Katie Hoffman Abby
VP, U Career Success & Assistant Dean, David Eccles School of Business | The University of Utah
Katie Hoffman Abby is known for her strong eye for talent, building high-performing teams wherever her skills take her. Before joining academia, Katie co-founded VISTA Staffing Solutions in 1990, addressing a crucial gap in the locum tenens industry by matching temporary medical personnel with healthcare facilities in need. Under her leadership, VISTA grew significantly and was later acquired by On Assignment, a testament to her strategic and operational acumen.
At the University of Utah, Katie notably transformed the career services landscape. Her innovative approach focuses on creating strong talent pipelines for students and aligning educational programs with employer needs. She was instrumental in revamping the university’s career services initiative, resulting in increased student placements and salaries, even during the challenging pandemic years.
Katie is also known for her commitment to succession planning and fostering the next generation of leaders. She consistently prepares talent to assume key roles within her team while working on her own professional growth.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Katie is a dedicated advocate for women in the workplace. Her commitment to travel and cultural exploration is profound; she’s visited 54 countries, enriching her perspective and leadership style.
