PRESENTERS
Eastern Utah Economic Summit
John R. Curtis
United States Senator
Senator John R. Curtis proudly represents Utah in the United States Senate. A former mayor and congressman, he’s known for advancing consensus-driven policies and promoting common sense, conservative leadership. Recognized for his work on energy, fiscal responsibility, national security, and supporting local communities, he is guided by Utah’s pioneer values of hard work, integrity, and innovation. In the Senate, he serves on the Foreign Relations Committee, as well as the Environment and Public Works, Commerce, and Small Business Committees. Senator Curtis and his wife, Sue, have been married for 42 years. They are the proud parents of six children and grandparents to 18 grandchildren.
Len Jessup
Managing Partner - Desert Forge Ventures
Jessup is a two-time university president, two-time business school dean, long-time business school professor, and a startup investor and pioneer. Len is also a visionary leader in higher education, known as a consensus builder with a deep interest in innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and organizational change. He was most recently president of Claremont Graduate University, a member of the prestigious Claremont College consortium in southern California. He has also served as president of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as well as dean of the business schools at both the University of Arizona and Washington State University, among other senior leadership roles. He now serves as Managing Partner for Desert Forge Ventures, a venture capital firm aimed at Las Vegas startups. He has received numerous awards, including the prestigious CEO Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VII. The first in his family to graduate from college, Jessup was born and raised in northern California. He holds a doctorate in Management and Organizational Behavior from the University of Arizona, with a minor in Management Information Systems. He also holds an MBA as well as a bachelor's degree in information and communication studies, both from California State University, Chico.
Valerie Cisneros
Branch Manager/Vice President - Zions Bank
Vice President - Southeastern Entrepreneurial Network (SEEN)
Valerie Cisneros is the Branch Manager/Vice President of Zions Bank in Price, Utah, where she leads with a focus on integrity, service, and community impact. With a strong background in financial services, Valerie has built a career centered on helping businesses grow and families achieve financial security through trusted lending solutions.
She actively supports local economic development as Vice President of the Southeastern Entrepreneurial Network, Director of Pro Carbon Development, and board member of the Revolving Loan Fund, contributing to initiatives that strengthen and uplift her region. Valerie brings a deep understanding of the local community, shaped both by her roots and her time living in Salt Lake City. She and her husband, Jeff, raised their two children in Carbon County and are now proud grandparents to three grandchildren. Valerie brings experience, a people-first approach and dedication to service that drives her to advocate for her community.
Lesha Coltharp
Director - Tourism and Events, Uintah County
Lesha Coltharp has been the Director of Tourism for Uintah County for 14 years. Over this time, she has helped reimagine the economy in Uintah County. Tourism has become a key economic driver and helps diversify the local economy. Tourism, recreation and events bring in millions of dollars to Uintah County. Lesha currently serves as Vice Chair of the Tourism Development Board for the State of Utah representing the eastern counties of Daggett, Uintah, Duchesne, Carbon, Emery and Grand. Lesha loves mentoring new tourism directors and staff to help drive a vibrant tourism economy around the state.
Dylan Doty
Program Manager - The Nucleus Institute
Dylan Doty is a Program Manager at The Nucleus Institute Grow Team, formerly the Utah Innovation Center within the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. He works with Utah startups and small businesses to pursue federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding, the nation’s largest source of early- stage research and development capital. Dylan manages Utah’s Federal and State Technology (FAST) partnership program and has supported more than 100 companies with proposal strategy, application review, and commercialization planning. He has also led multiple cohorts that connect companies with investors, customers, and federal partners to advance technologies toward market adoption.
Prior to his role at The Nucleus Institute, Dylan served as a U.S. Army officer and is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He recently completed his Master’s degree in Political Science at the University of Utah, where his research focused on federal R∓D funding and Utah’s innovation ecosystem. Dylan is passionate about strengthening Utah’s role in the national innovation landscape by building pathways for small businesses to bring transformative technologies to market.
Tina Grange
Tourism & Film Specialist - Carbon County
Tina Grange is the Tourism & Film Specialist for Carbon County, Utah, where she has worked for nine years promoting the area’s history, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm. Her work in tourism goes beyond attracting visitors—it’s a way to support the local economy and community development more broadly. By helping the county thrive as a travel destination and film hub, Tina’s efforts contribute to economic growth, job creation, and the sustainability of local businesses, benefiting the entire community.
She focuses on telling the county’s story in ways that highlight its unique experiences—from western heritage and vibrant arts to scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures. With a background in hospitality and marketing, Tina blends practical expertise with creativity to create authentic experiences for visitors while strengthening the community as a whole.
Emy Lesofski
Energy Advisor to Governor Cox
Director - Office of Energy Development, State of Utah, Department of Natural Resources
Emy Lesofski is the director of the Utah Office of Energy Development (OED)—the state’s primary office for energy and critical mineral development—and energy advisor to Gov. Cox. She was appointed to these roles in October 2024, bringing a wealth of experience in federal appropriations and natural resources policy. As director of OED, Lesofski also oversees the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab (USREL), as well as serving on several boards and committees. She is focused on developing innovative solutions to ensure Utahns have access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy through sound policy, research, education and community outreach.
