Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) has some new faces as it nearly doubles its team to support business development, strategic projects, and administrative efforts. The three new hires bring UIPA’s total staff to seven as the organization establishes new programs and policies.
Stephen Smith will serve as Account Specialist on the Port Authority’s business development team, focusing on UIPA’s partnership with SecurSpace to find semi-truck parking solutions. He also manages UIPA’s partnership with Warehouse Exchange to optimize usage of warehouse space in Salt Lake and beyond.
Prior to UIPA, Smith worked in the business process outsourcing and customer engagement industry for 20 years, delivering customer-focused results for large-scale telecommunications, financial, technology, and healthcare-based companies.
“I wanted my next career step to be focused locally and have a lasting impact,” Smith said. “Joining the Utah Inland Port Authority allows me to be part of a team that will be a major positive force in the direction of the growth of our state, not just economically but also in creating a system that will be nimble, efficient, environmentally sustainable, and will improve the quality of life in Utah for years to come.”
Chris Mitton is UIPA’s new Strategic Projects Manager providing business, financial, and policy direction for the strategic deployment of capital assets and infrastructure investment. With more than a decade of experience in the public and private sectors, Chris supports critical decision-making through his experience working within regulatory and operational frameworks.
Mitton previously oversaw business development and government affairs efforts for Fortem Technologies as the Director of Strategic Partnerships and also has a background with the U.S. Department of Transportation working on emerging technologies, infrastructure and safety programs, and tribal transportation.
“I am excited to join the excellent team at the Port Authority,” Mitton said. “Utah has a tremendous opportunity to build a unique supply chain and logistics network that supports Utah’s fast-growing economy, capitalizes on the state’s geographic location, and harnesses the benefits of new technologies for the benefit of the state.”
Lynne Mayer brings a wealth of administrative experience to UIPA in her new role as the Executive Assistant to Jack Hedge. Mayer served as executive assistant to Val Hale at the Governor’s Office of Economic Development for the last four years and spent the previous 16 years as the administrative assistant to the chancellor and the Board of Trustees at College of the Canyons in California.
“From day one of meeting Jack, I was impressed with his knowledge, passion and deep-rooted commitment to building the state’s inland port in a smart, sustainable, strategic and well-planned manner,” Mayer said. “I look forward to the many benefits this project will bring to the entire state of Utah in the years to come.”
As outlined in its Strategic Business Plan, UIPA plans to expand its team to a staff of 15 by 2025 to support business development, corporate affairs and planning.
