Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Salt Lake City for 2023. As the capital of Utah, Salt Lake City captivates residents and visitors with its exceptional quality of life, providing access to unmatched outdoor adventures and a vibrant cultural scene. Business leaders in the region navigate a landscape characterized by a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, along with a flourishing technology hub known as the Silicon Slopes. Many of this year’s awardees are steering their organizations with a more people-centric focus, overseeing departments in HR, communication, and customer relations to drive overall growth and success. Their impact goes beyond their professional responsibilities with many investing their time and energy in volunteer work and board designations.
Among this year's awardees is Francesca Luthi, Assurant's Chief Operating Officer and a member of the management committee, who oversees global operations to enhance business value and integrate customer and employee experiences while advancing Sustainability & DEI strategies. As the Chief Clinical Officer and EVP of the Clinical Quality Business Unit at Health Catalyst, Awardee Holly Rimmasch leverages over three decades of healthcare expertise, encompassing direct patient care and strategic management, focusing on clinical improvement, patient safety, quality, and population health. Also awarded is Melissa Loble, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Instructure, who is dedicated to fostering innovation in customer experience and empowering users to maximize solutions in compelling and efficient learning environments.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Salt Lake City for 2023.
2. Francesca Luthi
Chief Operating Officer, Assurant
Francesca Luthi is the Chief Operating Officer of Assurant and a member of the company’s management committee. In this role, she manages the company’s global operations, including Assurant’s centers of excellence for data analytics, digital and AI transformation, and customer experience. To further maximize business value and connect the customer and employee experience, she also oversees Assurant’s human resources, communications, global sourcing, and corporate real estate team functions, and enables the company’s Sustainability & DEI strategies.
Previously, Luthi served as chief administrative officer where she focused on enhancing the company’s global brand and reputation among customers, employees, and shareholders by building strategic capabilities to attract and engage the best talent, foster a more diverse and inclusive culture, and drive long‐term profitable growth. Before that, she served as chief marketing and communications officer, successfully driving the repositioning of Assurant as a leader in the connected lifestyle market as part of the Company’s multi‐year transformation. Prior to joining Assurant in 2012, Luthi was an SVP of corporate communication and investor relations at R1 RCM. Previously, she held senior‐level investor relations and communication roles at BearingPoint and Accenture, where she was recognized for enhancing brand awareness, expanding the global shareholder base, and overseeing the repositioning of those businesses. Earlier in her career, Luthi helped establish the investor relations department at Omnicom Group after serving as a financial analyst at Morgan Stanley.
An advocate for children with special needs, Luthi sits on the Board of Directors of the National Ability Center, empowering individuals of all abilities to build self‐esteem and lifetime skills through sports, recreation, and educational programs. Luthi earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.
3. Kate Moss
SVP & Market Executive, Bank of America
Kate Moss is a Senior Vice President and Market Executive for Bank of America. She first joined the organization in 2018 as a relationship manager. Moss develops and executes Bank of America’s local strategic plan across all lines of business. She also manages the local market's philanthropy, sponsorships, and community relations; executes national initiatives; and develops and coordinates leadership team communication, protocols, and visibility. She influences business integration and robust employee engagement to deliver one company to clients and communities.
Before joining Bank of America, Moss served as an executive director for Susan. G. Komen Utah and before that she served as a marketing communications manager for YWCA Utah. Moss was briefly an adjunct professor for the University of Utah where she graduated with an MBA and undergraduate in sociology. She serves as a board member for the Salt Lake Chamber, with the United Way of Salt Lake, and for the Women’s Business Center of Utah.
4. Amy Eldredge
VP of Menu, Crumbl Cookies
Amy Eldredge leads the Menu Team at Crumbl Cookies. Since opening its doors five years ago, Crumbl has expanded to over 900+ bakeries in 50 states, including Canada, making it the fastest-growing cookie company in the United States. One of the most unique elements of the company is the weekly rotating menu of over 250+ Cookies, which Amy oversees and curates. Since joining the company in 2020, Amy has created a successful and stand-alone Product Testing Program with the support of a select group of franchisees alongside her team, as well as working alongside the founder/CBO to create and develop new products.
