diff --git a/tailbone/views/users.py b/tailbone/views/users.py
index 310967eb..127d3491 100644
--- a/tailbone/views/users.py
+++ b/tailbone/views/users.py
@@ -274,15 +274,20 @@ class UsersView(PrincipalMasterView):
             names['last'] = data['last_name_']
         if 'display_name_' in form:
             names['display'] = data['display_name_']
+        # we will not have a person reference yet, when creating new user.  if
+        # that is the case, go ahead and load it, if specified.
+        if self.creating and user.person_uuid:
+            self.Session.add(user)
+            self.Session.flush()
         # note, do *not* create new person unless name(s) provided
         if not user.person and any([n for n in names.values()]):
             user.person = model.Person()
         if user.person:
-            if 'first' in names:
+            if names.get('first'):
                 user.person.first_name = names['first']
-            if 'last' in names:
+            if names.get('last'):
                 user.person.last_name = names['last']
-            if 'display' in names:
+            if names.get('display'):
                 user.person.display_name = names['display']
 
         # force "local only" flag unless global access granted