Skip to content

Main Navigation



Anthropology (8)


Marsha Gilford

BS Anthropology
BS Psychology

Southwest Regional Director, Corporate Affairs
The Kroger Co.

Marsha Gilford, Southwest Regional Director, Corporate Affairs for The Kroger Co., oversees government affairs, media relations, philanthropy and community relations for 139 Smith's store communities throughout a seven-state operational area. She has held her position as VP for the past 20 years.

Read more about Marsha Gilford

Michael Bird

BS Anthropology

National Consultant
National Policy Council for AARP

Michael E. Bird is a Santo-Domingo/KEWA Pueblo Indian from New Mexico. Mr. Bird has more than 30 years of public health experience with Native American populations in the areas of medical social work, substance abuse prevention, health promotion and disease prevention, HIV/AIDS prevention, behavioral health, and healthcare administration.

Read more about Michael Bird

Terri Fain

BS Anthropology
MS Sociology

Artist

Terri "T. C." Fain trained at the Skinner Museum of Art, Palo Alto Artist's League and University of Massachusetts-Amherst. She has also benefited from working with local artists and their styles including the abstraction of John Grillo, spare eastern beauty of Q Holmes, classical style of Barbara Johnson and spontanaiety of Louise Minks.

Read more about Terri Fain

Ted Coxworth

PhD Anthropology

Senior Director of Analytics
Progexion

As a leader, Ted's emphasis on accurate, clear, and efficient problem solving applies to more than just the models my team builds or tests we design and monitor. It extends to establishing IT and data infrastructure, adding new team members, and maintaining effective lines of communication.

Read more about Ted Coxworth


Economics (55)


John Pingree

BA Economics

Executive Director
Semnani Foundation

John Pingree received his undergraduate degree from the U in economics and went on to get his MBA from Harvard University in 1966. He was regional manager for sales planning for Xerox Corporation from 1967 to 1970 and then moved on to Memorex Corporation, where he was director of marketing from 1970 to 1975.

Read more about John Pingree

Pamela Perlich

Ph.D. Economics

Director of Demographic Research
Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute - University of Utah

Pamela Perlich, Ph.D. is the director of demographic research at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah where she leads the newly formed Demography team. In this role, she and her team are responsible for developing and producing population estimates and projections, neighborhood indicators and demographic analyses focusing on Utah.

Read more about Pamela Perlich

John H. Short

Ph.D. Economics

Independent Director
WellPoint, Inc.

Dr. John H. Short (1944-2015) was Independent Director at WellPoint, Inc. and Managing Partner at Short Consulting LLC. He was on the Board of Directors at WellPoint, Inc. and Kindred Healthcare, Inc. Dr. Short was previously employed as Executive Chairman by VeriCare Management, Inc., President & Chief Executive Officer by RehabCare Group, Inc., and Managing Partner by Phase 2 Consulting, Inc.

Read more about John H. Short

Douglas Petersen

BS Economics

Deputy Vice President
International Trade at PhRMA

Douglas Petersen is International Trade Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance. In that role, he advises the Chairman and Members of the Committee concerning U.S. and international trade laws, policies, and agreements; drafts and negotiates trade legislation; oversees trade policy functions of U.S. agencies; and represents the Chairman in consultations.

Read more about Douglas Petersen


Environmental and Sustainability Studies (4)


Kelsey Howard

BS Geography
BS Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Research Consultant
Boulder Mountain Consulting, LLC

Kelsey Howard is currently attending graduate school at the University of Utah in the geography department. Her Master's research is focused on studying paleoecology and spring productivity in Utah's west desert by reconstructing past fire and vegetation histories, as well as past climates through the use of pollen and charcoal from wetland sediments.

Read more about Kelsey Howard

Brandon Lee

BA Political Science
BS Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Principal
ABS Consulting

Director, Environmental and Economic Policy and Regulation, Lee leads and manages projects related to environmental, regulatory, economic, and security risk-related issues for ABS Consulting, a maritime risk firm. He has led projects analyzing environmental impacts in the Western U.S., regional, national, and international air emissions and climate change, air and water regulations.

