Benjamin Hart, managing director of Urban and Rural Business Services at the Governor’s Office of Economic of Development (GOED), has been named the Utah Association for Career and Technical Education (UACTE) Champion of the Year. Education leaders recognized Hart at an awards ceremony on Friday, Feb. 3 at Orem High School.
“Ben is a tremendous advocate for innovative workforce and education solutions in Utah,” said GOED Executive Director Val Hale. “His tireless efforts have produced effective partnerships and created opportunities for residents statewide.”
Hart has been instrumental in the creation of business-education partnerships for initiatives such as Utah Aerospace Pathways and Talent Ready Utah. The Urban and Rural Business Services program promotes workforce development in addition to other important strategies to ensure Utah’s long-term economic growth.
The Association for Career and Technical Education is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. The UACTE, formed in 1929, convenes CTE educators and administrators from all over the state to provide training and networking opportunities to enhance CTE education in Utah. Since its formation, UACTE has awarded professionals who make significant contributions to education in the state.
“Ben is an outstanding leader in bringing education and industry partners together,” said Janet Goble, Canyons School District CTE director and UACTE conference chair. “I have attended many meetings Ben has led; he is very skilled at engaging participants and moving initiatives forward. He makes people feel valued while recognizing and appreciating their contributions. Ben’s vision and leadership has been an invaluable ingredient in creating and maintaining GOED’s industry-education initiatives. With his leadership, it is exciting to see these entities working together for the betterment of Utah’s students.”
The association is made up of 11 divisions including business, agriculture, information technology, health science, technology and engineering and work-based learning. Each division submits nominees, and winners are selected through a rigorous rubric process.