Leadership Utah 2020

Mike Anderson's practice involves complex commercial disputes regarding intellectual property, insurance, securities, and constitutional, international, and comparative law. He has experience at all levels of litigation from trial court to final appeal and especially enjoys helping innovative startups find creative solutions to practical and legal dilemmas.  He also devotes a significant part of his practice to pro bono work. Mike received an Honors BS from the University of Utah (Magna Cum Laude), a JD from Columbia University (Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar), and an LLM from King's College London (With Distinction). Mike enjoys all sorts of movies, books, music, travel, podcasts, and games, whether obsessing over sports analytics or defending his team’s title at “geek trivia” nights around town. In 2013, he started a record label with other professional musicians. The label’s first release reached #1 on Billboard’s list of independent albums.

Max Backlund was a senior research associate at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, where he specializes in regional economics and economic development. Mr. Backlund began his career at the Economic Development Corporation of Utah where he founded the Community Strategy Department, which provides economic data, strategic planning tools, and marketing products to more than 70 Utah cities and counties. He also developed Utah Community Builders, a foundation focused on social issues with a connection to the business community, at the Salt Lake Chamber. His work experience includes research into economic development, corporate recruitment and expansion, transportation, intergenerational poverty, mental health, family leave, child care, and immigration.

Matt Brahana is a shareholder at Fabian VanCott.  He represents oil and gas companies, businesses and business owners, and school districts in all manner of litigation, transactions, and regulatory matters throughout Utah, Wyoming and Montana. Matt earned his Bachelor of Journalism from the Missouri School of Journalism, at the University of Missouri-Columbia.  He received his law degree from the University of Montana School of Law, where he graduated with honors. Matt spends his free time with his wife and two boys hiking, camping, biking, building Legos, and goofing around.  Time permitting, he golfs, plays volleyball, and snowboards.  He is an avid photographer.

Ryan is a Regional Director in Private Banking at Zions Bank.  He is responsible for managing a team of private banking officers who deliver personal and business banking products and services to high income / high net worth clients, in addition to maintaining his own portfolio of clients as well. Ryan earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Utah. In his free time, Ryan enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, cheering on the local sports teams, and spending time with his wife and two kids.

Dr. Camiolo Reddy is the Senior Medical Director, Pain Services and the Senior Medical Director, Rehabilitation Services for Intermountain Healthcare. In this capacity, she leads system-wide clinical and operational efforts supporting pain and rehabilitation care delivery. Her clinical practice focuses on the care of persons with traumatic brain injury. Cara earned her bachelor's in Chemistry and History from Rosemont College and her medical degree from Drexel University. She completed both her residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and her fellowship training in Brain Injury Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her Master's in Medical Management from Carnegie Mellon University. In her free time, Cara enjoys reading, cooking and is an avid sports fan. She enjoys golfing, playing tennis and skiing with her husband and two sons.

Brett Crable is General Manager of Customer Experience for Dominion Energy’s gas businesses. Dominion Energy serves over 3 million customers in our natural gas distribution businesses covering seven states. In this role, Brett is responsible for ensuring Dominion Energy’s customers is effortless, consistent, and customer centered experience. Brett’s team also provides energy efficiency programs to help lower their bills and sustainable options to help lower their carbon footprint. Brett has an Engineering degree from Virginia Tech. He is a professional engineer and a graduate from the Executive Program at the University of Michigan. In his free time, he enjoys fly fishing and hiking. Brett and his wife have three boys and enjoy the “empty nest” lifestyle. He moved to Utah in January, 2019 after 38 years in Virginia.

Kim Cutshall is the Director of Member Services for SelectHealth.  She is responsible for the customer service experience for SelectHealth members, providers, brokers, etc.  She is a leader of leaders and a champion for employee engagement and a customer centric service culture.  Kim earned her bachelor's in Business Management from the University of Utah.  Kim loves to travel with her husband and two children and is an avid golfer.