Read more about Brandon Lee

Sara Baldwin Auck

BS Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Regulatory Program Director
Interstate Renewable Energy Council

As IREC's Regulatory Program Director, Sara is responsible for managing the development of IREC's regulatory strategy, establishing priorities for engagement, and assisting with the strategy implementation.

Read more about Sara Baldwin Auck

Jason Robison

BS Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Fellow
Harvard Kennedy School of Government at Harvard College

Professor Robison's research and teaching interests generally revolve around water law and related areas of environmental and natural resources law and policy. He began his work in this field while earning a B.S. in Environmental Studies at the University of Utah and subsequently completed a J.D. at the University of Oregon School of Law, as well as an LL.M. and S.J.D. at Harvard Law School.

Read more about Jason Robison


Family and Consumer Studies (14)


Abbirose Polityka

BA Family and Consumer Studies

Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Salt Lake County

Abbi provides services with respect for human dignity and promotes the individuality of the residents unrestricted by considerations of age, social or economic status, personal characteristics, sexual orientation or lifestyle. She strives to respect and promote residents’ rights of self-determination, making every reasonable effort to act in accordance with residents’ wishes.

Read more about Abbirose Polityka

Natalie de Guzman

BS Family and Consumer Studies

Research Scientist
California Department of Public Health

Natalie de Guzman received her bachelor's degree in human development and family studies in 2009. She was then accepted into UC Davis for her master's program,and earned her degree in human development in 2010.

Read more about Natalie de Guzman

Erin Trenbeath-Murray

BS Family and Consumer Studies
MS Family and Consumer Studies

Regional Chief Development Officer for the Utah/Nevada Region
American Red Cross

Erin is responsible for the blood donations and financial giving of the region through a team of executive directors and regional philanthropy officers. Erin has over 20 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. Her career spans from being an early childhood teacher, to instructing at the University of Utah, to CEO of a large non-profit organization.

Read more about Erin Trenbeath-Murray

Barbara Vance

BS Family and Consumer Studies

Professor
Brigham Young University

Barbara Vance earned a bachelor's in family and consumer studies from the University of Utah in 1956. She received a master's in human development from Brigham Young University in 1959 and went on to earn a Ph.D. in counseling from Stanford University.

Read more about Barbara Vance


Geography (8)


Brian Haslam

BS Geography
MS Geography

President | CEO
Cityworks | Azteca Systems, Inc.

Brian Haslam earned his bachelor's degree from Geography in 1986, followed by his master's degree from Geography with a GIS emphasis in 1990 from the University of Utah. In 1986, he established Azteca Systems, Inc. to provide mapping update services for the US Forest Service Geometronics national mapping center located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Read more about Brian Haslam

Merrill K. Ridd

BS Geography
MS Geography

Emeritus Professor
University of Utah

Merrill K. Ridd is an emeritus professor of geography. He graduated from the University of Utah with a BS in 1954 and MS in 1960. Ridd earned his PhD from Northwestern University in 1963. He is a Korean War veteran 1950-1956.

Read more about Merrill K. Ridd

Richard A. Carter

BS Geography

Vice President of Government Relations
Pacific Gas and Electric Company

A native of Salt Lake City, Utah and a current resident of Arlington, Virginia, Rick Carter graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Utah's College of Social and Behavioral Science in Geography/Urban Planning and a Master's Degree in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University. He also affiliated with and was president of the Delta Sigma chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Read more about Richard A. Carter

Don Lewon

BS Geography

Owner
Dixie Metal Recycling

Don Lewon has been an exemplary leader in and supporter of the University, the College, and the community. He received a B.S. in Geography from The University of Utah.

Read more about Don Lewon


Health, Society and Policy (6)


Nathan Vassiliades

BS Health, Society and Policy

Dentist & Owner
Queen Creek Smiles

Nathan Vassiliades completed a BS in Behavioral Science and Health and then went on to complete dental school at the Marquette University School of Dentistry. Nathan has volunteered for Give Kids a Smile, Sealants for Smiles, the American Red Cross, and Cancer Wellness House.

