The Sutherland Institute announced today the addition of Nic Dunn as Vice President of Strategy & Communications. In this role, Dunn will lead the institute’s public communications and strategic engagement efforts, which will include media relations, multimedia production, marketing, and other forms of outreach and public engagement to enhance Sutherland’s strategic objectives.
“Nic brings a wealth of experience and a unique set of skills well-suited to advancing Sutherland’s mission: to make sound ideas broadly popular,” said Rick Larsen, President & CEO of the Sutherland Institute. “His background in broadcast media, state and local government, public policy, and the private sector will be a vital asset to enhance Sutherland’s voice on key issues facing our state and nation.”
Prior to taking this role Dunn served as Director of Utah Community Builders, the Salt Lake Chamber’s nonprofit social impact foundation, where he advanced statewide private-sector-led initiatives in mental health, family policy, and upward mobility. Previous positions include Director of Public Policy for the Utah Valley Chamber, Senior Policy Advisor to Salt Lake County Councilwoman Aimee Winder Newton, Public Information Officer for the Utah Department of Workforce Services, and Associate Director of Communications for Utah Governor Gary Herbert.
“The antidote to our current political dysfunction is a return to sound ideas and a recommitment to our core institutions of civil society,” Dunn said. “The Sutherland Institute is an indispensable leader in defending and advancing these principles, and it is a privilege to join the team to further that cause.”
Dunn is a Nevadan by birth but a Utahn by choice. After completing dual bachelor’s degrees in broadcast journalism and political science at the University of Nevada, Reno, Dunn moved to Salt Lake City and earned a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Utah. Dunn lives in Eagle Mountain with his wife and son.
