Meet the Staff

Kirk Jowers -- Director
Kirk L. Jowers is the Director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics, an Associate Director of the Institute of Public and International Affairs, an Associate Professor at the University of Utah, and the 2007 recipient of the University of Utah’s Par Excellence Award. He also is a partner in the Washington, D.C. law firm Caplin & Drysdale, Vice Chairman of the Governor’s Commission on Strengthening Utah’s Democracy, and a Member of the Utah Constitutional Revision Commission. Mr. Jowers has provided legal and political advice to state and national political parties, more than 30 congressional and gubernatorial candidates, Fortune 500 corporations, non-profit organizations, and three presidential campaigns. Described by the Salt Lake Tribune as the “most quoted man in Utah,” he is a frequent media commentator and lecturer on politics, campaign finance laws, government ethics, and the First Amendment and is the author of several publications. He is a graduate of the University of Utah and Harvard Law School.  Mr. Jowers is married to Kristen Jowers and has five children.
Email: kirk.jowers@hinckley.utah.edu

Jayne Nelson -- Assistant Director
Jayne Nelson is the Assistant Director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics where she manages the Hinckley Institute office, the Hinckley Forums program, the Huntsman Seminar, and the finances of the institute. She has worked at the Hinckley Institute since 1988. Some of Ms. Nelson's major responsibilities include coordinating all political speakers for the Hinckley Forums, organizing the Huntsman Seminar in Constitutional Government for Teachers, administering scholarships offered through the Hinckley Institute, and managing the operations of the administrative office.
Email: jnelson@hinckley.utah.edu

Courtney McBeth -- Intern Manager
Courtney McBeth has been the Intern Manager of the Hinckley Institute of Politics since 2003 where she manages the international and Washington, D.C. intern programs and academic endeavors of the institute. Ms. McBeth graduated summa cum laude with an M.S. in Education from the University of Utah. Her thesis was titled, "Civic Engagement: The Impact of Internships on Political Participation." She also graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Political Science and interned for University of Utah President Bernie Machen. Ms. McBeth was a member and captain of the University of Utah Women 's Soccer Team and was named to the Freshman All-American team and Academic All-West Region.
Email: cmcbeth@hinckley.utah.edu

Amy Code -- Political Programs Coordinator
Amy Code is the Political Programs Coordinator for the Hinckley Institute of Politics.  She graduated from the University of Utah, majoring in Political Science.  While a student at the University of Utah she interned with the Utah State Legislature. Some of her major responsibilities include internships and administration of the campaign management minor.
Email: amy.code@hinckley.utah.edu

Taylor Morgan -- Political Programs Coordinator
Taylor recently joined the Hinckley Institute of Politics as Political Programs Coordinator.  Before joining the Hinckley Institute, Taylor served as a majority staff member with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs in Washington, DC.  Taylor Graduated from the University of Utah with Bachelor of Science Degrees in Political Science and International Studies.  While a student at the University of Utah, Taylor served as Director of Government Relations for the Associated Students of the University of Utah, Director of Student Advocacy for the Utah Student Association, and as a Hinckley intern in Washington, DC.  Taylor is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in International Affairs and Global Enterprise at the University of Utah.
Email: taylor.morgan@hinckley.utah.edu

Ben Dailey --Assistant
Ben is a recent transfer student to the University of Utah and is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies. As an undergraduate, he has been extensively involved with international humanitarian work throughout Africa and Latin America. Ben recently completed an internship with the House Committee on Foreign Affairs in Washington, D.C. Ben plans to graduate and begin law school in 2010.
Email: ben.dailey@hinckley.utah.edu