Read more about Nathan Vassiliades

Elaine Peterson

BS Health, Society and Policy

Academic Program Manager
John A Moran Eye Center - University of Utah

Elaine started with the University of Utah in 1994, as part of the Health Sciences Development Office, and has been the Program Manager in Ophthalmology for 15 years. She oversees one ACGME-accredited residency program with a complement of twelve trainees, and seven non-ACGME fellowships with a total of eleven fellows.

Read more about Elaine Peterson

Maziar Nourian

BS Health, Society and Policy
Minor Psychology
Minor Chemistry

Mentor
LEAP College of Health Program

Maziar M. Nourian is a graduate from the University of Utah College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. He received his Bachelor of Science in Health Society and Policy as well as minors in Psychology and Chemistry ('13). Nourian will continue his education to complete a Doctor of Medicine in 2019.

Read more about Maziar Nourian

Alexis Lee

BA Health, Society and Policy

Programs Manager
University of Utah

Alexis Lee is a Programs Manager in Wellness and Integrative Health at the University of Utah. On the WIH Team, Alexis primarily helps to manage department finances, Wellness Outreach events, and ongoing program development. Alexis is a proud University of Utah graduate with a BA in Health, Society, and Policy and a BS in Exercise and Sport Science.

Read more about Alexis Lee


Master of Public Administration (23)


Denise Winslow

Master of Public Administration

Vice President
Community Relations at Wells Fargo

Denise Winslow is Vice President of Community Relations at Wells Fargo. She received a Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah and has been an active participant in the Utah nonprofit world and with the Community Foundation of Utah for many years. Denise has been particularly passionate about recent efforts to revitalize the Jordan River.

Read more about Denise Winslow

Julie Newland

Master of Public Administration

Contract Specialist
Department of the Interior, National Park Service

Julie Newland graduated from the Executive MPA program in 2008. Since graduation, she has worked as a Contract Specialist for the Department of the Interior, National Park Service.

Read more about Julie Newland

Dave Jones

Master of Public Administration

Co-Founder
Pathway Associates

Dave Jones is a co-founder of Pathway Associates, a regional fundraising consulting firm specializing in capital campaigns. With over twenty years of fund raising experience, and nearly forty capital and major gift campaigns to his credit, Jones brings a wealth of experience to his clients and a sincere passion for their causes.

Read more about Dave Jones

Luis Garza

BS Economics
Master of Public Administration

Executive Director
Comunidades Unidas

Luis Garza has been involved in community affairs for the past 10 years. Prior to working at Comunidades Unidas, he worked for the SLC Mayor's Office of Diversity & Human Rights, The State Office of Ethnic Affairs, and the University of Utah Hospital.

Read more about Luis Garza


Master of Public Policy (3)


Michael Parker

BS Political Science
Master of Public Policy

Vice President of Public Affairs, Marketing and Senior Economist
Ivory Homes

Michael P. Parker earned both his bachelor's in political science and master's degree in public policy with an emphasis in regional economic policy from the University of Utah. He currently serves as the Director of Public Policy for the Salt Lake Chamber.

Read more about Michael Parker

Florian Hernandez

Master of Public Policy

Executive Director
Philippines Humanitarian

Florian Hernandez is the Executive Director for Philippines Humanitarian, a non-profit organization, providing funding for the education of impoverished children in the Philippines. She holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Utah and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Utah State University.

Read more about Florian Hernandez

Shawn Teigen

MS Master of Public Policy

Research Director
Utah Foundation

Shawn Teigen is the Lumina Foundation Strategy Labs State Policy Adviser for Utah. Lumina is the largest foundation in the United States that focuses solely on increasing Americans?? success in higher education. It works to increase the proportion of Americans with postsecondary credentials to 60% by 2025. Shawn is utilizing the resources of Lumina??s Strategy Labs with Utah leaders and influencers in an effort to help the state reach its attainment goals.

