The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) is pleased to announce Vic Hockett as Utah’s newest board member. The Utah Senate confirmed him as an official member of the board on Aug. 21, 2024.
“On behalf of the board, it’s a privilege to welcome Vic to Utah’s leadership team, where he will help drive our state’s growth and prosperity,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of GOEO. “Vic’s leadership in workforce development and higher education have been instrumental in shaping Utah’s economic landscape. We are excited about the expertise and fresh perspectives he will bring to our board as we continue to champion innovation and expansion of Utah businesses.”
The GOEO Board consists of up to nine members appointed to four-year terms by Gov. Cox, featuring members with expertise in rural Utah, entrepreneurship, higher education, and key industries driving Utah’s growth.
“I am deeply honored to join the ranks of past and present board members who have been instrumental in creating opportunities for Utah citizens and businesses to thrive in our beautiful state,” said Hockett. “I look forward to contributing to the ongoing efforts that make Utah a place where workforce development, innovation, economic growth, and communities flourish.”
Hockett oversees Talent Ready Utah, a legislative center created at GOEO, now housed at the Utah System of Higher Education, that represents the voice of industry by developing short-term and long-term strategies for workforce development. He has over 13 years of operations and leadership experience in the manufacturing sector and more than eight years of experience in executive-level leadership and instruction in higher education. His previous professional roles include director of operations, adjunct instructor, quality manager, plant manager, and executive vice president and COO.
Hockett completed his undergraduate degree in industrial management & applied engineering at Southern Illinois University and has a master’s of administrative leadership from the University of Oklahoma. He and his wife, Darla, have three children and reside in St. George, where they love all things outdoors and home improvement projects. Vic is a proud citizen of the Chickasaw Indian Nation of Southeast Oklahoma.