Derek Deitsch works with the Downtown Alliance in Salt Lake City, which is dedicated to building a dynamic and diverse community that is the regional center for culture, commerce, and entertainment. As Business Development Manager, Derek oversees fundraising for the organization, small and local business outreach & promotion, and other special projects. Derek graduated Cum Laude with honors from the University of Utah with a degree in marketing and minors in psychology and political campaign management. He loves spending as much time as possible outdoors, doing everything from hiking and snowshoeing to frisbee and volleyball. He is an avid traveler, hopping on a plane for a new adventure at every opportunity. He is also a serious foodie, previously writing for Salt Lake magazine, primarily covering desserts.

Benjamin Donner is the Executive Director for the American Red Cross over Central and Southern Utah. He passionately advocates the Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors... making the community better prepared for emergencies and ensuring that lifesaving blood is available. Benjamin earned his bachelor's in Business Finance from the University of Phoenix followed by his MBA from the prestigious Thunderbird School of Global Management. With a strong humanitarian focus combined with a passion for international and intercultural relations, Benjamin has lived, worked or studied in multiple countries across five continents. Benjamin loves cycling, racquetball, and spending time with his family... traveling and exploring new places. He is a lifelong hockey and soccer fan.  He is fluent in Portuguese and is actively engaged in the Brazilian community here in Utah.

Craig Eaton is Terracon's Utah Office Manager and a Principal with 26 years of experience providing environmental consulting for commercial, industrial, developer, municipal, state, federal, and international clients.  Craig earned his B.S. in Environmental Earth Science from the University of Utah in 1996 and is a licensed Professional Geologist in Utah.  He has attended numerous conferences, industry groups, and continuing education seminars throughout his career and has presented on a variety of environmental consulting topics. Craig is married and has two wonderful children. In their free time, Craig and his family like to hike and enjoy Utah's beautiful outdoors, stay at their extended family cabin on the Weber River near Oakley, engage in the kids' activities such as soccer, swimming, and ballet/tap, travel, and spend time with family and friends

Jim Erickson is a Region Bank President for Wells Fargo Bank. He offices in Salt Lake City, however his region includes Southern and Eastern Utah. He is a responsible for 5 Districts to include 450 team members who serve customers in the community bank through the banks branch network. Jim has been with Wells Fargo for 12 years and was previously located in Kansas City prior to relocating to Utah. He also had 23 years of banking experience with Bank of America in Iowa and Kansas City prior to joining Wells Fargo Bank. Jim graduated from Upper Iowa University where he earned his bachelor's degree in Business Management. In his free time, Jim enjoys spending time with family and friends. He also is passionate about volunteering. He is on the Board for Children's Service Society, American Red Cross and serves as an Advisory Board Member for Westminster College; Bill & Vieve Gore School of Business.

Gus Gochnour is a Project Assistant for the CEO at Stadler a Swiss rail car manufacturer. Gus' background in German and International Relations led him to this job where he acts as a liaison between two different business cultures. Gus performs a variety of duties and enjoys troubleshooting in multiple departments within Stadler. Gus earned dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Utah in German and International Studies (emphasis in Foreign Relations and Security). He completed internships with a Refugee Resettlement Program, the US House of Representatives and, his personal favorite, with the German Bundestag in Berlin. Gus is passionate about all things international, and is often reading about world history, keeping up to date on world affairs and dreaming up his next trip to a foreign country. In his free time Gus is an avid sportsman and can be found biking to work, playing hockey, skiing, and spending time in the wilderness.