Read more about Shawn Teigen


International Affairs and Global Enterprise (3)


Mark Pittman

MS International Affairs and Global Enterprise
BS Political Science
BS Economics

Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Blyncsy

Prior to starting Blyncsy, Mark worked in areas as diverse as political campaigns, start-ups, and even a Fortune 500 Company. Mark was Director of the Lassonde New Venture Development Program at the Pierre Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah.

Read more about Mark Pittman

Jeremy Lindsey

MS International Affairs and Global Enterprise

Chief Operating Officer
Alpha Warranty Services

Jeremy Lindsey is a winner of the 2017 Utah Business Magazine CXO of the Year award and AE Magazine's Top 40 Under 40.

Read more about Jeremy Lindsey

Kyle Gray

MS International Affairs and Global Enterprise

Storyteller, Professional Speaker and Bestselling Author

Right after graduation Kyle was adjunct faculty teaching an entrepreneurship class called The Foundry, helping local Utah entrepreneurs. It was his experience during his degree program and later teaching that helped him get a job with a startup, whose business he helped to grow with annual recurring revenue using just online marketing.

Read more about Kyle Gray


Political Science (84)


Leigh Von der Esch

BS Political Science

Managing Director
Utah Office of Tourism

Leigh von der Esch graduated in political science from the University of Utah in 1974. Inspired by Professor J.D. Williams, she has spent most of her professional years working in public service.

Read more about Leigh Von der Esch

Rocco C. Siciliano

BS Political Science

Chairman of the Board
Dwight D. Eisenhower World Affairs Institute

Rocco c. Siciliano is recognized nationally for his lifetime of dedicated public service, as a decorated combat infantry platoon leader in Italy with the 10th Mountain Infantry Division, and for his leadership in the corporate world.

Read more about Rocco C. Siciliano

Carl Churchill

BS Political Science
MBA

Chief Coffee Officer
Alpha Coffee

Carl and his wife Lori co-founded Alpha Coffee starting in their basement on Sept 11, 2010 as an online purveyor of specialty coffee, roasted fresh in small batches and mailed directly to customer’s homes. Since then Alpha has grown to over $1M in annual sales and includes a wholesale program, 2 brick and mortar stores at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon and in West Jordan , a coffee truck, and an expanded online presence and Amazon Prime.

Read more about Carl Churchill

Kevin Huff

BS Political Science

Partner
Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel & Frederick, P.L.L.C.

Kevin B. Huff specializes in complex commercial and business litigation in state and federal courts throughout the United States. Mr. Huff represents both plaintiffs and defendants in litigating cases involving business fraud and unfair trade practices, contract and other commercial disputes, disputes arising out of business negotiations and investments, partnership disputes, accounting fraud and malpractice, securities fraud, fiduciary duty and Delaware corporate law, shareholder challenges to corporate transactions, creditor and debtor law, and intellectual property.

Read more about Kevin Huff


Psychology (31)


Keith W. Martin

BS Psychology

Honorary Consul
Kingdom of Morocco

Dr. Keith W. Martin is the retired Director and Chief Export Officer of International Sales for Martin Door Manufacturing, a Utah Manufacturer of garage doors. He has traveled to, established and trained distributors for Martin's patented Finger Shield??? garage door in over 60 countries. Martin has door installations in over 80 countries through a network of distributors.

Read more about Keith W. Martin

D. Brent Scott

BS Psychology

Past President of the Alumni Association
University of Utah

D. Brent Scott had a remarkable history of leadership throughout his life. After a short stint in the U.S. Navy from 1945-46, Mr. Scott earned his B.S. in psychology from The University of Utah. He founded Scott Machinery Company, where he served as its president for many years. He served as chair of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Utah, as a member of the Board of Governors of the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of the Utah House of Representatives.

