2034 Winter Olympic Committee CEO to chair Utah’s premier aerospace & defense organization
SALT LAKE CITY (April 23, 2025) – 47G has announced Brad Wilson, will serve as board chair for the organization. Wilson will replace outgoing chair, former Congressman Chris Stewart. Stewart will continue to serve on the board as the immediate past chair. In addition, 47G announced Joe Kaiser, CEO at Mercato Partners, will also serve on the board. Both Wilson and Kaiser have played prominent roles helping to advance Utah’s aerospace and defense ecosystem throughout their distinguished careers.
A highly respected business leader and former elected official, Brad Wilson served in the Utah Legislature for twelve years, including as Speaker of the House from 2019 to 2023. With a degree in business from Weber State University, he started his career in finance and later became a successful real estate developer. In the legislature, Wilson championed policies that contributed to Utah’s vibrant economy and business-friendly climate. In February 2025, Wilson was named CEO of the Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
“47G has become a major partner in shaping the preparation and advancement of the state’s Olympic efforts. Amazingly, our industry is rallying behind athletes to help provide aerodynamics research and training, fabrication for athletic hardware and supplying advanced materials for events,” said Aaron Starks, 47G president & CEO. “Brad was an advocate of 47G in his former role as Speaker of the House and is committed to helping the organization fulfill its mission in partnership with our companies.”
According to a recent industry analysis by the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, the state boasts the fastest-growing aerospace, defense and space exploration industry in the United States. The industries account for 19.3% of Utah’s economic activity, more than $100 billion in annual revenues and over 500,000 jobs. Consequently, 47G has been tasked with leading several initiatives critical to the future of Utah’s economy. These initiatives include collaborating with the Utah Department of Transportation to establish an advanced air mobility (AAM) system, providing strategic direction for space exploration efforts and advancing the supply of rare earth minerals to the United States Department of Defense.
The organization is actively working on these ambitious initiatives. Last year, 47G launched Project Alta, a collaborative partnership with a mission to establish an AAM system that will use electric aircraft to safely and seamlessly move people and packages- a game-changing approach to innovative mobility solutions that can be used for the 2034 Winter Olympic Games. In addition, 47G is actively engaged in deliberations regarding the soon-to-be formed Spaceport Exploration Committee. Composed of public and private-sector officials, the committee will conduct a study to assess the feasibility of establishing a spaceport in Utah.
“I have worked to improve Utahns’ quality of life through policies that create jobs and support a robust economy. I am honored to serve as 47G’s board chair given the critical role they play in shaping our economy and their leadership in preparing for the 2034 Winter Olympic Games,” said Brad Wilson, 47G board chair. “I have served on several boards and committees throughout my career but I believe this is a singular opportunity to help shape the future of this great state in deeply meaningful ways.”
In addition to Brad Wilson’s appointment as chair, 47G has announced Joe Kaiser, CEO & Managing Director at Mercato Partners, will also serve on the board. Joe has worked in capital markets and as a private equity investor, managing various investment portfolios, overseeing mergers and acquisitions, and structuring multi-billion dollar finance transactions for dozens of companies. Joe holds an accounting degree from Saint Louis University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. His appointment to the board signals the organization’s commitment to advancing strategic investments in Utah’s aerospace and defense industry.
“Throughout my career, I have had the distinct pleasure of managing investments in high-growth companies and supporting forward-thinking entrepreneurs across multiple industries,” said Joe Kaiser, CEO at Mercato Partners. “I believe the future of Utah’s economy will be shaped more by the industries represented at 47G than any other. I am proud to be part of this momentum as we usher in a new era of advanced technology and hardware to the great state of Utah.”
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About 47G
47G is the world’s premier ecosystem for aerospace and defense companies in Utah, with a mission to foster talent, fund entrepreneurship and fuel innovation. The 47G ecosystem comprises over 174 companies and academic institutions working to solve critical national security challenges across three industry sectors. Want to learn more? Visit the website at 47G.org, follow 47G on LinkedIn and X, and subscribe to their YouTube Channel.
