FARMINGTON—There is a new face in the Davis County Controller’s Office. Scott Parke was selected by Republican delegates in a special convention and recently appointed by the commission as Controller, filling the position of Curtis Koch who left in July for another opportunity. Parke will finish Koch's term that expires in January 2027. He intends to run in 2026 for a full term.

“I was working as the Clerk/Auditor for Weber County,” said Parke. “I really enjoyed the work but when this came up I knew I’d regret not trying for it. I’m sad to leave but it’s a rare opportunity here.”

It’s an added responsibility being an elected official," he said. “I’m ready to dive in and get started to prepare for the budget season that starts soon.”

“Scott Parke brings exceptional financial experience and deep institutional knowledge to this position,” said Commissioner John Crofts. “I congratulate him on earning the trust of the delegates and look forward to working closely with him. Davis County is fortunate to have someone of his caliber stepping into this vital role.”

Crofts said that more than 50% of Republican delegates turned out. “Some cut vacations short or traveled long distances just to vote. That kind of commitment speaks volumes. Davis County has some of the most principled and engaged delegates anywhere in the state.”

Parke graduated in accounting at Utah State University and received an MBA at the University of Utah in information systems. “I wanted to get my CPA license,” he said. “I didn’t dream of becoming an accountant as I grew up. I fell in love with it. I felt like I could make a difference by keeping taxes low. It’s like a big ship. It takes a long time to turn. I want to be as efficient as possible.”

Parke said he wants to keep up with modern technology and use it to streamline processes. “I want to keep costs as low as possible. We can use technology to be more efficient. We don’t need to pay staff to do what could be done faster by a computer.”

For example, accounts payable, he said. “An invoice needs to be coded, scanned and purchase orders be validated. That takes time. That can automatically be kicked out by a computer. Instead of five minutes per invoice it can be done in five seconds. That saves a lot of time.”

Right now Parke said he’s in the information gathering stage. “I want to focus on talking to the right people and finding out what they’re doing and why they’re doing it and figure out a way we could do it a little better.”

Parke has four children and lives in Clinton. “I enjoy being physically active,” he said. “I like to tinker and find out why something always works the same way and try to understand why it is still the best way to do it. Then tweak it and not let change be an obstacle. I want to see how it can be a little bit better and be more efficient. It makes life easier.”

He likes what he does. “I can’t imagine doing a job that I hate,” Parke said. “I’m excited to be here. I’m ready to go to work and eager to dive in and get started.”