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.
Leigh is the director of the Utah Office of Tourism. Prior to her current position, she was state film commissioner for 20 years. Leigh was also the chief administrative officer for the Utah Department of Community and Economic Development, an executive director for the Salt Lake City Council and legislative assistant to a U.S. Congressman.
Leigh is a member of the National Council of State Tourism Directors and chairs the Western States Tourism Policy Council. As film commissioner, Leigh served three terms as president of the Association of Film Commissioners International directing marketing and public relations and increasing the organization's annual budget from $135,000 to over $1 million. Leigh also served nine years chairing the Sundance Film Festival Committee.
Leigh received the Crystal Vision Award for her service in the film industry. She also received the Perry D. Sorenson Communicator of the Year Award from the Utah Public Relations Society of America chapter. Leigh has served on the College of Social and Behavioral Science Advisory Board and the Young Alumni and Alumni Boards at the University of Utah. Leigh has also served on the Utah Arts Festival Board and Park City Performing Arts Center Board of Directors.
Leigh is an avid outdoorswoman and golfer and has run in the Los Angeles and Long Beach marathons.