From John Zierow, Community Relations & Public Information Officer
CEDAR CITY, Utah – On January 5, 2026, Steven Nelson will be sworn in as the Mayor of Cedar City at 12 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Waldo Galan will also be sworn in for his first term as a new City Councilman, and Scott Phillips will be re-sworn in for a third term as a City Councilman, in the same meeting.
Steve Nelson is a lifelong Cedar City resident, community leader and entrepreneur. Steve’s roots in this community run deep. His family’s history here begins with Cedar’s original settlers, and his commitment to the city’s success has shaped his personal and professional life. His civic involvement reflects a lifelong dedication to Cedar City, with leadership roles on the Cedar City Board of Adjustments, Cedar City Downtown Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Iron County Board of Realtors, Utah FC Soccer Club, a founder and chairman of the board at Gateway Preparatory Academy, SUU Entrepreneur Leadership Council, Co-founder of Iron Leaders Academy and Iron County Republican Party. Steve has also coached youth sports for over 25 years, given back through service clubs, and helped shape economic and downtown development efforts that strengthen Cedar City’s identity and future.
Mayor Nelson is the second official to hold the office of “Mayor” as a directly elected official for Cedar City after the city transitioned from a commission to a city elected Mayoral system in 2021.
Waldo Galan is a seasoned business and community leader with decades of executive experience in operations, strategy, and team development. After retiring from a successful 32-year career with Ford Motor Company—where he led major initiatives across sales, marketing, and international partnerships—he and his wife chose Cedar City as their permanent home. Waldo is deeply invested in the well-being of the community and has served on local boards, including the Cedar City Interfaith Alliance and Canyon Creek Women’s Crisis Center. He currently co-owns a local small business with his daughter and remains active in church and civic service. Known for his thoughtful leadership style and ability to navigate complex issues, Waldo is committed to building a strong, transparent, and forward-thinking city government. He is running for City Council to help Cedar City grow wisely while preserving the values that make it the best place in the world to live.
For over 42 years, R. Scott Phillips has worked in the public relations, marketing, and theatre administration fields. He was the executive director of the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, Utah after guiding that organization as its CEO for a decade. He received his bachelor’s degree from Southern Utah University and continued his master’s degree in theatre administration at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho. Scott received the Outstanding Male Staff Member at Southern Utah University in 1990 and a 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Utah Theatre Association.
Scott will be sworn in as for a third four year term as a City Councilman. He has been actively involved in political advocacy on the local, state, regional, and national levels for many years. Mr. Phillips has lived in Cedar City for more than 45 years and is proud to call Cedar City his home.