Prior to her role at OED, Lefoski worked in Washington, D.C. for 24 years as a senior staffer in both houses of Congress and was the Republican staff director of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.
Taylor Stevenson
CEO - Envoy Public Labs
Taylor Stevenson has led on-the-ground engagements with critical state and community energy stakeholders on behalf of a variety of nuclear interests for nearly ten years. Notably, he oversaw the creation of GAIN’s state outreach program, and continues to support GAIN’s outreach efforts. More recently, he oversees the Consent Based Siting Program outreach efforts in addition to supporting stakeholder engagement for Westinghouse Electric's AP300. Taylor has bachelors’ degrees from Dartmouth College in Government and Philosophy, and held numerous nonprofit leadership and development roles following two campaigns as a candidate for the Minnesota State Senate (2010 and 2012) before starting his career in nuclear.
Bega Metzner
Film Commission Director - Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission
Bega Metzner grew up in New York City, raised by a TV commercial director and a fashion photographer—so it’s no surprise she ended up in the world of film. She got her start as a PA on set, where a costume designer pulled her into wardrobe, launching a 20+ year career across feature films, commercials, and print campaigns. She worked her way up from shopper to key set costumer to assistant designer, eventually becoming a costume designer and stylist in her own right.
She first fell in love with Moab, Utah, during a photoshoot in 1989 and made it her full-time home. In 2015, she joined the Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission as Assistant Director and became Director the following year.
She has helped bring projects of all sizes to the region—including Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga, Marvel’s Thunderbolts*, Wild Horse Nine, and Godzilla x Kong: Supernova—all of which used Utah’s Rural Motion Picture Incentive Program.
In 2024, she was shortlisted for two Global Production Awards in Cannes and received a Highly Commended honor for Location of the Year.
The Film Commission, founded in 1949, is celebrating its 76th year in continuous operation.
Jefferson Moss
Executive Director - Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
Jefferson Moss is the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO). He brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, venture capital, investments, and legislative service, and has played a key role in driving innovation and economic development in Utah.
His diverse background includes founding several businesses and holding private banking roles at Credit Suisse and KeyBank. He has served as Chair of the UVU Endowment Investment Committee and is the founder of both the UVU Wolverine Fund and the Utah Innovation Fund. Moss has also held leadership positions as Associate Commissioner of Innovation for the Utah System of Higher Education, Executive Director of the Innovation District at The Point, and Majority Leader in the Utah House of Representatives.
Throughout his career, Moss has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering growth, creativity, and collaboration across multiple sectors.
Derek Mellus
Production Manager - Utah Film Commission
Derek Mellus has served as the Production Manager for the Utah Film Commission since 2007, drawing on his prior experience in the Art and Locations departments for television series, commercials, and feature films. In his current capacity, Derek assists productions of all sizes, from student shorts to feature films, find the resources they need in Utah. His deep understanding of Utah's film industry and diverse landscapes, coupled with his enthusiasm for storytelling, makes him a valuable asset to filmmakers.
Laici Shumway
Partner Outreach and Collaboration Coordinator - Utah Office of Tourism
Laici Shumway works and lives in Moab, UT as part of the Utah Office of Tourism’s Community and Partner Relations team. Her focus is on Partner outreach primarily in the southeast region of Utah, tourism collaborations into broader economic and community development efforts, and destination development projects. Her former roles as the Executive Director for the Moab Chamber of Commerce and Marketing Director for Moab Giants Dinosaur park have provided her with experience in community engagement, business development, and tourism promotion in rural areas. Laici loves spending time with her husband and two daughters. Whether it’s recreating outdoors, traveling, or keeping up with carpools and extracurricular activities, making memories with the people she loves is what she values most, and pretty views never hurt!
Max Ukropina
Head of Commercial -Valor Atomics
Max Ukropina is the Head of Commercial at Valar Atomics, a nuclear developer that aims to deploy its advanced reactor in Emery County, Utah before July 4th, 2026.
Molly Wheeler
Deputy Director - Utah League of Cities and Towns
Molly is the other Deputy Director for the Utah League of Cities and Towns. Prior to joining the League, Molly worked as the managing director for community engagement at the Hinckley Institute of Politics. She holds a BS in political science and a BA in international relations from the University of Utah and an MSc in political sociology from the London School of Economics.
Allison Yamamoto-Sparks
Vistor Services Manager - San Juan County Visitor Services
Allison is the Visitor Services Manager for San Juan County Visitor Services. She has held various positions with San Juan County Visitor Services office over the past 16 years including Assistant Marketing Director and Social Media Specialist, but the thing that has remained constant is her passion for working with local tourism-related business owners to promote San Juan County to visitors from all over the world.
Allison serves on the Utah Office of Tourism Marketing Committee as the Advisor for the Southern Utah/National Park Campaigns, she’s the AFCI certified Film Liaison for San Juan County, and she’s a board member of the United Way of Eastern Utah. Allison graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor’s degree in Japanese & Asian Studies.