The Utah Valley Chamber announced October 21, 2026, the launch of the Utah Valley Regional Alliance (UVRA), a new leadership coalition aimed at aligning business, government, and civic leaders to manage the long-term future of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions.
Addressing Regional Growth Challenges
The UVRA was established to focus on regional priorities that no single organization can address alone. According to the Utah Valley Chamber, these priorities include infrastructure, workforce development, housing, transportation, economic competitiveness, and public-private collaboration. The coalition intends to ensure that Utah Valley grows with intention, alignment, and a shared long-term vision as the region prepares for significant population growth and future infrastructure demands.
A Platform for Cross-Sector Collaboration
The alliance is designed to serve as a regional convening platform for leaders across multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, transportation, and economic development. This coordination comes as Utah County anticipates approaching one million residents and prepares for decisions related to housing, transportation, and the 2034 Olympic legacy. Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber, stated that while the Chamber serves as the voice of business, the Alliance will act as the architect of the region.
Board of Governors Leadership
The UVRA is guided by a Board of Governors chaired by Harvey Scott, the Chief Development Officer for Redmond Inc. and former chair of the Utah Valley Chamber. The board is composed of influential leaders from across Utah Valley, including executives and representatives from various major institutions. Founding members of the Board of Governors include:
Jon Anderson, President of Utah Valley University; Charles Balch, Wasatch/Central Utah Region President of Zions Bank; Mary C. Beckerle, former CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute; Carine Clark, CEO of First Colony Mortgage; Greg Cook, Founding Executive of doTERRA; Brady Fosmark, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Bank of Utah; Terry Grant, President and CEO of Altabank; Brandon Fugal, Chairman and Co-Owner of Colliers International (Utah office); Jeremy Hafen, President and CEO of Clyde Companies Inc.; Matt Hawkins, CEO of Waystar; Gary R. Herbert, former Utah Governor and Founder & Advisor of the Gary R. Herbert Institute of Public Policy; Pete Evans, Co-Managing Partner of Utah City & Flagship Companies; Cameron Martin, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain University; Jefferson Moss, Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity; Rocky Steele, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Trucordia; Sharlene Wells, Chief Public Affairs Officer at Mountain America Credit Union; and Paul Bingham, Executive Dean of Western Governors University.
Complementing Chamber Missions
The Utah Valley Chamber noted that the Alliance complements the Chamber's existing mission rather than replacing it. While the Chamber continues to serve businesses through advocacy, networking, programming, and member services, the Alliance will focus specifically on regional strategy and long-range planning. Curtis Blair emphasized that the UVRA is designed for leaders willing to think beyond their own organizations to work for the benefit of the entire community.
Institutional Leadership in the Region
The formation of the UVRA highlights the increasing importance of institutional coordination in Utah Valley. Among the leaders involved in regional development and innovation are representatives from Utah Tech University, which oversees various academic and economic initiatives. The university's leadership includes:
Dr. Brian Sandusky, Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing, who provides executive oversight for the Atwood Innovation Plaza; Dr. Linda Yu, Dean of the College of Business; Paul Morris, Vice President of Administrative Affairs, who oversees a $175-million-dollar annual budget; Bryant Flake, Executive Director of Planning and Budget; and Tara Spalding, Chief Experience Officer and Managing Director of International Programs for World Trade Center Utah.
Long-Term Regional Vision
The UVRA aims to help Utah companies increase revenue, create jobs, and expand international sales by facilitating partnerships and attracting foreign investment. This effort seeks to elevate Utah's global status and international engagement through organized, strategic regional planning.
Future Outlook
As Utah County continues to experience unprecedented growth, the UVRA represents a collaborative effort to manage the complexities of a rapidly expanding population and the economic opportunities tied to major upcoming global events.