Prior to joining Crumbl, Amy was the founding owner of one of Salt Lake City’s most celebrated Oyster Bars, as well as an active Menu and Operations Freelance Consultant to an extensive number of reputable restaurants, bars, and hotels in the greater downtown Salt Lake area.
5. Jennifer Danielson
Chief Health Plan Officer, HealthPartners
Jennifer Danielson is the Chief Health Plan Officer for HealthPartners where she leads and guides the health plan in its efforts to continually innovate and grow. She also leads the organization-wide efforts to connect care and plan capabilities to build a differentiated experience for employers, members, patients, and the community.
Danielson has extensive health plan experience, including serving as president of Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Utah for six years, as well as serving as SVP of public affairs and policy at Cambia Health Solutions, a non-profit health company serving more than 3 million members. Danielson has deep health policy and regulatory expertise, provider network and marketplace strategy experience, and a passion for building teams. Most recently, she’s been the chief growth officer at Collective Health, a California-based health and well-being organization. Danielson earned a JD from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law and an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Utah.
8. Holly Rimmasch
EVP & Chief Clinical Officer, Health Catalyst
Holly Rimmasch serves as the Chief Clinical Officer and Executive Vice President of the Clinical Quality Business Unit at Health Catalyst. She brings more than three decades of healthcare experience to her role, ranging from direct patient care to clinical and operational healthcare strategy and management. Her key areas of accountability include clinical improvement, patient safety, quality, and population health.
Before joining Health Catalyst, she held many roles including the role of the assistant VP at Intermountain Healthcare responsible for clinical services and the system clinical operations director for cardiovascular and intensive medicine. At Intermountain and Health Catalyst, Holly has held leadership roles enabling her to affect change at a system level. Holly also co-founded and was a principal in HMS, Inc., a healthcare strategic consulting firm focusing on population health. She has spent the last 25 years dedicated to identifying opportunities through data and analytics, implementing best practices, supporting adoption, and improving clinical, operational, and financial outcomes. Rimmasch holds a Master of Science in Adult Physiology from the University of Utah and an undergraduate degree in nursing from Brigham Young University.
11. Melissa Loble
Chief Customer Experience Officer, Instructure
Melissa Loble serves as the Chief Customer Experience Officer for Instructure where she leads their customer success, services, and partnership organizations. She’s a champion for crucial customer-focused topics like data usage and privacy—and it’s her personal mission to drive innovation in customer experience and enable customers to leverage solutions in engaging and effective learning environments. Melissa has spent 20 years in educational technology working for a number of technology suppliers and educational institutions, as well as teaching leadership courses on managing technology for educational change. She has a master’s degree in educational policy from Teachers College, Columbia University, and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Before joining Instructure, Loble was an associate dean of distance learning at UC Irvine and before that a vice president of client success at GoingOn. Earlier in her career she worked with Friends of the High School for Environmental Studies as a director of programs and teacher of social studies.
14. Sarah Comstock
Vice President Global Communications, Merit Medical
Sarah Comstock joined Merit Medical in 2021, with more than 25 years of experience in corporate communications. She leads the global communications organization and is responsible for Merit’s public relations and employee communications programs.
Sarah’s prior experience includes leading the communications function for some of the world's leading brands, helping them transform their business, engage their employees, and navigate the ever-changing technology and retail landscapes. At Cisco Systems, she oversaw the executive communications function for the sales and marketing organization. While at Deckers, she was responsible for Omni-channel communications messaging for the UGG, Teva, and Hoka brands. She has also held communications and leadership roles at Gymboree, Restoration Hardware, and Smith & Hawkin. Sarah holds an undergraduate degree in American Studies from Stanford University. She lives in Salt Lake City with her husband and two children.