Michele Halstenrud is a Senior Attorney at WCF Mutual Insurance Company where she focuses on workers' compensation law and compliance. Michele earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Westminster College and her law degree from Cardozo Law - Yeshiva University. Michele enjoys gardening, cooking, and reading. Michele and her husband have two children. They love to spend time together in the Uintah Mountains and traveling as much as possible

Andrea Horehled supports the security and investigations branches of American Express Global Security as an Analyst in their technologies team. She is involved in various aspects of the department including product administration, intranet design and support, reporting, and special projects. During off hours Andrea supports her father's trucking company, Wall Street Transportation. She handles the company's receivables, financial statements, and occasional dispatch/operations. Andrea earned her bachelor's degree in Business Management with a minor in Environmental & Sustainability Studies from the University of Utah. In her free time Andrea enjoys skiing, hiking, swimming, and mostly any outdoor activity. She keeps a small ''backyard homestead'' complete with vegetable garden, fruit trees, chickens, and two young Golden Retrievers who enjoy causing havoc.

Michael Huynh is a Portfolio Manager for the Middle Market Commercial Group with KeyBank.  His main responsibilities are partnering with his relationship managers to provide lending and other banking solutions for prospective and current clients.  Michael attended the University of Utah and graduated with a bachelor's in finance.  He started his career with KeyBank in Seattle in the Mergers and Acquisition group and then moved into Commercial Real Estate Lending.  Michael enjoys all 4 seasons with activities ranging from snowboard, basketball, hiking and traveling and eating as much food as he can.

Ben Johnson is a Sr. Relationship Manager covering the Utah market for Wells Fargo's Middle Market Banking Office and has been with the bank for over 16 years. Ben serves as the primary local point of contact for mid-sized companies and coordinates a team of specialists to manage the banking relationship, including credit underwriting and treasury management. Ben holds a bachelor's degree in Finance from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the University of Utah. Ben is also a graduate of Wells Fargo's Commercial Management Training Program, based in San Francisco. In his free time, Ben enjoys being in the outdoors fishing, mountain biking, skiing, and working in the yard. Most of all he enjoys supporting his kids in all their activities including dance, cheer, baseball, basketball and hunting. Ben and his wife Amy have four teenage children and live in Holladay, Utah. 

Bruce Kusch is the president of LDS Business College, a two-year private college educating students from more than 80 countries around the world. Bruce earned a BS in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, an MBA from DeVry University, and a PhD in Instructional Design from Idaho State University. Bruce loves to fly fish, and has recently begun participating in triathlons. He also enjoys photography and has received several awards at the Utah State Fair. He and his wife, Alynda, enjoy exploring the beauties of Utah and visiting their four children and their families. They are happy to call Utah home!

Liesl Limburg is a project coordinator for Salt Lake City's Department of Economic Development, Business Development Division. Her main duties include assisting the team's Corporate Recruitment and Retention Manager and administering Foreign Trade Zone 30. Liesl earned her bachelor's in Political Science from the University of Utah and is a candidate for a Master of Public, December 2019 also from the University of Utah where she was the Vice President of Career Development for the PAGE executive board. Liesl enjoys early mornings at the gym and evenings on the softball field. She loves $5 Tuesdays at the movies and traveling as often as possible. She frequently attends live concerts and is currently taking piano and voice lessons.

Eric Liston is the Administrator for Connect Services at Intermountain Healthcare. In this role Eric oversees TeleHealth services including both direct to consumer and provider to provider virtual healthcare services. His management portfolio also includes; Provider Support Services, Life Flight and the Transfer Center. Eric earned a master's degree in management with an emphasis in health service administration from Troy University. A married father of 4 children, Eric spends much of his free time watching and coaching his kids in various sports and activities. Eric enjoys cycling and riding horses in the beautiful Utah landscapes. A native of Orem, Utah, Eric is actively involved with his local community, schools, and church. 

BJ Lund is a branch Manager for America First Credit Union. The consistent level of extraordinary Service given to credit union members is his primary focus along with employee development, engagement, education, and promotion. BJ is working to improve his education in Business Administration. In his free time he enjoys playing a number of sports. He is an avid Utah Utes, Utah Jazz and Atlanta Braves fan. He is avid Waterfowl hunter and wildlife Conservationist, participating in multiple conservation organizations and their activities. BJ and his wife enjoy camping and fishing with their two girls. He has a passion for motivating others and aspires to be a motivational speaker.

