An Educator at Heart. A Fighter for Utah Families.
Senator Kathleen Riebe is a committed teacher, mother, and public servant who aims to achieve sensible results for her community.
A Legacy of Service
Kathleen Riebe comes from a family dedicated to public service. Growing up among first responders, including police officers and firefighters, she developed a strong belief in the importance of looking out for one another. Before becoming a teacher and a State Senator, Kathleen worked in various jobs that reflect the hard work of Utah’s workforce. She served as a police dispatcher in Alta, worked as a firefighter, and even drove a dump truck. These experiences shaped her understanding of the vital services and effort needed to keep our neighborhoods safe and functional.
Strengthening Public Education
An Educator and Advocate for over 20 years, Kathleen has devoted her life to Utah’s students as a dedicated educator. She currently works as an Educational Technology Specialist for Northeastern Utah Education Services, providing support to rural schools and students across the state. She taught in the Granite School District for more than 2 decades, where she witnessed the challenges our schools face and the great potential of our children. Her love for education led her to serve on the Utah State Board of Education, where she co-chaired the Finance Committee. She pushed for transparency in school spending and accountability to taxpayers.
A Proven Leader in the Utah Senate
Since 2019, Kathleen has represented the residents of Cottonwood Heights, Midvale, Sandy, and Brighton in the Utah State Senate. As Minority Whip and Caucus Manager, she has shown her skill in building consensus and driving meaningful change. Her achievements in legislation have earned her multiple honors, including:
- Legislative Business Champion Award (multiple years)
- Legislative Advocate for Children Award
- The Boy Scouts of America Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award (2024)
- Alzheimer’s Association Leadership Improving the Lives Of Utah’s Aging
- Adults (2024)
- Elected Official of the Year (Canyons School District, 2023)
- Friends of Education Granite School District (2019 and 2023)
- Utah PTA Outstanding Service to Children and Families (2022)
- Arts & Culture Legislative Champion (2019 and 2020)
Throughout her time in office, she has consistently advocated for lower healthcare costs, protection of public lands, and increased funding for public education.
Personal Life and Education
Kathleen is a lifelong learner. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and Sociology from Hofstra University, an M.Ed. in Education Administration from Utah State University, and a 2024 certificate from Harvard’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. Kathleen chose to raise her family in Utah because of its unmatched access to outdoor activities. As a mother of two, she enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, and exploring national parks. She also proudly serves as an Honorary Commander in the National Guard, strengthening her connection to those who serve.
