Since 1987, EDCUtah has been the private/public bridge helping Utah businesses grow.
Who We Are
A private, non-profit organization founded in 1987, the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) catalyzes capital investment and strategic economic opportunities to create quality jobs in Utah. Our vision is to create a prosperous and resilient economy for generations of aspiring Utahns.
For nearly 40 years, EDCUtah has provided businesses with the resources they need to relocate or expand their business operations in Utah. We specialize in corporate recruitment, economic research, community strategy, and site selector marketing. EDCUtah is Utah’s only statewide economic development organization supported by both public and private sector organizations.
Our People and Our Work are Guided by 5 Core Values
EDCUtah is committed to providing a safe and respectful workplace where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are highly valued among our staff, investors and clients. We value different experiences, ideas, perspectives and backgrounds and know that respect for the individual as well as diversity in all respects contributes to a stronger and more creative Utah.
Impact
We are passionate about delivering high-quality services and transformative value to our clients, investors, and Utah communities.
Transparency
We strive to communicate clearly and honestly and operate as responsible stewards of our investors’ resources.
Curiosity
We are credible subject matter experts who are curious, data-driven, and always learning.
Inclusivity
We value different experiences, ideas, and backgrounds and create opportunities for employees’ development.
Connection
We cultivate a trusted network of partner relationships inside and outside of the state to drive economic prosperity for Utah.
Our Team
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Executive
Ryan Starks
Executive Director
Ryan Starks
Executive Director
As a leader in both the public and private sectors of economic development, Ryan Starks' contributions have been instrumental to Utah's position as the top-performing economy in the United States. His work has focused on fostering entrepreneurship, business expansions, international trade, rural development, and targeted industry growth. Prior to EDCUtah, Ryan led the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity and served as a cabinet member and trusted advisor to Governor Spencer J. Cox.
Master's of Public Administration from BYU; Bachelor's degree from Weber State University
Jill Kirsling
Head of Finance
Jill Kirsling
Head of Finance
Jill is a CPA with diverse financial and operations experience, primarily in non-profit organizations. She joined EDCUtah in 2016, bringing a focus on compliance and financial systems. She enjoys attending concerts and traveling with her husband and three kids.
MBA Westminster / BS Accounting, University of Utah
Erika Dean
Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Erika Dean
Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Erika has more than 15 years of office management and executive assistant experience, with a diverse background in industries ranging from industrial equipment manufacturing to financial services. Erika's academic background includes studies in ballet, history, and architectural preservation at the University of Utah. She enjoys hiking, sailing, trail running, and quality time with her husband, four children, and her rescued cat and dog.
MS Historic Preservation, Graduate School of Architecture, University of Utah
Val Hale
Community Ambassador Consultant
Val Hale
Community Ambassador Consultant
Val has extensive experience working in economic development, serving more than six years as head of the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development and two years as president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. He spent a lot of time traveling the state and meeting with civic and business leaders. He enjoys golf, pickleball, woodworking and spending time with his 13 grandkids.
BA Public Relations, Brigham Young University; MA Communications, Brigham Young University
Business Development
EDCUtah's Business Development team offers a wide range of business retention and expansion services to help companies relocate to or expand in Utah. Our goal is to provide a one-stop shop for both expanding companies and site selection teams.
Erin Farr
Vice President of Business Development
Erin Farr
Vice President of Business Development
As Vice President of Business Development, Erin oversees all business recruitment projects and manages a team dedicated to catalyzing capital investment and creating quality jobs in Utah. She drives strategic initiatives, secures new business opportunities, and maintains strong client relationships. Erin has been instrumental in helping companies expand within or to Utah, adding more than 18,000 jobs to the economy. Prior to EDCUtah, she worked as a management consultant in Washington, D.C.
MS Public Administration, The George Washington University / BS Family Public Policy & Business Management Minor, Brigham Young University
Jared Stewart
Senior Business Development Manager
Jared Stewart
Senior Business Development Manager
Jared oversees recruitment and expansion efforts across the energy, data center, and manufacturing sectors. Before joining EDCUtah, Jared worked for 8 years as a municipal economic development director and urban planner. He built and led comprehensive economic development efforts at both the city and county levels. Outside of work, Jared enjoys cycling, skiing, rock climbing, and reading. He volunteers on the Salt Lake City Historic Landmark Commission and admires architecture.
