30 Women to Watch

One of her greatest challenges has been transitioning from the audit department into corporate bank operations. “Making a move into a very different role, in an area where I am proficient but not expert has been a big accomplishment for me personally,” says Smith. “In the six months I have been in this role, we have created greater strategic alignment and deeper business partnerships.”  

Smith is a founding member of United Way of Salt Lake’s (UWSL) Women’s Philanthropic Network and is currently that group’s chair. She is also a board member for UWSL.

Heidi Thorn
President and CEO, Navitus Sustainable Industries

A diverse professional background has served Heidi Thorn well as she leads Navitus Sustainable Industries. Thorn has extensive finance, business development, securities and executive management experience. She also previously launched a startup financial services company that became a national industry leader.

Since the launch of Navitus a year and a half ago, Thorn says it’s been exciting to watch the team start development on more than $100 million in renewable power projects. It’s exciting to work alongside passionate and dedicated people on solutions for serious global problems, she says.

Aside from her work, Thorn is politically active and loves to travel and do things outdoors. As a mother of five, Thorn says she gave up on the idea of balance long ago, instead focusing on each day’s priorities and remembering to be flexible. She also works to be involved in her children’s activities and involve them in what she does.