View the complete list of awardees
15. Talia Butler
Executive Director, Salt Lake County Animal Services
Talia Butler is a visionary leader with extensive experience in institutionalizing change and driving impactful policy and legislation. Serving as the Executive Director of Salt Lake County Animal Services, Talia operates one of the largest no-kill municipal organizations in the country and the only capital city to reach the milestone of a decade of no-kill in 2023.
Talia has been recognized for championing legislative wins in her field that improve the lives of citizens and pets. She also led the 2022 Best Volunteer Program in the United States (awarded by the National Association of Counties) and has been honored as the recipient of the Best of State Award 15 times. These are just a handful of Talia’s most recent accomplishments.
At the top of Talia’s list of skills is her ability to influence positive change, generate stakeholder investment, drive innovation, and lead teams to success. Talia has presented at numerous conferences and published several peer-reviewed studies as an expert in her field. She earned an undergraduate degree from Weber State University and an MPA, with distinction, from Southern Utah University. Talia is currently obtaining her PhD from Southeastern University. Talia spends her free time enjoying life with her husband, 2 daughters, 3 dogs, and 1 plus-sized guinea pig.
18. Laurel Timmins
VP of Talent Acquisition, Benefits, & Compensation, Savage Services
Born and raised near Salt Lake City, Laurel Timmins currently serves as the Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Total Rewards at Savage Companies. Timmins earned a bachelor’s degree in human resource development and a master’s degree in public administration from Brigham Young University. She is certified as an HRCI Senior Professional in Human Resources and as a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional.
Before joining Savage, Timmins was an SVP of HR at the W.J. Bradley Co. from October 2005 to July 2015. She also led HR for Air Medical Resource Group, taught as adjunct faculty at Ensign College, served on educational boards, and consulted independently.
20. Sara Brady
Chief Nursing Officer, Innovative Renal Care
Sara Brady, Chief Nursing Officer of Innovative Renal Care, is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the overall operations of nursing and patient care services for the organization. Brady has her master’s in nursing leadership and education and is also a board-certified advanced nurse executive. She has more than 25 years of nursing experience and has a successful track record of leading teams within various healthcare roles.
Brady began her leadership journey running a large county medical services program and then moved into an executive role within the large hospital system as an associate chief nursing officer. She has had multi-state oversight of hundreds of dialysis programs as a nurse executive for several years and most recently led patient care within a managed care organization for seniors. Previously, Brady was a regional vice president of clinical operations at InnovAge and before that a system CNE -SDCS at DaVita Kidney Care. Earlier in her career she worked with Canyon County Medical as a nursing-medical services administrator.
22. Liz Udy
Chief Revenue Officer, Conservice
Liz Udy began working for Conservice in 2004 and currently serves as the Chief Revenue Officer. She is responsible for integrating and aligning all revenue-related departments, including marketing, sales, account management, and revenue operations.
Prior to her role as CRO, Udy served as a vice president of account management where she dedicated herself to building a successful team that ensures clients’ needs are met to the highest standards while also providing the best Conservice experience. During this time, she managed several key client accounts and played an instrumental role in the development of essential client reporting. Udy brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the team. She graduated from Weber State University with an undergraduate degree in business.
23. Kimberley Honeysett
SVP, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary,Varex Imaging Corporation
Kimberley Honeysett currently serves as the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Varex Imaging Corporation. Additionally, she has held the position of chairman of the Supervisory Board at MeVis Medical Solutions AG since March 2017. Kimberley is an authentic leader and creative strategist, leading a team of lawyers and compliance professionals that are integral to Varex’s success. She has extensive big law firm experience and in-house experience, making her a valued and trusted adviser to senior management and the board of directors.
Prior to her current roles, Honeysett worked at Varian Medical Systems, Inc. for over a decade. There, she held various positions, including VP and associate general counsel, chief counsel of corporate services, and assistant secretary. In these roles, she provided legal counsel and advice on a range of corporate matters including M&A, corporate securities, corporate finance, corporate governance, treasury matters, and commercial transactions. She also advised Varian’s Board of Directors.
