Honoring those who help Utah prosper
Informed Decision™ Maker Award
Every year, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute actively acknowledges individuals and entities that contribute to the prosperity of our community. These groups often perform important work behind the scenes and without much fanfare. We designate them as Informed Decision™ Makers and select them based on criteria aligned with our core values. Our aim is to celebrate those whose commendable efforts often go unnoticed, demonstrating a commitment to Informed Decision™ making.
Nominations for 2024 are now closed.
If you would like to submit a nominee for next year’s Informed Decision™ Maker please email colleen.larson@utah.edu, or call 801-585-5618.
Past Winners
Comunidades Unidas actively dedicates itself to strengthening the social and political empowerment of Latinx immigrants residing in Utah. The organization actively connects individuals with essential social service programs and equips them with the tools needed to uplift their communities. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Comunidades Unidas played a pivotal role in linking thousands of individuals to vital resources. Additionally, Comunidades Unidas actively assisted in administering over 4,000 COVID-19 vaccinations in collaboration with the Salt Lake County Health Department.
The Friends of Great Salt Lake actively strive to preserve and protect the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. They enhance public awareness and appreciation of the lake through education, research, advocacy, and the arts. The decline in water levels, hitting its lowest recorded elevation in 2022, poses a significant threat to economic activity, a globally vital ecosystem, local public health, and contributions to the state’s water cycle. Given these challenges, the work of Friends of Great Salt Lake gains heightened importance. For their work we have awarded them with the Informed Decision™ Maker Award.
Established in 2014, Switchpoint actively offers temporary shelter and support to individuals facing homelessness in Washington County. Their mission revolves around empowering those in need by tackling the root causes of poverty, devising comprehensive plans, and assisting them on their path to self-sufficiency. Switchpoint also provides access to job-training programs, food pantries, pet daycare, round-the-clock childcare facilities, and community soup kitchens offering free hot meals to the needy. Thanks to their efforts, over 9,200 individuals have found shelter or received assistance.
For over 15 years, Erin Litvack has actively dedicated herself to serving the people of Salt Lake County. Her journey started as the Director of Community Services, later ascending to Deputy Mayor, followed by Chief Administrative Officer in 2017. Beyond her official capacities, Litvack actively engages with her community through various organizations and initiatives. She serves on the boards of the Unified Police Department, Visit Salt Lake, Downtown Alliance, Shelter the Homeless, and the Housing Authority of Salt Lake County. Known for her work ethic, empathy, and unwavering dedication, Litvack has earned a sterling reputation as a committed public servant.
Heidi Walker is the Chief Operating Officer at the Salt Lake Chamber, Utah’s largest and most enduring business association. Her journey with the Chamber commenced in 1998 when as the Director of Business Development. Since then, she assumed operational responsibility for finances, strategic planning, public policy, communications, and events and programs. Renowned for her work ethic and collaborative prowess, Ms. Walker plays a pivotal role in guiding other local organizations. She serves on the boards of the United Way, Women’s Leadership Institute, Utah State Chamber, Envision Utah, Utah Foundation, and the American Chamber of Commerce Executive.
When compared to nationwide performance data, diversity within the Utah business sector falls short of national averages. Kimmy Paluch’s venture capital firm, Beta Boom, specializes in supporting businesses owned by women and minorities. Paluch and her team have long acknowledged the challenges posed by a predominantly homogeneous funding community in Utah and across the nation. They are actively addressing this disparity through a business plan centered on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The Utah Multicultural Commission actively represented the state’s burgeoning and diverse community with a blend of professionalism and compassion. They accomplished this even amidst substantial health and economic disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. They spearheaded organizational efforts, fostered innovation, and advocated for change. Additionally, they prioritized problem-solving to contribute towards a brighter future for all Utahns. Consequently, despite significant challenges, the Commission’s proactive measures ensured that Utah’s multicultural disparities were mitigated to a considerable extent. For their work we have awarded them with the Informed Decision™ Maker Award.
Leveraging her extensive experience working with esteemed art organizations and foundations across the United States, Gretchen actively and strategically elevates the Utah Museum of Fine Arts’ important initiatives, positively impacting our community. Known for her inclusive approach, she champions “big tent” initiatives and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. Despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum staff persevered by hosting numerous programs via Zoom, resulting in positive outcomes for students statewide.
The Reef Life Foundation has actively financed the research, design, and construction of marine restoration structures. These structures mirror the intricate mineral composition of natural coral ecosystems found in nature. Based in Utah, the foundation is presently expanding delivery systems to diminish reef degradation worldwide. Their efforts in safeguarding this ecosystem have garnered recognition and acclaim at the United Nations World Ocean Conference.
The Hope Corps, Utah’s rendition of a “Peace Corps,” aimed to sustain the economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. They approached this challenge by leveraging the robust workforce of students to bolster small businesses. This initiative materialized through collaborative efforts between the David Eccles School of Business, the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, Utah Community Builders, and numerous other community leaders. Throughout the summer of 2020, over 300 students secured paid internship placements across a diverse range of Utah businesses. For their work we have awarded them with the Informed Decision™ Maker Award.
Established in 2011, the Veterans Support Center actively meets a crucial need at the University of Utah. It provides comprehensive support to students transitioning from military to civilian life, pursuing degrees, and seeking employment. Students receive various free services, including advising, advocacy, tutoring, yoga, and counseling. In addition, students gain access to a space for relaxation, study, and camaraderie with fellow veterans and family members.