Read more about D. Brent Scott

Scott W. Reed

BS Psychology

Assistant Utah Attorney General; Director of Utah Opioid Task Force
Utah Office of the Attorney General

Scott W. Reed is an assistant Utah Attorney General, assigned as special assistant to the AG and senior drug and alcohol policy advisor. In his twenty-five years in the Utah Attorney General’s office, Reed has served as Division Chief in three separate divisions - Criminal Justice, Commerce, and Child Protection - as well as the Director of the State Assistance to Narcotics Enforcement (SANE) grant project.

Read more about Scott W. Reed

Lee Ellington

Ph.D. Psychology

Professor
University of Utah

Lee Ellington is a Professor at the College of Nursing, a clinical psychologist, and a Huntsman Cancer Institute Investigator. She holds the Robert S. and Beth M. Carter Endowed Chair. Dr. Ellington has an interdisciplinary program of research in family-patient-provider communication. Her primary interest is in meeting the health and well-being needs of family caregivers of advance cancer patients through communication processes

Read more about Lee Ellington


Sociology (23)


Leigh VandenAkker

BS Sociology

Teacher/Author
Salt Lake City School District

Leigh M. VandenAkker is Utah's 2012 Teacher of The Year and winner of Utah's 2011 Golden Apple Award. She is a 2015 recipient of the prestigious Huntsman Award and the 2016 PeaceKeeper Award. As co-author of Techniques for Tough Times TM, Leigh has trained teachers nationwide, providing insight and support by educating teachers in classroom management and how to teach SEL. She presented recently on Whole Child vs. No Child at SXSWEDU.

Read more about Leigh VandenAkker

Joan Wasson Smith

BA Sociology

Licensed Psychotherapist; Executive Director
National Conference for Community and Justice, Utah Region

Joan Wasson Smith has worked for peace and justice, and against bias, bigotry, and racism in Utah. She received a B.A. in sociology with a concentration in political science from The University of Utah and a M.S.W. and D.S.W. from The University of Utah Graduate School of Social Work.

Read more about Joan Wasson Smith

Mark Arego

BS Sociology

Case Manager
Salt Lake County Felony Drug Court

Mark graduated from the Master of Social Work program in 2013, after completing two undergraduate degrees in Social Work and Sociology. He now works for Salt Lake County Felony Drug Court as a case manager. His ultimate goal is to a therapist within drug court program.

Read more about Mark Arego

Shawn Newell

BS Sociology

Vice President of Business Development
Industrial Supply Company

Shawn is the Vice President of Business Development at Industrial Supply Company where he has worked for the past 35 years. He serves as a community integrator working as the vice president of the Salt Lake Branch of the NAACP, a former Commissioner on the Governor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Commission and is on the executive Board of the Utah Black Round Table.

Read more about Shawn Newell


Friend of CSBS (15)


Connie White

Friend of CSBS

Vice President of Compliance
Western Electricity Coordinating Council's (WECC)

Connie White became Western Electricity Coordinating Council's (WECC) Vice President of Compliance in 2009. She provides oversight and directs all aspects of WECC's Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program (CMEP). This includes the registration process, audits, investigations, and enforcement, for more than 450 entities in the Western Interconnection.

Read more about Connie White

Matthew Theel

Friend of CSBS

Special Education Teacher
Canyons School District

William Matthew Theel graduated from the University of Utah in May of 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Ethnic Studies. Formerly under the College of Social and Behavioral Science, it is now housed under the School of Social and Cultural Transformation.

Read more about Matthew Theel

Mickey Ibarra

Friend of CSBS

President
Ibarra Strategy Group

For Mickey Ibarra advocacy has always been a way of life. It was in that role he honed the leadership skills that led him to the White House senior staff of President Bill Clinton, the creation of his own business and the development of the Latino Leaders Network.

Read more about Mickey Ibarra

J. Ralph Brown

Friend of CSBS

National Citizenship Chairman
National P.T.A.

J. Ralph Brown graduated from the University of Utah in 1935. While at the U, he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, served as a class officer, business manager of the campus magazine, and was selected to be part of both, Skull and Bones and, Owl and Key groups.

Read more about J. Ralph Brown

Last Updated: 4/28/23