Earlier in her career, Honeysett worked at Siebel Systems, Inc. as the senior director of legal affairs, where she provided advice on M&A, corporate securities, venture investments, and corporate governance. Kimberley also managed the company's stock administration group. She began her career as an attorney at Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison. Kimberley earned her undergraduate degree in communications from UCLA and her JD from Cornell Law School.
24. Wendy Steinle
Chief Marketing Officer, Domo
Wendy Steinle joined Domo as Chief Marketing Officer in September 2022 to lead the company’s global marketing efforts and help customers of all sizes drive exponential impact by realizing the full value that data and Domo can deliver to their business. Wendy joined Domo from Degreed, where she served as CMO and focused on delivering deep value through customer-focused strategies and cross-functional alignment across the entire marketing-to-sales-to-satisfied-customer journey. Steinle has held executive leadership roles at Adobe, helping double the Digital Experience business unit’s revenue in just three years. In addition, she led joint marketing efforts in the Adobe and Microsoft partnership and set the vision and aligned execution for Experience League, the company’s customer success engagement platform.
Prior to Adobe, Steinle was vice president and group strategy director at MRM, serving the marketing agency’s largest client, Verizon. A distinguished executive and marketer, she has received the Leadership Excellence Award from the Women Tech Council, an ACE Award from the Business Marketing Association, and a Gold Award from the Information Technology Services Marketing Association. Steinle holds an undergraduate degree in communication from the University of California, San Diego, and an MBA from the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business.
28. Katie Evans Palfreyman
SVP of Human Resources, Castle & Cooke Mortgage
Katie Evans Palfreyman holds the position of Senior Vice President of Human Resources and is a member of the Executive Team at Castle & Cooke Mortgage. She has played a key role in guiding the company through the ever-changing landscape of the mortgage industry. In her role, Katie orchestrates the entire spectrum of the employee experience, from formulating strategic recruitment initiatives for growing current branches and expanding into new markets to overseeing benefits, compensation, training, and employee advancement. While at Castle & Cooke Mortgage, the company has expanded and grown its retail offerings and footprint. Her unwavering spirit and commitment to building connections have not only cultivated strong relationships with branch managers nationwide but have also established the framework for a dedicated team. Together, they tirelessly work to foster a positive and engaging culture, even amid challenging times for the industry. Daily, she directs her focus on amplifying loan production at the branch level, continuing to expand their retail footprint, continually evaluating ways to improve benefits, and championing the success and recognition of all employees throughout the company.
Katie emerges as a paragon of leadership in the corporate landscape, having charted an extraordinary trajectory over eight transformative years at Castle & Cooke Mortgage. Commencing her journey as an HR generalist, Katie's ascent through the ranks is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the success of the organization. Her tenure at Castle & Cooke Mortgage has not only been marked by professional achievements but also by the joyous addition of three children. A testament to the company's commitment to work-life balance, Katie exemplifies that one can thrive in both career and family. She fervently believes in inspiring others to grow personally and professionally, a belief reflected in Castle & Cooke Mortgage's ethos of internal promotion, fostering a culture of morale and upward mobility.
Before Castle & Cooke Mortgage, Katie honed her skills at Nordstrom, Inc., where she rose from a sales associate to an HR manager. During her tenure, a notable accomplishment was opening a new Nordstrom store. Armed with an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University, Katie is not just a leader but a role model for aspiring women, illustrating that with determination and passion, one can ascend to the highest echelons of corporate leadership.
Amidst her many roles, Katie finds solace in the great outdoors, working out and listening to her favorite professional development speakers. Her commitment to health and wellness extends beyond her personal life, as she passionately inspires others to achieve their goals in all facets of life. Katie is not just a leader; she is a catalyst for empowerment, proving that with determination, one can conquer professional and personal summits. Her story is a testament to the adage she holds dear – if you put your mind to it, you can achieve it.
