SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City’s commitment to equity has been bolstered by the hiring of Kaletta Lynch as Chief Equity Officer, a new position within the Mayor’s Office that will oversee equity efforts citywide. 

“There’s no denying that there are families in our community who have gone without the access and opportunities that so many others have been afforded. Kaletta and the team she will lead will work hard to identify and implement solutions that will level the playing field so every resident has the opportunity to thrive in our City,” said Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “I have worked with Kaletta for years and have full faith that she is the best person to lead Salt Lake City into a more equitable future.”

Governments and institutions nationwide are recognizing the need for true equity, where solutions are tailored to need and ability. It’s an improvement over equality efforts, where uniform solutions are offered to all, regardless of individual circumstances. 

“I am very honored to have been chosen for this position. I love Salt Lake City, the people of Salt Lake City, and my City colleagues,” Lynch said. “Our team will listen to people from all segments of our community. Achieving equity is not a one size fits all approach.  It requires expanding access by listening to the voices of all, respecting differing perspectives, and honoring the lived experiences of our residents and community partners.  This is how we begin to elevate equity within Salt Lake City’s policies, processes, and services.” 

Access to food, affordable housing, broadband, childcare, public utilities, transportation and other necessities varies greatly throughout the city. Lynch and her team will work with City departments on current equity efforts and implementing new ones. She will begin her new role on a yet to be determined date.

More about Kaletta Lynch

Prior to taking this new position, Kaletta served in the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office, 2016-2019, as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff.  In 2019, Kaletta worked as the Executive Assistant for the Director of Community & Neighborhoods.  Under Mayor Mendenhall’s leadership, Kaletta returned to the Mayor’s Office to serve as the Special Projects Manager in charge of the Racial Equity in Policing Commission, internship program, bill tracking legislative process, and ACE (Arts, Culture, and Events) fund.  In addition to this, Kaletta has over 15 years of experience as a former federal background investigator, legislative executive assistant, contract agent, and intergovernmental liaison. 

Kaletta Lynch is a native of Decatur, Georgia.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland by way of Dillard University.  In 2019, Kaletta was the first Black woman to run for West Valley City Council. In 2020, she served as the Community Coordinator to help Representative Sandra Hollins and the Utah Coalition to Abolish Slavery successfully campaign to remove slavery from the Utah State Constitution.  

In 2020, she received the Community Servant Award from the Iota Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc and the Sister Called to Serve Award from the Greater Salt Lake Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  Kaletta is an active member of the YWCA Utah and she is married with two children. 

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