The Hinckley Institute Team
Jason Perry, JD
Director
Jason Perry, JD
Director
Jason Perry is the Director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics and the Vice President for Government Relations for the University of Utah. Jason brings more than 25 years of experience working in the public sector, where he has worked extensively with policy makers at the local, state, and federal levels. Previously, Jason served as the Chief of Staff to Governor Gary Herbert, and was the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development under Jon Huntsman where Jason was honored as CEO of the Year by Utah Business Magazine. Jason also worked in the Attorney General’s office and was an intern and later, a staff member to Senator Orrin Hatch. Jason is a graduate of the S.J. Quinney College of Law, where he now teaches law students the role of ethics and politics in creating legislation.
Morgan Lyon Cotti, PhD
Associate Director
Morgan Lyon Cotti, PhD
Associate Director
Morgan serves as the associate director of the Hinckley and manages the local and legislative internships. She also contributes to the Hinckley’s political analysis and research. Morgan is a former Hinckley intern and holds a PhD in Political Science from George Washington University.
Natalie Tippets, MS
Associate Director, Government Relations, The University of Utah
Natalie Tippets, MS
Associate Director, Government Relations, The University of Utah
Natalie has been with The University of Utah since 2008 and joined the Hinckley team in 2016. Natalie coordinates media requests for the Institute, serves as a producer of The Hinckley Report, and is a member of The Hinckley Poll, the Hinckley Institute's political polling group.
Gina Shipley, MPA
Managing Director of National Internships & Development Officer
Gina Shipley, MPA
Managing Director of National Internships & Development Officer
Gina Shipley has been with the Hinckley Institute as the National Program Director since 2014. She oversees the national and DC internship programs. Gina also manages development and alumni relations.
Jean Oh, M. Ed.
Managing Director of Global Internships
Jean Oh, M. Ed.
Managing Director of Global Internships
Jean Oh joined the University of Utah in 2013 and served as the first Director of UAC Student Services and Main Campus Operations until 2017 when she joined the Hinckley Institute of Politics as the Managing Director of the Global Internship Program.
Brooke Doner
Director of Marketing
Brooke Doner
Director of Marketing
Brooke joined the Hinckley Institute as the Director of Marketing in January 2018. A graduate of the University of Colorado, she previously worked as an art director in both San Francisco and New Zealand's advertising industries.
Chase M. Nelson, MPA
Community Engagement Manager
Chase M. Nelson, MPA
Community Engagement Manager
Chase M. Nelson serves as the Community Engagement Manager for the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah. He earned his Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah. Chase joined the Hinckley Institute in 2025. In his role, Chase leads the Institute's community engagement and outreach efforts, coordinates public forums and special events, and cultivates relationships with community partners and stakeholders.
Isabel Spencer
Outreach Coordinator
Isabel Spencer
Outreach Coordinator
Keith Grover, MEd, EdD
Global Engagement Specialist
Keith Grover, MEd, EdD
Global Engagement Specialist
Keith Grover has been involved in numerous international programs to advance the mission of the University of Utah over the last 5 years. He was a critical member of the team that established the Utah Asian campus in Songdo, Korea and recruits students from various countries across the globe. Keith is a current member of the Utah Senate and a former Representative for 10 years. Keith retired from working as a teacher and administrator in public education in Jordan and Alpine districts after 25 years of service.