View the complete list of awardees
29. Lisa Peterson
Vice President of Sales, 97th Floor
Lisa Peterson is an accomplished sales executive with experience spanning diverse markets, from large enterprises to startups. Lisa currently serves as the Vice President of Sales at 97th Floor, driving revenue growth and ensuring customer satisfaction. In her previous role at Qualtrics, she achieved the top 2% rankings in quota attainment and total revenue among sales executives. With 17 years at FranklinCovey, Lisa consistently exceeded sales goals, increased territory sales by 300%, and maintained a remarkable 92% renewal rate.
Bringing 15 years of expertise in training sales teams and managing accounts, Lisa excels in sales strategy development and customer relationship management. Her collaborative approach involves analyzing market trends, identifying growth opportunities, and aligning sales strategies with company goals. Lisa's roles, including director of learning & development, sales enablement, HR manager, and global project manager showcase her commitment to empowering teams and leading large-scale projects.
Under Lisa's leadership at 97th Floor, the company has experienced remarkable growth and operational improvements. Revenue has surged by over 10% in the short time Lisa has been here and this is a testament to Lisa's strategic vision and execution. The sales team, under her guidance, has expanded, reflecting her talent for team development and management. Additionally, Lisa has played a pivotal role in streamlining the company's pipeline management and pipeline reporting, optimizing efficiency, and enhancing overall performance. Beyond her professional achievements, Lisa enjoys hot yoga, good food, running, and espionage thrillers. Married to Chris, a full-time mural artist, she takes pride in being a mother to four strong, independent daughters.
30. Amanda Ryan-Smith
Chief Development Officer, The Trevor Project
Amanda Ryan-Smith is the Chief Development Officer at The Trevor Project, the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people. She joined The Trevor Project in February 2021.
Previously, Ryan-Smith was an SVP of development at Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, Inc., leading all aspects of development with a team of 19 staff. While at Planned Parenthood, she more than doubled total fundraising revenue, secured numerous 7-figure gifts (including a $9M gift, the largest single gift in the organization's history), oversaw the completion of a $12.95M campaign and the creation of a new $55M campaign, grew the largest fundraising event to raise more than $2M, and received 2018 Fundraiser of the Year for Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide.
Before her work at Planned Parenthood, Ryan-Smith served as the director of development at the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), leading development nationwide for the LGBTQ legal non-profit. At NCLR, she increased total fundraising revenue by 30%, oversaw an annual major gifts campaign with 30+ volunteer solicitors, secured numerous grants from national funders, increased event revenue by 40% and tripled direct mail revenue, and oversaw multi-channel national online fundraising and engagement campaigns. Ryan-Smith Ryan-Smith has an undergraduate degree in social work and psychology from Baylor University. She also has a Master of Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin. In addition, she is certified by CFRE International as a Certified Fund Raising Executive.
32. Bethami Dobkin
President, Westminster University
Bethami Dobkin was appointed as the 19th President of Westminster College in 2018. Westminster University is an independent, private, non-profit university in Salt Lake City with approximately 1400 students. During her tenure as president, Westminster University has achieved national recognition for work on sustainability, support for first-generation students, and as a leader in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dobkin has raised over $16M for capital projects, led successful, rapid institutional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and launched an ambitious strategic positioning plan, Westminster at 150.
Dobkin currently serves on the Salt Lake Chamber Board of Governors, as Chair of the Nominations and Governance Committee for the SLC-UT Committee for the Games, and as a member of the International Women’s Forum. Her publications span academic journals, widely used textbooks, and popular editorials on politics, journalism, and communication. She holds a PhD and MA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and an undergraduate degree from Cal Poly Humboldt.
33. Lizzie Webb
Vice President of Operations, IMAGE Studios®
Lizzie Webb was appointed Vice President of Operations in November 2021. Over a 15-year career with experience in marketing, operations, and communications, Lizzie worked in the political world in the UK. She has partnered with several Prime Ministers to build successful campaigns, combining traditional and cutting-edge marketing techniques.
