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As the President and CEO of the Utah Technology Council for the past 16 years, Richard Nelson has played an important role in the growth of Utah’s technology ecosystem. Under his leadership, the UTC has been a force for good in creating the $300M Utah Fund of Funds and securing funding for the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative. Rich is a passionate advocate in helping Utah’s Title 1 schools and was a major force in raising the rigor in Utah’s high school requirements.

As the leader of Utah’s professional association for over 5,000 high tech, clean tech and life science companies, Rich is a connector of people who is always quick to mention others who helped lay the foundation for our current success. Named one of the “100 Most Influential People” and one of the “25 People Who Most Influenced Business in Utah”, Rich shares his valuable perspective on the rapid growth of technology companies in Utah. Rich was named “CEO of the Year” from Utah’s technology industry and received the “Distinguished Service Award” from the College of Engineering at the University of Utah. He has an MBA from Northwestern University and a BS degree in finance from Brigham Young University.