Barlow announces first leadership picks as Wyoming’s incoming governor

Wyoming Gov.-elect Eric Barlow announced the first members of his incoming administration Tuesday, tapping three leaders with experience in public policy, law and state government. 

The Republican selected Erin Taylor as chief of staff, Walter Eggers as nominee for attorney general and Eydie Trautwein as chief operating officer, according to a press release. 

“Wyoming deserves a government that listens, spends responsibly and delivers dependable service,” Barlow said in the release. “Erin, Walter and Eydie understand our state and bring the experience and judgment needed to help lead this work. I will count on them to build strong relationships, address problems directly and keep our administration focused on serving the people of Wyoming.”

While Taylor and Trautwein’s positions are ultimately decided by the governor, Eggers is a nominee and will be subject to Wyoming Senate confirmation. 

As chief of staff, Taylor will lead the governor’s office with more than 25 years of public policy experience at the federal, state and local levels, and will help coordinate the administration’s priorities with legislators, state agencies and communities. 

In 2014, Taylor founded a consulting firm after serving eight years as executive director of the Wyoming Taxpayers Association. She also led U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi’s 2014 campaign and previously directed the Wyoming Association of Community College Trustees. Taylor holds two degrees from the University of Wyoming. 

Eggers began his legal career in Cheyenne after graduating from the UW College of Law in 1997, working as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. In 2000, he joined powerhouse Mountain West law firm Holland and Hart where he served as partner for about 16 years and led the firm’s Cheyenne office. 

He later led the firm’s Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Practice Group, which included overseeing more than 100 lawyers and legal professionals. Eggers’ practice has focused on administrative law, state and local taxation, litigation and appeals. 

At UW, Eggers has taught professional responsibility, evidence, and oil and gas law. He’s also worked to expand access to civil legal assistance with the Wyoming Access to Justice Commission and Equal Justice Wyoming. 

Trautwein, also a graduate of UW’s College of Law, will bring her experience in state administration, legal services and coordination across government to the position of chief operating officer. Her responsibilities will include overseeing the governor’s office operations and supporting implementation of the administration’s priorities. 

She previously served as Wyoming’s deputy state auditor, where her work included coordinating a major upgrade of the state’s financial, human resources and payroll systems.

Trautwein also served as director of legal resources and judicial education for the Wyoming Supreme Court. 

Barlow, a veterinarian and longtime state lawmaker, is set to be inaugurated on Jan. 4. 

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