The Utah Inland Port Authority Board took a major step earlier this month in getting its planned project off the ground. The board voted unanimously to hire Chris Conabee to be its interim executive director for the next six months at a salary of $100,000. The board’s contract with Conabee also calls for the possibility of a $10,000 bonus at the end of the six-month term. Meanwhile, the group will continue its search for a permanent director.
Widely expected to be the largest economic project ever in Utah, the inland port was created by the state Legislature in its last regular term. The board has been operating without staff since its creation four months ago. Some of its clerical needs have been filled by Salt Lake City staff.
Conabee, a Park City resident, is the former managing director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and is chairman of the Point of the Mountain Development Commission.
“I think we all agree Chris is the right individual for the job,” said Derek Miller, board chairman, noting Conabee’s experience in the Point of the Mountain’s development. Miller said he expects it to be another four to six months before someone permanent is hired, so the interim director will “carry us through” until that point.