The churn at the top of Utah’s corporate recruitment and retention agencies appears to have settled.
Jefferson Moss has taken over as executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, succeeding Ryan Starks, who resigned earlier this month. Starks subsequently was named executive director of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, succeeding Scott Cuthbertson, who stepped down as president last month.
Moss was appointed by Gov. Spencer Cox. Moss’ experience spans government and private industry in a variety of roles. On May 30, he will step down as majority leader of the Utah House of Representatives to become interim executive director of GOEO on June 2, a position he will hold until his Utah Senate confirmation.
GOEO oversees statewide efforts to promote business development, innovation and economic strategy.
“Serving in the Legislature has been one of the great honors of my life,” Moss said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Utah in this new capacity and help advance the governor’s vision for economic opportunity across the state.”
“Jefferson Moss brings a rare combination of public service, private-sector experience, and a deep understanding of innovation and education,” Cox said. “He’s been a driving force behind many of Utah’s most forward-thinking initiatives, and I’m confident he’ll lead the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity with the same vision, energy, and commitment to our state’s future that have defined his career.”
Moss has served in the House since January 2017, serving District 51. He has served in House majority leadership since 2019, including as Executive Appropriations vice chair, House majority whip and House majority leader. He will continue in a leadership role at the Utah System of Higher Education, where he serves as the associate commissioner of innovation, commercialization and economic development and as managing director of the Utah Innovation Fund. Among his other innovation-focused roles, he was project director over the Innovation District at The Point development and coordinated cross-sector collaboration on economic development.
Starks had been GOEO’s executive director since January 2023 and held other roles at the agency prior to that.
“It’s an honor to step into this role at EDCUtah,” Starks said. “I’m deeply passionate about Utah’s dynamic business environment and look forward to building on the strong foundation that’s already in place. I’m excited to contribute in ways that support the important work of strengthening communities, driving growth and creating opportunities statewide.”
Operating under a public/private partnership model, EDCUtah assists companies that want to invest in Utah communities and create new jobs. Shortly after EDCUtah’s recruitment and retention contract with the state expired last summer, EDCUtah became part of the Salt Lake Chamber.
As the executive director, Starks will work closely with business leaders, site selectors and public partners to support recruitment efforts, provide strategic data and insights, and grow the business community.
“We are thrilled for Ryan to step into this position and lead the EDCUtah team,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, leadership skills and new ideas, and we are confident in his ability to elevate the business sector in this capacity.”
Both Moss and Starks have served on the Utah Inland Port Authority board, with Starks as vice chair.
Cox described Starks as being “a key part of my administration’s efforts to keep Utah the best state for business and opportunity.”
“I am thrilled that he will continue this important work leading the Economic Development Corporation of Utah and look forward to the public and private sectors working together as ‘Team Utah’ to drive economic prosperity,” the governor said.