Dr. Michael Lacourse has served as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Utah Tech University for the past eight years, overseeing a period of significant transformation within the Division of Academic Affairs. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in reshaping the organizational structure to meet the demands of a comprehensive university, instituting new policies, expanding the management team, and spearheading the development and implementation of over 150 academic programs across all levels.

Steve Brough is executive vice president and director of the Utah South Commercial Banking Group for Zions Bank. Brough oversees all aspects of commercial lending in the southern half of Utah, from Utah County to the state’s southern border.

Maaike Everts, PhD, a pharmaceutical scientist with broad experience in drug delivery, discovery, and development, is Executive Director of the Critical Path Institute’s Translational Therapeutics Accelerator. Prior to C-Path, she had a leadership role with Parenteral Drug Delivery Solutions at Evonik Health Care, responsible for shaping the drug delivery technology and manufacturing platforms offered by the organization as well as positioning them in the marketplace.

After completing his PhD in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, Rob spent a career as a higher education administrator overseeing a variety of university programs: distance education, innovation campus development, technology transfer and spin-out companies, marketing and communications, and university fundraising.

Tara Spalding is the Chief Experience Officer and Managing Director of International Programs for World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah), based in Salt Lake City. WTC Utah elevates Utah’s global status and international engagement. WTC Utah helps Utah companies increase revenue and create jobs by expanding international sales, attracting foreign investment, and facilitating international partnerships.