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GOVERNMENT
• The Utah Department of Workforce Services has named Michael Pekarske as director of the Refugee Services Office. Pekarske succeeds Mario Kljajo, who served in the role since 2023. Kljajo will be staying at Workforce Services in a new role directing the Administrative Support Division. Pekarske has spent more than a decade with the Utah Refugee Services Office. His time with the state began as an Americorp VISTA and grew to his most recent role as assistant director for the Refugee Services Office. In this role, he has been responsible for overseeing division operations, managing state and federal contracts, leading a large multicultural staff and driving program development to support refugee integration across Utah. His work has spanned direct service, grant administration, community partnerships and strategic planning.
HEALTH CARE
• Larry H. Miller Senior Health, a Sandy-based provider of post-acute and senior living services, has named Jeff Harper as chief financial officer. He most recently served as vice president of accounting. Harper will oversee the company’s financial strategy, stewardship and reporting, and will partner closely with operational, clinical and support leaders. Harper has more than 24 years of experience in accounting and finance across health care, automotive and professional services organizations. At the Larry H. Miller family of companies, he served as corporate controller and later vice president of finance and accounting for Larry H. Miller Dealerships. In 2023, Harper joined Advanced Health Care as vice president of accounting. Harper earned a Master of Accounting degree from Brigham Young University.
RESTAURANTS
• Bonrue Bakery, a St. George-based patisserie, has hired Emily Benson as executive chef. Benson will focus on back-of-house operations, supporting menu development across both sweet and savory offerings, refining systems and processes, and helping to scale Bonrue’s kitchen operations. She also will play a key role in mentoring team members and fostering a strong kitchen culture. Benson has over two decades of experience spanning both pastry and savory kitchens. Her background includes owning and operating a café and bakery for six years, where she developed menus from scratch and led teams centered on consistency, quality and care. Founded in 2021, Bonrue Bakery recently announced plans to open 10 new locations across Utah through 2027.