scheduled for mid-March. This event is crucial for mobilizing party members and shaping the political landscape in Summit County. “For the remainder of my interim year, I’ll focus on our volunteers and fundraising and assisting our candidates through the general election,” she said, outlining her priorities and vision for the party’s future. Kirvan’s leadership comes at a critical juncture as Utah’s political climate evolves, with increased participation and engagement from community members. Her focus on grassroots initiatives and collaboration with other party members is expected to reinforce the party’s infrastructure and outreach efforts. The Summit County Democratic Party has a rich history of community involvement and advocacy for progressive policies in Utah. As Kirvan steps into this leadership role, she aims to build on the strong foundation laid by her predecessors while addressing the immediate needs of the party and its constituents. For those interested in learning more about the Summit County Democratic Party, information is available on their official website at scdems.org. As Kirvan leads the party through this transitional phase, her leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Democratic representation in Summit County and beyond. In conclusion, as Anne Kirvan embarks on her new role, she embodies the spirit of dedication and service that is vital for the ongoing success of the Summit County Democratic Party. With a focus on community engagement, volunteer mobilization, and support for candidates, Kirvan is poised to lead the party effectively during this critical period leading up to the 2027 elections.