Dustin Gettel, an avid sports fan, basketball referee, healthcare law expert, and seven-year council member, now serves as Midvale’s mayor.
Gettel grew up in rural Pennsylvania and attended college in Philadelphia. Midvale feels like home and the best of both worlds—a small-town feel with easy access to the vibrant energy of downtown. In 2015, he visited Utah to see a friend, and before he even landed, he was already in love with the state. He fondly recalls his first glimpse from the plane, saying, “So that’s what real mountains look like.” He moved to Midvale soon after and has loved it ever since.
His journey to leadership and government began in high school. He developed a passion for advocating for people without a voice when he was elected vice president of his student body council. “I enjoyed bringing the concerns of the students to the administration,” he recalls.
He earned his undergraduate degree in Human Resource Management from Neumann University and went on to complete a Master’s in Healthcare Law and Regulation at Delaware Law School. His education laid the groundwork for his deep understanding of both the practical and legal aspects of leadership.
His leadership positions have taught him compassion, moderation and cooperation. “My focus has always been representing others,” he said. “Even though I have my own opinions, we are elected to represent the viewpoints of our constituents. They have very different ideas than you. Maintaining a respectful debate has served me well over the years.”
After serving on the Midvale City Council, transitioning to Mayor is a big shift. “I see this more as a role of being an advocate for our residents, those who work at city hall, and a collaborative member of the city council,” he explained. “It’s important for the mayor to be out there in the community and advocating for city initiatives.
When he’s not refereeing for Salt Lake County Men and Women’s basketball, working at the Utah Department of Health or Midvale City Hall, you’ll likely find Gettel outdoors, trying a new restaurant, or reading.
He’s set himself the goal of walking the entire Jordan River Trail, which spans a whopping 45 miles. “In the last few months, I’ve walked from Thanksgiving Point to Murray,” he says excitedly. “The trail is a hidden gem a lot of people don’t know exists.” He hopes to complete the entire length from Saratoga Springs to Ogden by next year.
Gettel loves exploring the diversity of Midvale’s local restaurants, believing it rivals the best eateries in Philadelphia. “I love trying out new restaurants. I’m pretty adventurous,” he says.
A lifelong learner, Gettel still treasures his well-worn favorite childhood book, The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents by William A. DeGregorio. He’s had the book since 3rd grade and can still recite all the U.S. presidents in chronological order. The book taught him that sometimes many powerful people start at the very bottom. He pointed out, “Most have very humble upbringing. We see how people go from living in impoverished towns to living in the White House.”
Gettel is the proud dog dad of two; Link, a Miniature Schnauzer and Nova, a Shih tzu–poodle mix. His favorite sports teams are the New York Giants, Utah Jazz, Utah Utes and the Baltimore Orioles.
His passion for people, collaboration, and harmony will drive him as he strives to make Midvale a better place for all.