Today, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) announced the departure of its Executive Director, Ryan Starks. He is leaving to pursue other professional endeavors.
Gov. Spencer Cox expressed his gratitude for Starks’ dedicated service: “Ryan has been an invaluable asset to the state and our economic development efforts. His nine years of public service demonstrate his deep commitment to Utah. We wish him the very best in his future pursuits.”
Starks’ tenure at GOEO includes significant achievements, including the successful recruitment of major investments from companies like Texas Instruments (in Feb. 2023, the company announced an $11 billion investment in Utah — the largest in state history), the strategic expansion of economic opportunities in rural Utah through the Rural Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (REDTIF) program, and the establishment of the innovative Startup State Initiative to bolster Utah’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. His collaborative approach fostered strong partnerships with communities and organizations across the state, contributing to Utah’s consistently top-ranked economy and quality of life.
Reflecting on his time in the Economic Opportunity office, Ryan Starks shared, “It has been a profound honor to serve the people of Utah and work alongside such a dedicated and talented team. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, from supporting our rural communities to fostering a thriving startup environment. I am confident that GOEO and the state will continue to excel.”
As the search for a permanent executive director continues, Gov. Cox has assigned GOEO managing directors Jim Grover, Kamron Dalton, Natalie Randall, and Pete Codella to lead the agency’s operations. They will provide seamless leadership and ensure the continuity of GOEO’s critical work.
The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity remains committed to driving economic development and enhancing quality of life for all Utahns.