 He served as president of his local school board, chairman of the Utah State Board of Regents, and chairman of the Western States Commission of Higher Education.On July 26, 2012, he was appointed by U.S. President Barack Obama as a member of the President's Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.Membership on the council is generally a one-year appointment, though members may serve longer and are eligible for reappointment, as they serve at the pleasure of the President.