At the forefront of winning elections, Lizzie has a drive for success along with an eye for successful strategy. She brings winning operations to IMAGE Studios® along with expert advice and management. Away from operations, Lizzie and her husband love to travel, as well as enjoy the beautiful Utah landscapes. Being a British expat, she is always on the hunt for a good cup of tea.
34. Jennifer Duffield
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Dancing Moose Montessori School
Jennifer Duffield, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Dancing Moose, has an undergraduate degree in chemistry which makes her an enthusiastic fan of STEM Education. She has also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Westminster College. Dancing Moose is a private early childhood school with three campuses, serving over 900 students. Established in 2007 by a dedicated mother-daughter duo, their mission is to offer top-notch education to working parents. Their team, now consisting of 170 passionate educators, is committed to delivering exceptional education to young children. Their students thrive in a sunlit building equipped with a spacious gymnasium for daily movement classes, an outdoor classroom with extensive gardening opportunities, and enjoy homemade meals prepared by an in-house chef. The educational approach at Dancing Moose seamlessly combines Montessori pedagogy with current best practices.
Jennifer oversees the day-to-day operations of all Dancing Moose locations to ensure programmatic quality and consistency. She collaborates regularly with school directors and mentor teachers at each location to evaluate how best to support the Dancing Moose team so that they are equipped to offer their very best to each student. Jennifer loves getting to know Dancing Moose children and parents and works hard to promote a school culture that is innovative, positive, and sensitive to the individual needs of students and team members.
Jennifer loves spending quality time with family on the ski slopes in winter and lake surfing during the summer. For leisure, she enjoys delving into leadership books, reflecting her dedication to personal and professional development. Jennifer’s passion lies in consistently enhancing the culture of the school, striving to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
35. Jennifer Mitchell
Vice President of Clinical Strategy & Innovation, The Children's Center Utah
Dr. Mitchell is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health. She is a member of the ZERO TO THREE National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families Academy of Fellows. Dr. Mitchell is trained in multiple evidence-based treatments for trauma and is a certified trainer/supervisor in multiple treatments and early childhood models. She currently serves as the Vice President of Clinical Strategy and Innovation at The Children’s Center Utah, a not-for-profit mental health organization serving children birth to six years and their families.
Jennifer also holds an adjunct assistant professor position at the University of Utah’s School of Medicine. She is a current board member and past president of the Utah Association for Infant Mental Health and a board member of the Utah Psychological Association. She is a chair of the Early Childhood Utah Advisory Council and has served as a voting member of the council since 2018. Dr. Mitchell also serves on numerous other committees aimed at supporting young children and their families. She is the project director for two federal grants (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative Category III and Health Resources and Services Administration - Infant- Toddler Court Program Statewide Expansion). Dr. Mitchell’s work is focused on working collaboratively with public and private partners at the local and state levels to ensure families with young children have access to the mental health services they need, and that the providers serving families have the training and support necessary to deliver high quality, evidence-informed services.
36. Sheila Rappazzo Yorkin
Chief Marketing Officer, Westminster University
Sheila Rappazzo Yorkin is the Chief Marketing Officer for Westminster College. Previously, Yorkin worked at the Economic Development Corporation of Utah as the marketing and communication director promoting corporate recruitment and expansion in the State of Utah. Yorkin spent the first part of her career with Salt Lake City Corporation in communication and policy roles and was the managing director of the Gallivan Utah Center during the 2002 Olympics.
Yorkin is passionate about the inclusivity of women in education, business, and the community. She has served on several boards including Discovery Gateway Children's Museum, Utah Rivers Council, KRCL Advisory Committee, Visit Salt Lake, and Salt Lake Acting Company. Yorkin currently serves as the President of the Utah Women's Forum. She hails from the East Coast, having grown up in Poughkeepsie, New York, and Boca Raton, Florida. Her studies in political science at the University of Richmond prepared her for an intended career in Washington DC as a lobbyist and policy maker, but a post-college stint in Jackson Hole, Wyoming turned her into a mountain-loving westerner. Yorkin enjoys vacations with her family in Maine during the summer. She earned an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Richmond.
