Carlton Christensen was appointed by Mayor Ben McAdams in August 2013 to the newly created position of Director of Regional Development for Salt Lake County. The position was created to better address Salt Lake County’s role as a premier regional government and to help direct and take a stronger lead in issues that affect the entire county.

Carlton has a long history of public service. He recently completed his final term, after 16 years of service, as a Salt Lake City Council member. In that capacity, Carlton previously served as Chair of the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency, the President of the Associates Board for the Museum of Natural History of Utah, an ex officio member of the Salt Lake City Airport Board, and Chair of the Wasatch Front Economic Development District. Carlton also previously served on the Board of Shelter the Homeless, and at Utah Governor Gary Herbert’s request, as a member of the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council. Prior to joining Mayor McAdams' team, Carlton worked as a Community Development Representative for Zions Bank.

Carlton has a degree from the University of Utah. He and his wife, Cathleen, are the parents of two daughters, Jessica and Sarah.