MS Urban Planning, University of Southern California; BA Urban Planning, University of Utah; Certificate in Geospatial Information Systems, University of Utah
Rex Buys
Business Development Manager
Rex Buys
Business Development Manager
As an EDCUtah business development manager, Rex oversees life science and healthcare projects. Prior to EDCUtah, he successfully created and exited his own business and worked in commercial real estate development. While at Brigham Young University, Rex was part of the Marriott School Student Council, Real Estate Association, and Ballard Center Social Venture Academy. Rex loves classic rock and exploring Utah's natural scenery through rock climbing, canyoneering, and camping.
Spencer oversees corporate recruitment and expansion in the manufacturing industries. Prior to joining the business development team, Spencer worked in the financial services industry. Spencer graduated from Ensign College with a BS in Finance with certificates in Accounting, Business Analytics, and Business Management. Spencer enjoys spending time with his wife, playing sports, watching Utah football, being outdoors, and being with friends.
EDCUtah’s Investor Relations team works to advance Utah's economic growth by fostering robust partnerships and strengthening ties among public and private sector stakeholders. We connect EDCUtah investors to economic insights, networking opportunities, and strategic economic development initiatives.
Greg Bisping
Vice President of Investor Relations
Greg Bisping
Vice President of Investor Relations
As vice president of community strategy, Greg leads EDCUtah's community development and Site Ready Utah initiatives. Previously, Greg worked for the University of Utah, building partnerships among the university, its students, and the the real estate and financial services business community.
MBA, Westminster College; BA, Mass Communication, University of Utah
Greta Hepworth
Investor Engagement Manager
Greta Hepworth
Investor Engagement Manager
With professional experience ranging from managing events to producing photoshoots, Greta joined the team as an events manager in 2022. Greta introduced EDCUtah's first formal employee experience program in 2023, enhancing the organizational culture. Beyond work, she's either on pickleball courts, exploring brunch spots, or attending her favorite bands' shows.
EDCUtah’s Marketing team creates content and events to support EDCUtah’s corporate recruitment activities and enhance investor value.
Sara Adelman
Vice President of Marketing
Sara Adelman
Vice President of Marketing
Sara comes to EDCUtah with more than 10 years of marketing and communications experience across the nonprofit, government, and IT sectors. At EDCUtah, Sara leads a team that produces marketing campaigns, events, and other strategic initiatives to drive new project acquisition and investor value. Sara loves gardening, reading, camping, cycling, and experiencing the arts.
Andy comes to EDCUtah from the print production industry. In his current role, Andy collaborates with his team to improve EDCUtah's digital marketing infrastructure and produce content that shares EDCUtah's vision and successes with clients and investors. Andy enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, and being outdoors.
BS Marketing, Western Governors University; AS Graphic Communication, Salt Lake Community College
Justice Russell
Marketing Events Specialist
Justice Russell
Marketing Events Specialist
Justice is a marketing events specialist at EDCUtah, and she brings with her a passion for community and event management. Previously, Justice worked as an events director at Backyard Media, where she managed a variety of events from concerts and fundraisers to community festivals. Outside of work, you can find her skiing, mountain biking, or relaxing with a good book. She holds a bachelors degree in economics from Portland State University.
Prior to joining EDCUtah, Michael served in marketing roles for the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development, USTAR, and GE Capital. As a consultant, he supports EDCUtah's diverse marketing initiatives. In his spare time, he is a ski and hiking guide at Deer Valley Resort and a licensed Idaho whitewater river guide.
EDCUtah’s Research team excels in primary and secondary research. We provide economic data and research to support communities in identifying their competitive advantages and help inform the site selection decisions of expanding companies.
Michael Stachitus
Director of Research
Michael Stachitus
Director of Research
After working as special projects lead at the Corporation of the Presiding Bishop, Michael came to EDCUtah to assist in the research department as research project manager. He was promoted to research manager in 2018 and now leads all EDCUtah research requests and projects. Father of two daughters and one son, Michael enjoys sports, reading, writing novels, board games, and exploring the outdoors. He also is lucky enough to enjoy dual citizenship after having been born in Madrid, Spain.
BS Business Management, BYU Idaho / MS Management and Leadership, Western Governors University
Joseph Wirthlin
Research Analyst
Joseph Wirthlin
Research Analyst
As research analyst, Joseph specializes in analyzing economic and business data to inform companies seeking to relocate or expand in Utah. Joseph also provides his analytical expertise to enhance in-house research reports and publications. He has a background in economics as well as language and area studies. Outside of work he enjoys spending his time in Utah's mountains.