Melinda Meier serves as CEO and executive vice president of public relations for FUEL Marketing. She plans and implements all advertising, public relations, research and marketing for FUEL Marketing’s core clients. Melinda also supervises and manages public relations staff members in directing PR campaigns and news segments. Melinda Meier earned her bachelor of arts degree in journalism and master of arts degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas. Following her master of arts degree, Melinda earned her doctorate of communication from the University of Utah, where she also served as adjunct faculty in the communication department. Originally from Texas, Melinda is a member of the International Women's Forum and enjoys international travel (especially Italy) and real estate.

Julie Mulcock leads human resource function at Jacobsen Construction Company.  Julie earned her bachelor's degree in communication from the University of Utah and a master's degree in human resources from Utah State University. Julie enjoys DIY projects around the house, reading, tennis, and cooking. She finds herself spending a lot of free time shuttling her two kids to their various activities. She is looking forward to developing some great relationships and learning about ways to make an impact in the community through the Salt Lake Chamber.

Businesses with employees, just like vehicles, need a professional to provide advice, to perform a tune up or routine maintenance, to rebuild broken or worn out parts, or perhaps to even supercharge performance. This is the work Ryan Nelson enjoys each day. He is a licensed and certified professional "mechanic"; providing employment law expertise, legal advice & representation, and HR resources and support for employers and their internal HR staff. Ryan graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Portuguese and a minor in International Relations. He then graduated from
the University of Florida with his law degree. He is licensed to practice law in Utah, Colorado, and Florida, and holds his Senior Professional of HR certification. Ryan is happily married (22 years and counting), with six children ranging in age from 21 to 4 (4 boys, 2 girls). He enjoys cycling, backpacking, camping with family, and quiet time early in the morning.

Ashley Nicholes is the owner of a professional services business helping busy entreprenurs with the focusing on their businesses while refining their processes and systems. Ashley earned her master's in public administration from the University of Utah. In her free time, she enjoys watching all types of sporting events, especially University of Utah gymnastics. Ashley enjoys volunteering with YWCA and playing with her dogs.

Stephanie Palmer is the Director of Sales for KSL Newsradio.  She oversees a team of account managers who work with national and local businesses providing advertising campaigns utilizing an array of multi media opportunities. Stephanie graduated from West Jordan High School and received her Associates Degree from Ricks College in Idaho. She received an Executive Education from Georgetown University and has been CSS Certified in Marketing and Management. Stephanie enjoys traveling, getting outdoors, sports, cooking and spending as much time with family and friends as possible.

Kevin Peterson is a recently hired executive for WCF Insurance relocating from the Des Moines, Iowa metro.  As the Senior Vice President of Sales and Distribution, he is leading sales strategy, agency experience, distribution management, commercial lines servicing, and geographic expansion. Kevin earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management from the University of Northern Iowa.  He also obtained an Associated in Claims and Chartered Property and Casualty Commercial Underwriting designations supporting his career in the P&C insurance industry.  Prior to moving to Utah, Kevin served on the boards of the Food Bank of the Rockies and the Iowa Food Bank.  He and his family enjoy outdoor activities as well as supporting their two boys in youth ice hockey.  His family is looking forward to exploring the great state of Utah!

Travis Reid is the Senior Manager of Creative and Exhibits for the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum. In his current role at the museum, Travis provides creative vision for the improvement and transformation of the Museums’ exhibit experiences and supervises the daily operations of the Creative and Exhibit. Departments. Travis holds an M.B.A. with an emphasis in Project Management from The University of Texas at Dallas, a B.F.A. in Studio Art with a concentration in Sculpture from The University of North Texas, and is a certified P.M.P. from the Project Management Institute. In his free time he volunteers with Red Flower Studios, a glass blowing and metal fabrication artist studio located in Park City. Travis also enjoys spending time working in his vegetable garden, cooking and grilling with family and friends, and being outside with his dog, Nashville.

