Impact investor Geoff Davis has been named CEO for the Sorenson Impact Center for the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah. He began his new position on July 13.
Davis is a seasoned entrepreneur turned social entrepreneur turned impact investor. His most recent position was CEO and managing partner of Cicero Impact Capital.
“Geoff has dedicated much of his life to improving the lives of others and this next step in his career will continue to grow that impact,” said Jim Sorenson, founder of the Sorenson Impact Center. “I know his deep experience and passion for this work will grow Sorenson Impact’s support of people around the world and make an even bigger difference in the lives of so many. His leadership and experience will build upon the many success stories Sorenson Impact has already been part of and take the center to the next level.”
Sorenson endowed the Sorenson Impact Center in 2013, and in 2014 the center hosted its first Winter Innovation Summit and was awarded a White House Social Innovation Fund Grant. The center has continued to grow and develop data science and field building teams, all while providing hands-on learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students, ranging from the largest student impact fund in the nation in its $8.2 million University Venture Fund to performing due diligence on potential impact investments.
“We are delighted to have Geoff take on this important leadership role at the Sorenson Impact Center,” said Taylor Randall, dean of the David Eccles School of Business. “The center’s ability to develop the next generation of impact investors is incredible, and I know those experiences will continue to make positive impacts around the world for generations to come.”
“Jim and Taylor have proven visionary, innovative and bold in creating the center and it has become a powerful platform for global impact. I am honored and elated to join the impressive team as we work to create a better world,” said Davis. “I’ve hired multiple students trained through the center’s programs and have been consistently impressed with their strategic thinking, technical capabilities, and ‘can-do,’ entrepreneurial attitude. We look forward to enhancing and expanding the center’s programs and continuing to attract and train the best and the brightest ‘doers’ committed to impact.”
Davis has founded, co-founded or advised more than 25 startups and investment funds, sat on 14 boards and his work has impacted millions of families as they work their way out of poverty, Sorenson said. He earned a master’s degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School and a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. He speaks both French and Spanish. He is married and has three daughters.