Gov. Gary Herbert has announced the appointment of former Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell as chair of the Utah Science Technology and Research Governing Authority. Bell, now president and CEO of the Utah Hospital Association, takes the place of outgoing chair Dinesh Patel, a business leader who has led USTAR since its inception in 2006.
Statutes governing USTAR do not allow Patel to be reappointed to the Governing Authority after his current term ends on June 30. To ensure a smooth transition, Gov. Herbert has appointed Bell so he can work with Patel as immediate past chair for the next six months.
“I greatly appreciate Dinesh’s service and accomplishments, getting this exciting initiative off the ground and running,” said Gov. Herbert. “Greg Bell will lead USTAR into its next phase of development with additional job creation and economic growth.”
USTAR is a 30-year program designed to create high-quality jobs and improve Utah’s economy through commercialization of university research and by supporting high-tech start-ups in rural areas of the state. Governing Authority positions are all voluntary and non-paid.
“I was in the Legislature when we created USTAR, and I have followed its progress since then,” Bell said. “I’m pleased with the firm foundation now in place and I believe USTAR will provide great value to Utah’s economy and job market over the next several years. I’m excited for this opportunity to help take USTAR to the next level and serve with terrific leaders on the Governing Authority.”
USTAR also announced the resignation of executive director Ted McAleer, who has served since October 2006. McAleer had committed to a 4-year term, but continued for an additional three years to complete the construction of USTAR buildings at the University of Utah and Utah State University, and initiate other programs.
“I am proud of our collective achievements and as we close out year seven together, I think it is time to enable a new leader and leadership team to build on our accomplishments and accelerate USTAR’s next phase,” said McAleer in his resignation letter, sent to the Governing Authority. “I have personally evaluated my professional development and career plan against the context of USTAR’s growth and development and decided that it is time for me to transition to the private sector to pursue my next ‘five-year plan.’” In his letter, McAleer listed many of USTAR’s accomplishments.
Bell congratulated McAleer on his service. “USTAR’s progress under Ted’s leadership has been remarkable. A number of exciting commercialization projects are in the pipeline and programs across the state are supporting small business development.”