Lindsay is a part of the Business Development team at the Salt Lake Chamber. She facilitates both new memberships and manages the current membership base. Lindsay earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). She also acquired a Minor in Spanish. Lindsay loves anything beach-related, traveling, camping, dancing, and playing lacrosse and tennis. She grew up both in Southern California and Colorado so she's a huge LA Dodgers and Denver Broncos fan!

Eve Rickles is the Digital Media Coordinator for the Women's Business Center of Utah, producing their social media content and managing their website. She has spent most of her career working for nonprofits. Eve earned her bachelor's degree in Art History from Binghamton University in New York. Eve recently moved to Utah from the East Coast. She likes to hike and has enjoyed exploring her new state. In her free time, she loves to cook and bake.

As a Regional Business Manager for Rocky Mountain Power, Lisa works directly with customers and communities to assist in the areas where business and the utility intersect. Projects range from: system upgrades to support growth, equipment repairs/replacement, outage coordination, energy efficiency, electric vehicle charging, utility easements and franchise agreements. Lisa has a Master of Design in Landscape Planning and Ecology from the Harvard Graduate School of Design Stidies and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Utah State University. As they say, ''a good cattle dog is a tired cattle dog'', so Lisa enjoys any outdoor activity that gets her two heelers tired: trail running, longboarding, mountain biking, paddle boarding, and hiking. After the dogs are tired she loves to ride her motorcycles.

Garth Shaw is in his second decade with GSBS Architects and is the firm’s Director of Sustainability. He is a principal and leads GSBS’ higher-education market sector. Garth graduated with honors from the University of Wyoming earning an accredited degree in structural engineering. He continued his education at the University of Utah, graduating first in his class with a Master of Architecture degree. Born and raised in Wyoming, much of Garth’s free time is spent outside skiing and boating with his wife and two kids. He and his family stay actively engaged in a variety of science education opportunities. Garth also takes advantage of Utah’s auto-sports scene developing his passion for cars and his on-track racing craft.

Jimmy Sheppard is the Director of Public Policy for Western Governors University. Jimmy earned his bachelors in Political Science and History from Denison University in Granville, Ohio and his juris doctorate from Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio. Jimmy recently relocated to the Salt Lake City area from Columbus, Ohio with his wife Amanda and two year old daughter, Emilia. They enjoy traveling as a family, hiking, biking, camping, and making the best of all that Utah has to offer.

Joseph Silverzweig is Government Affairs Manager for Comcast’s Utah operations. Joseph negotiates telecommunications franchise agreements with local governments across the state, serves as the face of Comcast for elected officials, community leaders, and government staff throughout Utah, and ensures that Comcast maximizes its positive impact on the communities Comcast serves. Joe earned his bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Utah and graduated from the University of Utah law school in 2012. Joseph was the executive footnote editor of the Utah Environmental Law Journal and has published a note on civil procedure in complex litigation. In his spare time, Joe likes spending time with his wife and three kids, rooting for the Utes (especially on Twitter), and cooking for a crowd. Joe lives in Murray and loves to stay engaged in his community.

Adrienne serves as the Corporate Relations Director for the United Way of Salt Lake (UWSL). She leads a team of advisors who connect with corporate partners helping them achieve their CSR goals and furthering the UWSL mission of building powerful partnerships that achieve lasting social change. Adrienne received her Bachelors of Science degree from Westminster College. After graduating she completed a term with AmeriCorps VISTA in a capacity building project for the YMCA of Northern Utah. Adrienne continues to hone her skills in the non-profit sector by attending, facilitating, and presenting at industry conferences and trainings. Adrienne enjoys exploring the city on foot, hiking, and spending time outside. As an active foodie, she loves eating her way through the cities in which she lives and visits, cooking, and trying new recipes. She and her husband spent the last four years living in New York City.