View the complete list of awardees
37. Brianne Ika
Co-Founder and President, Workman Success
Brianne Ika is the Co-Founder and President of Workman Success Systems. A skilled and dedicated professional, she has spent years learning the intricacies of the business world and developing a formula that inevitably leads to financial growth. Whether it is sales, research, or writing, Brianne’s positive energy and love for her work has allowed her to help countless aspiring entrepreneurs make their dreams come true. Brianne’s genuine care for her clients is what sets her apart. Nothing gives her more satisfaction than setting people on the path to prosperity. She is as passionate about her work as ever and is always on the lookout for new ways to grow as a person and a professional.
38. Claire Roberts
CEO, Lice Clinics of America
Claire Roberts has served as the CEO of Lice Clinics of America for the past 10 years. LCA is the world’s largest head lice treatment company, providing over 200 locations for in-clinic treatment with the only FDA-cleared medical device for the treatment of head lice. LCA also offers a full range of home-use DIY solutions.
As CEO, Claire has spearheaded the many community ‘pay it forward’ campaigns LCA provides, and along with the company’s network of dedicated franchisees, they have continually provided generously discounted services to schools, foster agencies, child advocacy groups, and more to take care of those in their communities who would otherwise not be able to afford the treatments. The company’s trailblazing “Schools Without Lice” program also focuses on taking care of the teachers and school nurses on the front lines who are exposed to head lice every year.
In addition to her franchising background, she has a diverse industry background as a CEO covering manufacturing and distribution, technology, new media, and medical informatics. In addition to her private sector CEO experience, Claire was a key player in the launch of BioCrossroads, the Indiana life sciences economic development organization.
40. Marcia Foote
President and Owner, Your Concierge Connection
Marcia Foote has over twenty years of experience in the concierge and guest service industry with a focus on implementing concierge and guest service programs for retail shopping centers and mixed-use properties.
Marcia began her career in Washington, DC where she founded Intercontinental Concierge Corporation (ICC). During that time her portfolio included clients such as Tysons Corner Shopping Center, Coca Cola, and the Chicago Board of Trade. After relocating to Salt Lake City, Ms. Foote has owned and operated Your Concierge Connection. Her clients have included Simon Property Group, Howard Hughes Corporation, CenterCal Properties, and the Winter Olympic Games 2002. Foote has appeared in Who's Who Outstanding Young Women of America and has been profiled in major publications such as the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post. Currently, she serves on The Board of Governors for the University of Utah.
44. Tami Ostmark
Owner & VP of Marketing, Hamlet Homes Utah
Tami Ostmark is the Vice President of Marketing & Design and a Problem Solver. A title she has taken with her from job to job. She believes every moment is creating a life experience and she loves to create experiences for people. She is at her best when creating special experiences for those she works with, and especially her family.
Tami is also a teacher. If you study communications, hit her up – she might know the answers to your tests. She has been teaching on and off for many years and is so looking forward to watching those young adults and what they will do with life – the future is bright, people. In addition to teaching, volunteering, and public speaking, Tami serves on many boards and committees. She believes in the power of her network.
Tami started her career in real estate and marketing for Wardley Better Homes & Gardens about 25 years ago. She has held some big positions at big companies, trying to break the glass ceiling and make a place for women in a typical man’s world. She was the general manager/marketing director for Jordan Landing Shopping Center, marketing & business consultant, VP of marketing for KSL Broadcast Group, head of global business and marketing for Overstock.com and in addition to her most recent role as VP of marketing, Tami is also one of the owners of Hamlet Homes.