The center, with an annual visit count exceeding 7,000, is staffed by two personnel who collaborate with other offices to provide tailored support to enrolled veterans and family members. Over the past three years, the University of Utah has experienced significant growth in student veteran enrollment, with a 45% increase, and annual center visits have risen by 250%. The number of students served has surged by 180%.
Remarkably, the Veterans Support Center assists nearly 1,200 students at the University of Utah. For their work we have awarded them with the Informed Decision™ Maker Award.
At the heart of Best Friends’ mission is the vision to end animal euthanasia in America’s shelters by 2025. The organization typically houses around 1,600 animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, horses, and birds. They also operate a wildlife rehabilitation program licensed by the State of Utah. Annually, over 30,000 individuals visit the sanctuary in Kanab, making it the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals.
Best Friends actively collaborates with animal shelters and rescue groups nationwide. They organize joint adoption events, public education campaigns, and fundraising efforts. As the largest employer in Kane County, the organization has thrived since its establishment in 1984. It boasts a staff of 800 employees and a volunteer base exceeding 12,000 individuals.
Marion Willey actively serves as the Executive Director of the Utah Non-Profit Housing Corporation, a position he has held since 1995. Throughout his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in fostering the corporation’s growth and achieving its successes. With a steadfast commitment to providing affordable housing, Marion has positively impacted numerous Utahns statewide.
Marion has overseen the development, acquisition, or rehabilitation of nearly 50 family, senior, and special needs properties. In addition, he has catered to individuals who face challenges in accessing other housing opportunities, including those with disabilities and senior citizens. Marion prioritizes enhancing quality of life by not only providing housing but also assisting program participants in developing personal skills and financial plans to facilitate their progress.
Leslee Katayama actively holds the position of Chief Economist for the Utah State Tax Commission, a role she has dedicated over 30 years to. Throughout her tenure, her dedication to generating precise and impartial economic forecasts, studies, analyses, and reports has played a vital role in guiding policymakers towards informed decisions. She offers invaluable insights into the revenue implications of legislative actions.
Within the State of Utah, Leslee is recognized as a trusted advisor. She actively participates in collaborative groups tasked with forecasting Utah’s economic indicators and state revenues. Her contributions as an economist have significantly contributed to Utah’s recognition as one of the best-managed states in the nation.
Howdy Homemade actively champions employment opportunities for individuals with special needs. Founded by Heidi and Chris Nielson in response to their son Jack’s challenges in finding work due to his special needs. Their establishment is built on it’s dedicated to creating a supportive environment for individuals with special needs.
At Howdy Homemade, a dedicated team of special needs individuals diligently churn and serve fresh, delicious ice cream on a daily basis. Their diverse menu is crafted to delight your taste buds while their exceptional staff showcases the vast capabilities of individuals with special needs.
Salt Lake City’s Howdy Homemade is an offshoot of the original Howdy Homemade in Texas, which was initiated by Tom Landis. Inspired by Tom’s passion, Chris and Heidi embarked on their own entrepreneurial journey, opening their shop in Sugarhouse.
Beth Ehrhardt directs Senior Charity Care, an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Utah seniors. They actively improve the lives of seniors in care facilities and apartments by collaborating with service providers who offer care at reduced rates. In 2017, Senior Charity Care launched a mobile dental clinic and is now developing mobile services for vision and audiology exams. Under Ms. Ehrhardt’s leadership, Senior Charity Care actively seeks to expand its services statewide and into two additional states within the next 3-5 years.
Globus Relief is a globally recognized humanitarian organization that supplies medical supplies to charities in over 150 countries and territories. Their mission is to enhance healthcare delivery worldwide. They collaborate with over 800 charity organizations, offering both reusable and disposable medical supplies and devices. Around 80% of their resources are donated, with the remaining 20% sourced from the secondary market. Their humanitarian efforts are widely acknowledged internationally, spanning over 150 countries and territories.
Giv Development is driven by a daily motivation to craft sustainable and innovative structures that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings. For every square foot of traditional development they undertake, they commit to building an additional square foot for a community benefit project.
Guided by the principles of stewardship, Giv Development remains steadfast in their commitment to mindful and responsible land usage. This dedicated team aims for their buildings to retain their vitality long after the final brick is laid.
Michelle Kaufusi actively serves as the Mayor of Provo City. Recognized as the #1 city in the US., Mayor Kaufusi’s dedication to Provo City is unparalleled. She passionately embraces her role, cherishing the opportunity to work alongside her colleagues and serve her constituents.
Consistently, Mayor Kaufusi makes decisions that empower her community to navigate significant growth and associated challenges effectively. Her notable achievements include preserving the Peaks Ice Arena, resolving a lawsuit concerning convention center parking, and facilitating consensus on contentious issues.
The Spice Kitchen actively enriches the culinary landscape of Salt Lake City, providing a platform for refugees and underserved populations aspiring to become culinary entrepreneurs. Founded in 2013 by the International Rescue Committee in collaboration with Salt Lake County, the Spice Kitchen Incubator has infused Salt Lake City with fresh flavors.
Bringing together refugees and other disadvantaged community members with a passion for starting food businesses, Spice Kitchen ensures participants receive comprehensive technical assistance and training. Moreover, they offer affordable access to commercial kitchen space and guide entrepreneurs through the steps of establishing a successful food venture.
To date, the Spice Kitchen Incubator has supported the launch of over 25 new food businesses, including two brick-and-mortar restaurants, three food trucks/trailers, and 17 catering enterprises.
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