Ken Stonebrook serves as the Dean of Students and Assistant Vice President at Salt Lake Community College. He is responsible for overseeing the judicial affairs and enforcement of SLCC's Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities in addition to providing leadership and management of the Disability Resource Center, Center for Health and Counseling, Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), and serves as the College’s designated Title IX Coordinator. Ken earned his associate's degree from SLCC (go Bruins!) and then transferred to the University of Utah where he earned his bachelor's in Sociology as well his Juris Doctor degree from the S.J. Quinney College of Law. Ken enjoys spending time with his wife and two young boys. Together they enjoy swimming, hiking, mountain biking and playing/watching sports. Ken also enjoys road biking and is fortunate to be able participate in numerous team relays/events with his SLCC colleagues.

Ryan Tesch is the Chief Financial Officer for Ivory Homes. Ryan earned his bachelor's in accounting from the University of Utah and his master's in accounting from the University of Utah. Ryan is a certified public accountant. Ryan enjoys traveling, the outdoors and spending time with family.

Meg is the Community and Economic Development Director of the Wasatch Front Regional Council. She manages the Transportation and Land Use Connection program, a local and regional planning technical assistance program administered by the Wasatch Front Regional Council, partnered with the Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Transit Authority, and Salt Lake County. She is a project manager assisting local communities with planning and policy.Meg has a Master of City and Metropolitan Planning (MCMP) from the University of Utah with a Graduate Certificate of Real Estate Development. She serves as Board Treasurer for the Seven Canyons Trust non-profit organization which she helped to found. She is also the CommunityOutreach Chair of the Utah Chapter of the Urban Lands Institute, and Co-Chair of the Downtown Alliance Transportation Committee.

After teaching HS and University theater and ESL for over 15 years, Mindy Young is utilizing her creative, educational and administrative skills at Equality Utah developing their Business Equality Leader program featuring Diversity and Inclusion trainings. Working for a more inclusive Utah, Mindy produces the Allies dinner, creates programming like Q Talks and Q Biz, writes grants and cultivates donors but especially loves her time doing community outreach. Mindy is able to produce over the top events to which Gloria Steinem said “make a Las Vegas show look like a Quaker meeting" because of her Master of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees from the University of Utah in Theater Directing. Mindy is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and is TESOL certified. As a single mom of 5 boys and lifelong educator, Mindy loves learning and collaborating with people. 

Brian Zehnder is an active practicing Family Physician, and Medical Director for Exodus Healthcare Network, a progressive primary care Company serving the medical needs for Magna and West Valley. Brian developed the first medical office building in Magna, and is now building another facility for the local hospital in West Valley. Brian earned his bachelor's degree from Kalamazoo College and medical degree from Wayne State University in Michigan.  He completed his Family Practice residency at the University of Utah, and cares for people of all ages as a family doc. Brian served as a Utah State Senator in 2018, which he calls the ''opportunity of a lifetime.'' Brian is a avid long distance trail runner, plays bridge, and enjoys anyone's homemade Apple Pie.  He and his wife like to serve in medical missions around the world.

Blake is responsible for the nation-wide business development efforts of his remote team of eight. The group seeks financing opportunities for small- to mid-sized businesses looking to purchase or refinance commercial real estate in the US. Blake graduated from the University of Utah in 1999 with a BS in Finance and in 2008 with an MBA. Blake enjoys traveling, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, design, photography, mountains, friends, family and canines.

Tara serves as the Programs and Events Manager for the Salt Lake Chamber. She plans and organizes 150 events with her team each year. She works with venues, sponsors, donors, and event attendees to make sure each event runs smoothly. In May of 2016, she graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication and a minor in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. Her emphasis was in hospitality management. When Tara isn't putting on an event for the Chamber, you can find her running her black lab, Monster, on the Wasatch trails or running with a volunteer group called The Launch Team, which is a program that helps kids ages 10-18 run a half marathon. Tara also loves traveling, camping, and scuba diving with her partner Bryan.