Awards
Each year, the summit provides an opportunity for Governor Cox and Lieutenant Governor Henderson to recognize outstanding individuals and companies for their contributions at work and to the state. Below are the 2026 Governor’s Awards honorees.
State Bank of Southern Utah Rural Legacy Leader
Carl Albrecht
A leader who has contributed a career of service, making a significant impact to Rural Utah!
Utah Rural Influencer
Geri Gamber
An individual each year who is widely known and respected for their leadership, mentorship, and convening power throughout Utah's rural communities. Through this person's influence, leaders are developed and partnerships are created.
Utah Rural Rockstar
Lesha Coltharp
An individual each year who has made immediate impact as a recognized leader, rolling up their sleeves and taking the lead on visionary projects that will shape the future of rural Utah.
Distinguished Service
Lauri Garfield
A leader who has put forth signficant work to improve the quality of life of rural Utah through building programming and services.
International Business of the Year
Merit Medical Systems
The World Trade Center's International Business of the Year award honors a company that has elevated Utah's global presence through exceptional international business efforts. This award recognizes an organization that has successfully expanded into new markets, built meaningful global partnerships, and contributed to strengthening Utah's reputation on the world stage. Honorees demonstrate innovation, resilience, and leadership in navigating international opportunities and challenges.
Statewide Investor
LS Electric
Utah Inland Port Authority recognizes a business or organization making a significant long-term investment in Utah. The award honors projects that create quality jobs, strengthen communities, expand economic opportunity and demonstrate confidence in Utah’s workforce and business environment.
Utah Business of the Year
Intermountain Electronics
The Governor's Office of Economic Development's Utah Business of the Year award honors a company that has significantly contributed to economic development in Utah. This honor goes to a Utah business that demonstrates innovation, has an entrepreneurial spirit, is making a positive economic impact on its local community measured by job creation, revenue growth, contribution to the local tax base and is a good corporate citizen. Overall, the business should have a positive impact on the rural area in which it operates.
Horizon Award
Valar Atomics
The Utah Department of Natural Resources recognizes a forward-thinking leader or organization that proactively identifies emerging challenges and opportunities and takes bold action to advance solutions that benefit all Utahns. The award honors visionary leadership that helps protect and strengthen Utah's natural resources for generations to come.
Transformational Leader Legacy Award
Christine Watkins
This award honors an individual whose life’s work reflects a deep commitment to transformational leadership. It recognizes someone who consistently leads with heart, uplifts and empowers others, and models compassion in both word and action. Their influence extends beyond accomplishments, leaving a lasting legacy of integrity, service, and care for the people and communities they touch.
Transformational Leader Awards
Individuals who have engaged in Utah Rural Leadership Academy or Utah Local Leadership Academy are actively engaged in lifting Utah's workforce, communities, culture, and industries. Transformational leaders lift those around them and build our towns for a better tomorrow.
Nate McDonald
Clyde Companies
Recognized for advancing rural Utah through community relations, public service, and leadership rooted in grit, creativity, and connection.
Michelle Tullis
State Bank of Southern Utah
Recognized for strengthening rural communities through banking, education, commercial lending, and a deep passion for community leadership.
Larry Jensen
Carbon County
Derrin Owens
State of Utah
Recognized for his leadership in education, economic development, and public service on behalf of rural Utah communities.