She is proud of all the accomplishments in her work life and knows that each of them has made her a better person and a better leader, and led her straight to where she is today. Funny how things take on a full circle in life and she ended up back in the real estate world – this time for the best homebuilder in Utah.
46. Donna Root
Executive Vice President, Nilson Homes
For the past 25 years, Donna Root has been on a relentless quest to understand the inner workings that drive organizational dynamics, personal, corporate, and conscious growth and transformation. Her expertise in business, cultural and interpersonal alignment, and organizational leadership development has made her a sought-after speaker, trainer, and consultant for individuals, companies, and organizations globally. Currently serving as the Executive Vice President of Nilson Companies, Donna Root continues to bring her wealth of experience and insight to the forefront of corporate and personal development.
Donna's Inner Architect program is a testament to her commitment to maximizing human potential globally. From business executives and performers to professional sports teams and organizations globally, she has helped countless individuals and organizations remove hidden barriers to achieve peak performance and personal growth. Her impact extends to C-suite executives, whom she coaches as a Personal Success Coach and Mindful Executives Coach.
Recognized as one of Utah's 10 Coolest Entrepreneurs and a Peak 100 Award Winner for Utah's Most Influential Professionals in 2015, Donna Root has left an indelible mark on the business landscape. Her accolades include being honored by Cambridge's Who's Who in 2008 and contributing to Think and Grow Rich for Women and Innate Wealth; Your Focus Your Fortune. Donna's influence is not confined to the boardroom; she has shared her insights with audiences as large as 15,000 and trained over a million individuals globally. Her one-on-one Inner Architect coaching program has personally transformed the lives of performers, athletes, actors, executives, corporations, and organizations on an international scale.
Beyond her corporate endeavors, Donna has a rich academic background, having been a former professor at the University of Utah, teaching The Science of Success in the Entrepreneur and Strategy Department. She also served on the Presidential Board for the National Advisory Council at UVU and as a faculty member at the International Institute of Professional Protocol. Donna Root's impact extends to the world of media, with features in Forbes, the Huffington Post, and appearances on CBS, NBC, and ABC networks. As an internationally certified trainer for PREP, a mediator, arbitrator, negotiator, and alternative dispute resolution provider, Donna is a versatile force in various facets of organizational and personal development.
In addition to her role as an international business success coach and C-Suite success coach, Donna is the founder of Jigabot, a Utah-based robotics company. Through her journey, Donna Root has not only inspired transformation but has become an international thought leader in conscious corporations, conscious leadership, corporate and interpersonal alignment, and holistic corporate wellness.
49. Suzie Turner
Founder, Gibsonlook
Suzie Turner is an accomplished entrepreneur in the fashion and retail industry, known for her innovation, creativity, and passion. Her career, rooted in a foundational experience at Nordstrom, spans retail buying, consulting, brand development, and successful ventures. She established Stylebuy in 2000 to assist specialty retailers with product development, evolving it into a renowned brand development firm with over $100M in product development and collaborations featured with top retailers like Nordstrom and Macy's. A pioneer in Branded x Influencer Collaborations, Suzie's work solidifies her status as an industry thinker.
Additionally, she founded Gibsonlook, a lifestyle brand inspired by her grandmother, offering elevated wardrobe essentials. As CEO, Suzie transitioned Gibsonlook from US Retail stores to a thriving e-commerce platform, achieving eight-figure annual sales in three years. The brand's success is credited to Suzie's innovative strategies and her team's dedication, establishing her as a visionary leader in the industry.
Suzie is deeply committed to mentoring and fostering growth, continuously encouraging others to pursue their dreams. Through Gibsonlook and personally, she donates time and scholarships for women furthering their careers.
Notable local Utah ventures include founding a small business project with young entrepreneurs. Mend Juicery opened in 2014 and immediately became a Utah favorite for Fresh Pressed Juice and consecutively won Best of State three years in a row. This company showcased her versatile business capacity and love of mentoring and building early-stage companies for growth.
View the complete list of awardees