May 8, 2025 (Salt Lake City) – Each year, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute recognizes individuals and entities that work, often behind the scenes and with little fanfare, to help our community prosper. We call them “Informed Decision Makers” and select them based on criteria consistent with the Institute’s committable core values: Responsibility to the community, research integrity and relevance, accountability, collaboration, positivity, and passion.

“The Gardner Institute is pleased to honor five outstanding individuals and organizations who exemplify a genuine commitment to their community through their work,” said Gardner Institute director Natalie Gochnour. “These honorees embody the values that define who we are, how we conduct ourselves, and what comprises our work culture at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. We applaud their work ethic, values, and dedication.”

The following individuals and organizations have been awarded the 2025 “Informed Decision Maker of the Year” Award:

Sophia M. DiCaro – Sophia M. DiCaro is the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget and a Senior Advisor to Gov. Spencer J. Cox. Sophia’s career in public service began with an internship in the same budget office she now leads. Over the next 25 years, she worked for five Utah governors and was elected to the Utah House of Representatives in 2014. Sophia is motivated to do everything she can to serve her community, especially our children. She cites her service as chair of the Primary Children’s Hospital board of trustees as particularly meaningful. As a leader, Sophia inspires those around her by promoting a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration to accomplish great things for the people of Utah.

Brian Steed and Anna McEntire – Honored jointly for their leadership of Utah State University’s Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air, Brian Steed and Anna McEntire are deeply committed to building a more resilient Utah. Founded in 2021, the institute has been dubbed the “red telephone” for challenges with Utah’s shared natural resources. Building upon Utah State University’s land-grant legacy, the institute serves the state by equipping decision-makers with the data they need to drive informed land, water, and air policy for Utah.

Latino Behavioral Health Services – Latino Behavioral Health Services is a grassroots organization created to minimize the disparities in access to mental health services among the underserved Latino population in Utah. Latino Behavioral Health Services established a peer-to-peer system of recovery for Latinos that includes outreach, mentoring, classes, and support groups. It is organized and executed by family members and consumers in recovery from severe mental illness, including substance use disorders. In 2023, Latino Behavioral Health Services served nearly 800 unique clients and provided nearly 5000 mental health sessions. The center also held over 140 free group sessions/educational classes with over 1200 participants for the community.

Jewish Family Service – Founded in 1872, Jewish Family Service supports all Utahns as they navigate life’s challenges by strengthening individuals and families of all backgrounds through counseling, advocacy, care management, and community education. Jewish Family Services’ highly qualified professional staff strives to provide the best programs and services for all, regardless of denomination, and offers counseling, caregiver support, nutrition assistance, and more. In 2024, Jewish Family Service served 28,962 individuals and families through the Alex & Sally Lebwohl Food Pantry, provided 2,413 hours of affordable mental health counseling to 190 clients, distributed over $115,000 in emergency financial assistance, and provided 2,050 hours of direct support to 519 clients in the older adult programs.

YCC Family Crisis Center – YCC Family Crisis Center supports individuals and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence through safety, advocacy, and resources on their journey to safe and healthy lives. YCC enhances the safety of women, children, and men by providing crisis intervention and advocacy services to reduce and prevent the occurrence of family violence and sexual assault through education and community awareness. In 2023, YCC served 2,910 victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. That same year, 6,710 students in Weber County participated in YCC’s prevention and healthy relationship programming. YCC also offers financial literacy programs and childcare so that survivors are given the means to escape dangerous situations, break the cycle of abuse, and regain control over their lives.

“We wanted to recognize the amazing unsung heroes in our state who embody the values of the Gardner Institute,” said Chris Redgrave, Gardner Institute Senior Advisor and Chair of the Informed Decision Maker Award committee. “Every year, we identify five remarkable leaders and organizations with the Informed Decision Maker of the Year Award who make important contributions to our state.”

###