Utah Business has selected 10 women with enduring careers and exceptional impact, who we’ve named our “Most Influential Women.” Through their innovative efforts and inspiring examples, these women have significantly improved their workplaces, industries and Utah as a whole.
MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN: Charlene Christensen
Director, Marketing and Services | Explore Utah Valley
In the tourism and hospitality industry, success is often measured by visitor counts and economic impact — but for Charlene Christensen, it is best defined by the endurance of the community she has helped build. For over 30 years, Charlene has been a cornerstone of Utah’s tourism landscape, serving as a foundational architect of the Utah Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau since its inception in 2003. As the director of marketing and services for Explore Utah Valley, she has translated a lifelong passion for the region into a measurable legacy of growth and gained a reputation as a trusted strategic leader.
Charlene’s career is a masterclass in maximizing resources and navigating industry shifts with unwavering poise. Over the course of her career, her tenacity has resulted in nearly $3 million in awarded grants and cooperative marketing programs to supplement Utah County’s tourism efforts. This has allowed Explore Utah Valley to punch above its weight class, expanding its reach through innovative digital transformations — including a 2024 website redesign that earned a dotCOMM Platinum Award.
“Over the course of my 34-year career in the hospitality and tourism industry, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives that have strengthened both community and industry connections,” she says.
Whether coordinating statewide partnerships for the launch of the Provo Scenic Skiway or serving as a governor-appointed board member of the Heber Valley Historic Railroad Authority, Charlene operates with quiet force, aligning diverse stakeholders toward a common vision. This ability to unite others is rooted in her belief that the best outcomes are collective.
“I intentionally surround myself with talented individuals and trusted partners, knowing that the best outcomes come from collective expertise rather than individual effort,” she says. “Any recognition I receive is truly a reflection of the many people who have contributed to my journey.”
She views the rapid evolution of marketing not as a hurdle, but as an opportunity for curiosity, always willing to embrace what’s new.
“I’m comfortable with testing and learning. Not every marketing initiative will succeed, and I see failure as part of the process,” she says. “If we’re not willing to try, we limit our potential.”
This growth mindset has allowed her to stay relevant across decades of technological change, from the 2002 Winter Olympics to today. Yet, for all her marketing accolades, Charlene’s most lasting impact is the culture of mentorship and humanity she has fostered within her team. She is known for her “Good News Minute” during staff meetings and her handwritten notes of appreciation. She leads with a philosophy she traces back to an early-career experience working with U.S. Forest Service volunteers.
“They taught me the importance of keeping humanity at the center of everything I do,” she reflects. “Even in marketing, where strategy and results often take center stage, weaving those human elements into my work has allowed me to connect more meaningfully with both colleagues and the communities we serve.”
As she looks toward the future, Charlene remains focused on evolving alongside a landscape that never stands still. Through 30 years of change, Charlene hasn’t just watched Utah Valley grow; she has been the steady hand guiding its story.