The former longtime leader of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah has been tabbed by the Utah Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Initiative (UAMMI) as its executive director.
UAMMI announced last week that Jeffery B. Edwards began work in the new position Jan. 2. Edwards retired from EDCUtah in November after serving as president and chief executive officer for 15 years. He was succeeded at EDCUtah by Theresa A. Foxley, who most recently was deputy director of corporate recruitment and business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).
At UAMMI, Edwards succeeds founding director Greg Jones, associate director of the Scientific Computing and Imaging (SCI) Institute at the University of Utah, who helped establish UAMMI in 2013.
A nonprofit corporation, UAMMI aims to accelerate the growth of Utah’s advanced materials industry by connecting industry with academic research, enhancing the supply chain and assisting in workforce development. Its board of directors includes members from industry, government, education and research communities.
“Over the last decade, Utah has had much success in growing our aerospace and outdoor recreation industries,” Edwards said. “These industries get their competitive advantage through the use of advanced materials and manufacturing techniques, many of which have been developed right here in our state. UAMMI’s mission is to promote this advantage of ‘home-grown’ expertise from our industries and universities.”
During Edwards’ time at EDCUtah, he worked closely with the aerospace and defense companies to promote Utah as a prime destination for the advanced materials industry. Before joining the organization, he spent the majority of his career in the aerospace and computer industries in both technical and marketing roles. He holds a B.A. degree from the University of Utah in chemistry.
“The board is very pleased with the selection of Mr. Edwards from among a pool of very qualified candidates,” said Darin Friess, director of engineering for Albany Engineered Composites and chairman of the UAMMI board. “We feel that he brings a great blend of directly applicable experience and knowledge to the job.”
“UAMMI and its partners are launching the development of a supply chain tool for the advanced materials industry and looking at new ways Utah can gain footholds into the global advanced materials market,” Jones said. “Jeff is the perfect choice for rallying the industry to accomplish these major goals.”
Val Hale, GOED’s executive director and vice chairman of the UAMMI board, said Edwards’ experience in economic development and his many industry relationships “will be invaluable in moving UAMMI ahead.”
The advanced materials realm includes materials used in aerospace/defense, outdoor products and transportation equipment. The materials include composites such as carbon and glass fibers, ceramics and polymers that are made using advanced manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing, filament winding, automated fiber placement and automated tape laying.