SALT LAKE CITY -- Michael Pekarske has been appointed as the new director of the Refugee Services Office within the Utah Department of Workforce Services, state officials announced on April 16, 2026.
The appointment was confirmed by the Utah Department of Workforce Services in a formal release, marking a key leadership change in the state's refugee resettlement and support programs. Pekarske succeeds the previous director, whose departure was announced earlier in the year.
Pekarske brings extensive experience in public administration and refugee services to the role. Prior to his appointment, he served in senior positions within workforce development and social services agencies, with a focus on immigrant integration and employment training programs.
In his new capacity, Pekarske will oversee the coordination of refugee resettlement efforts across Utah, including partnerships with federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local communities. His responsibilities will include managing case services, employment assistance, language access programs, and cultural orientation for newly arrived refugees.
The Refugee Services Office operates under the Utah Department of Workforce Services and is responsible for administering state and federal funds designated for refugee assistance. It works in collaboration with the Office of Refugee Resettlement at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to ensure refugees receive support in achieving economic self-sufficiency.
Utah has maintained a consistent refugee resettlement presence in recent years, with individuals arriving from countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. The state's refugee program emphasizes early employment placement and community integration as key outcomes.
Officials from the Department of Workforce Services highlighted Pekarske's background in workforce development as a strong asset for advancing the office's mission. They noted his experience in designing training pathways and employer engagement strategies as particularly relevant to the goals of refugee economic integration.
Pekarske expressed commitment to strengthening collaboration with local resettlement agencies and expanding access to credential recognition programs for refugees with professional backgrounds. He emphasized the importance of aligning refugee services with broader state workforce initiatives.
The appointment takes effect immediately. No further details regarding a formal swearing-in ceremony or transition timeline were included in the announcement.