Former speaker of the House and business leader Brad Wilson has been named board chair for 47G Utah Aerospace & Defense. Wilson replaces outgoing chair former U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart. Wilson was also named CEO of the Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
“Both are really instrumental roles to shape the future of the state in an exciting way,” said Wilson. “It is remarkable to watch the growth and impact of 47G. The leaders of the organization shape aerospace and defense, definitely in Northern Utah.”
Wilson grew up in Layton. “I lived in the shadow of Hill Air Force Base,” he said. “F-16s would fly over my house in Layton every day. I’ve appreciated defense my whole life and watched innovation in the state.”
47G President & CEO, Aaron Starks’ leadership team is fun to watch, said Wilson. “I’ve watched him serve on the board. It’s absolutely the most exciting organization in the state. It’s the cornerstone of the economy in Utah’s aerospace and defense industry.”
There’s never been an organization that has done what 47G has done, he said. “They bring all of the stakeholders together to grow in that sector and foster prosperity. That’s what 47G has done.”
“47G has become a major partner in shaping the preparation and advancement of the state's Olympic efforts. Amazingly, our industry is rallying behind athletes to help provide aerodynamics research and training, fabrication for athletic hardware and supplying advanced materials for events,” said Starks. “Brad was an advocate of 47G in his former role as speaker of the House and is committed to helping the organization fulfill its mission in partnership with our companies.”
Wilson served in the Legislature from 2019 to 2023. After graduating from Weber State University with a degree in business, he started out in finance and later became a real estate developer.
“Aerospace and defense is important to the state," he said. “It’s a high-leverage industry. Just a little bit of growth has a big impact on the lives of Utahns. Northrop (Grumman) hired 1,000 people. Hiring changes lives for the better.”
The best ingredient to a healthy ecosystem for aerospace and defense is a well-educated workforce, said Wilson. “An environment with the infrastructure that supports growth of those industries. 47G fosters more collaboration between partners in that space.”
Wilson ran for a U.S. Senate seat last year but was unsuccessful. “I really enjoyed campaigning for the Senate,” he said. “It didn’t turn out the way we wanted but sometimes life has plans for you. I say tongue in cheek that ‘I won by losing.’ I have the opportunity to be the CEO of the Olympics.”
The Winter Olympics will be a catalyst for good, said Wilson. “We’re not just hosting the world; we’re giving a gift to the world to see what the state has to offer.”
Wilson said the state needs to keep a foot on the pedal and push hard. “That’s where I think I can add value. I’m excited to lean into this and make a difference in this important work. That’s what I try to get up and do every day.”