Gardner Institute names 2024 “Informed Decision Makers” awardees
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah has named its 2024 “Informed Decision Makers” award recipients. The institute said the award recognizes individuals and entities that work, often behind the scenes and with little fanfare, to help the community prosper. They are selected based on criteria consistent with the institute’s committable core values: responsibility to the community, integrity and relevance, accountability, collaboration and a positive work environment, according the award announcement.
“The Gardner Institute is pleased to honor five outstanding individuals and organizations who exemplify a genuine commitment to their community through their work,” said Gardner Institute director Natalie Gochnour. “These honorees embody the values that define who we are, how we conduct ourselves, and what comprises our work culture at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. We applaud their work ethic, values and dedication.”
The 2024 “Informed Decision Maker of the Year” award winners are:
Theresa Foxley. Foxley is chief of staff at rPlus Energies, a Utah renewable energy and energy storage development firm. She is passionate about developing diversified, dispatchable, affordable renewable energy. As former president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, she brought numerous corporations to the state.
Ross Van Vranken. Van Vranken is the former executive director for the Huntsman Mental Health Institute with University of Utah Health. He has been a leader in behavioral health, dating back to the early 1980s. “His ability inspires individuals and teams to foster an environment of inclusivity, collaboration, compassion, accountability and innovation,” the Gardner Institute said.
Bicycle Collective. Bicycle Collective is a group of nonprofit bike shops refurbishing donated bicycles and putting them into the hands of those in need, focusing on children, newly resettled refugees, immigrants, individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, individuals recovering from substance abuse and low-to-moderate income households. It operates in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and St. George.
Circles Salt Lake. Circles Salt Lake’s mission is to build community to end poverty through intentional friendships, personal transformation and systemic change led by the people closest to the challenge. Circles is committed to helping community members with lesser means become financially independent and free of government services, while retaining hope, dignity and financial stability for the rest of their lives.
Seager Memorial Clinic. The clinic’s mission is to provide the underserved with free, easy-access, non-judgmental, charitable medical, dental, vision and mental healthcare. Everything they do is 100 percent free to everyone seeking care. Located in Ogden, the Seager Memorial Clinic has completed 84,300 patient visits since 1988.
“We wanted to recognize the amazing unsung heroes in our state who embody the values of the Gardner Institute,” said Chris Redgrave, Gardner Institute senior advisor and chair of the ”Informed Decision Maker” award committee. “Every year we identify five remarkable leaders and organizations with the Informed Decision Maker of the Year award who make important contributions to our state.”