Stephen has been involved in community, economic, and workforce development throughout Utah for the past 20 years. He has been recognized as a leader who develops relationships and partnerships. Stephen’s leadership is most notable through his convening power and vision creation. Stephen was raised in Delta, Utah where he attributes learning the value of work, voluntarism, and community involvement. Stephen attended Southern Utah University (SUU) where he received a Masters in Business Administration and met his wife, Pamela Hendrickson from Toquerville. Stephen has resided in rural Utah since completing his education, living in Cedar City, Kanab & LaVerkin. Currently, Stephen is the Assistant Vice President of the Office of Regional Services at SUU where he oversees departments and centers that focus on community, economic, and workforce development programs and partnerships. Prior to SUU, Stephen held the appointed position as Division Director for Utah’s Workforce Development Division where he was tasked with administering federal and state programs to fuel Utah's economic engine and sustainable workforce through a career and educational approach. Stephen has played a leadership role in some very impactful efforts to include the Utah Rural Summit, InUT: Learn & Work, Operation Rio Grande, Intergenerational Poverty, 25K Jobs, 100K jobs in 1000 days, Talent Ready Utah, TANF: Family Focused Case Management, Workforce Opportunity Investment Act, and Utah Employability to Careers. Stephen is also a graduate of Utah’s Certified Public Managers program and has served on the Executive Committee for the Governor’s Rural Partnership Board. Stephen is often known to spend his evening in his yard and garden while enjoying time with his family. He enjoys anything that includes his family and is always planning some trip to see the wonders of Utah and the world. Stephen and Pamela have four children who are spread across four different schools ranging from kindergarten to college.
