The Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday that Kason Goodrich has received the Quarterly Outstanding Public Service Award, recognizing his decades of leadership in public safety, economic development, and community mentorship throughout the Uintah Basin.
Professional Leadership and Banking
Goodrich was presented with a plaque during a Chamber luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, accompanied by his wife, Jennie, and their three sons, Asher, Trace, and Truett, according to reporting by Basin Now. The Chamber stated that for Goodrich, service is a "way of life" that spans from his former career as a Utah State Trooper to his current professional role.
In his professional capacity, Goodrich serves as a Member Service Transformation Manager for Mountain America Credit Union. He recently helped lead the credit union's core banking conversion, which was identified as one of the largest credit union system transformations completed in the United States. His professional leadership has previously earned him Mountain America's highest leadership award on four separate occasions for peak performance and outstanding leadership.
Public Safety and Education
Before entering the financial sector, Goodrich served as a Utah State Trooper. During his tenure in law enforcement, he received both the Colonel's Award and the Commissioner's Excellence in Traffic Safety Award. His commitment to public safety included developing and delivering a public education program at Uintah High School, which focused on preventing impaired driving, responsible driving, and seatbelt safety among youth.
Beyond law enforcement, Goodrich has also served as an instructor at UBTech, where he taught courses for first responders to help prepare the next generation of emergency personnel.
Civic and Economic Engagement
Goodrich's civic engagement includes significant roles in local government and political organization. Since 2023, he has served as the Chairman of the Uintah County Republican Party. His involvement with the party began in 2019, when he served as a delegate for both the county and the state. He also represents Uintah County on the Utah Republican Party State Central Committee to advocate for the community's interests.
His work in economic development includes serving as the first Chairman of the Roosevelt Economic Development Committee. Additionally, he has collaborated with federal regulators and legislative leaders in support of the Uinta Basin Railway project to advance economic opportunities for the region.
Youth Mentorship and Church Service
The Chamber highlighted Goodrich's dedication to local youth and community organizations. He has been involved with the Dinah-Mites since 2021, supporting various service projects, cooking at the Outlaw Jamboree, and participating in community events. His son, Trace, has frequently joined him in these efforts.
Goodrich has also served as a Youth Hunting Mentor with the First Hunt Foundation to help young people develop responsibility and confidence. His commitment to youth and mentorship extends to his church service, where he has held various leadership roles, including Elders Quorum President, Counselor in a Bishopric, Stake Young Men President, High Councilor, Scoutmaster, Primary Teacher, and Sunday School Teacher.
Community Resilience and Scouting
Goodrich's service includes a notable contribution to the judicial system, where he served on the longest-running jury in Utah history. This federal jury service required him to travel regularly to the Federal Courthouse in Salt Lake City over a period of two and a half years.
His community resilience efforts have included organizing disaster preparedness initiatives and obtaining an amateur HAM radio license to assist with emergency communications. He is also an Eagle Scout and a graduate of Wood Badge Leadership Training, having spent 22 years serving in Scouting to mentor young people in leadership.
A Legacy of Service
In addition to formal roles, Goodrich is known for performing quiet acts of service for his neighbors. These include delivering Christmas gifts to families in need, mowing lawns, shoveling snow, transporting stranded travelers, splitting and stacking firewood for widows, and replacing roofs.
Goodrich, who was born in Tridell, Utah, to Kerry and Leslie Goodrich, maintains a philosophy centered on optimism, stating that "happiness is a choice" and encouraging others to "be stronger than your excuses."
Award Recognition Background
The Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes individuals through its Quarterly Outstanding Public Service Award for their dedication to the community. Goodrich's receipt of the award follows a series of leadership roles in the Uintah Basin, where he has focused on strengthening the region through both public and private sector contributions.
