CEO of the Year

Sidni L. Shorter

Authenticity is the first indicator of integrity, making it easier to build strong ties and long-term relationships that facilitate business growth. Building trust, loyalty and respect should be priorities. When leaders display genuine care for people, they create a culture of people who feel valued and respected, are more satisfied and highly engaged, and exhibit the discretionary effort that leads to individual and organizational successes.

Jared Perry

The children we support truly have the most inspirational stories. The obstacles and challenges these children and their families encounter daily seem insurmountable, and yet, they face them with courage and determination. The reality of their situations motivates us to stretch ourselves to grow our revenue and program support. It prompts us to think and act entrepreneurially while establishing a sense of urgency behind our mission.

Edson Barton

Silvia Castro Bennett MBA

At the Suazo Business Center, we are focused on preparing entrepreneurs for a rapidly changing economic landscape. This includes helping businesses adapt to advancements in digital technology, the rise of e-commerce and the increasing emphasis on sustainability. As Utah’s premier hub for economically disadvantaged businesses, we are also preparing for shifts in funding streams and the need for stronger financial literacy to ensure our entrepreneurs can thrive in an uncertain economic climate.

Karalynne Call

Arian D. Lewis

Melva C. Sine

With service as the key “ingredient” (pun intended), I recognize the challenging path to success for every restaurant operator. I, along with the Utah Restaurant Association (URA) board members, want the restaurants and food service industry in the state of Utah to succeed—that is our mission. The goal of the URA under my leadership for every restaurant is, “Your success and future is our mission,” and we accomplish this goal by working together with all of our industry partners.

William A. Adams

Nikki MacKay

Sterling W. Nielsen

Like most in the financial sector, we have faced many challenges with economic downturns and regulatory burdens. We have been able to successfully adapt and grow out of the most challenging recessions. During the great recession of 2008 and the pandemic, we didn’t overreact. We didn’t reduce staff or cut pay or benefits. We stayed true to our principles and invested in growth. We set aggressive goals, which we not only achieved but exceeded. It is during the hard times that you show who you really are.

Andrea Mazzocchi

Shane Parashonts

I define success as being transformational, leaving things better than we found them. I focus on and emphasize making our systems better this year than they were last year, making our governance better this year than it was last year, making our culture stronger this year than it was last year, and making ourselves better today than we were yesterday. Of all our achievements, I am most proud of our progress. Our past leaders envisioned what our tribe would mean for our people and how it would support our community.