Kori Ann Edwards is the Chief Strategy Officer for 47G Utah Aerospace & Defense. In this capacity, Kori Ann leads the organization’s strategic initiatives to accelerate the growth of Utah’s aerospace and defense ecosystem. She possesses over three decades of public and private-sector experience in economic development, strategic leadership, program development and stakeholder engagement. Most recently, Edwards served as the managing director of strategic initiatives for the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) where she developed Utah’s economic vision for the 2034 Winter Olympics, led the agency’s COVID-19 response, overseeing the rapid distribution of $200 million in relief funds, and launched forward-thinking programs such as the state’s telework and returnship programs. Prior to her service at GOEO, Edwards worked as senior vice president and chief operating officer at Logistics Specialties, Inc. (LSI). During her 20-year tenure at LSI, Edwards instituted and managed the company’s economic development division, overseeing more than $40 million in revenue allocation. Edwards has served on numerous executive boards and committees across the state. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Utah State University.

Mr. Shafer is a 29 year-old chef and self-professed “Dough Ninja” who was born and raised in Plain City, Utah. He attended the Western Culinary Institute, an affiliate of Le Cordon Bleu, and earned an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences. Mr. Shafer opened Lucky Slice Pizza in Ogden, Utah, in 2012 with two partners, and he has since expanded to establish a limited menu operation at Powder Mountain and a second full-service operation in Layton. He has a mobile operation capable of assembling and cooking on-site for events and is set up as a vendor in two local sports arenas. Mr. Shafer’s future goals include creating a commissary kitchen to scale and improve the business’s systems and being the first American shop delivering pizzas by drone. His personal philosophy is that “time is better spent searching for a solution rather than complaining about a problem.” Mr. Shafer has worked to foster meaningful relationships with local businesses and community members and participate in and hosted many charity events for various local groups.

Ms. Anderson is a proven community leader with a record of accomplishment helping others succeed. She is the owner of a consulting firm, a specialty construction company, and works for big-four professional services firm PwC. In addition to serving as President of the Board of Ogden Contemporary Arts, she is a past member of the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce, and past-chair of the Chamber’s Leadership Northern Utah program.

Lori Belnap Pehrson, Weber State University Board of Trustees brings to our board extensive experience in STEM and aerospace. Ms. Pehrson has held numerous key positions at Northrop Grumman including serving as the Director of Programs for the ICBM Ground Systems Sustainment program at Hill AFB.

Jan Burrell brings deep dedication to the Roy community she calls home. With 41 years of professional experience in education, she has a strong understanding of the issues, concerns, and policies that impact today’s youth. Her expertise includes recognizing and supporting various curriculum delivery models, addressing mental health needs, and advocating for the growing demands of the continuously changing student population. As a first-generation college graduate, Jan attributes her passion for public education to her parents, who instilled in her the value of learning and service. Committed to making a difference, Jan Burrell strives to support students, educators, and families by ensuring policies that promote educational excellence and opportunity for all.

Cameron Cook is a project manager for The Boyer Company at Business Depot Ogden (BDO) where he is responsible for leasing existing buildings and developing new building projects. He completed his undergraduate degree in finance at Brigham Young University and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. His growing role at BDO helps fill a critical need in new and expanding businesses across a wide spectrum of industries.

Ms. Jacobson-Ware has a deep love for and understanding of education and its importance to the community. She has served on the college’s Pharmacy Technician Occupational Advisory Committee since March 2015. She is the owner/operator of Wasatch Pharmacy, so she understands the needs inherent in the field and what local pharmacies require in order to safely and efficiently serve their clients. Ms. Jacobson-Ware is very active in the community and has been recognized by the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce for her volunteerism. A native of Hawaii, Ms. Jacobson-Ware lives and shares her Pacific Islander heritage of “Ohana.” She views the entire community as her family and works to provide for their well-being and success.

Mr. Opheikens earned a Bachelor’s in Construction Management from Brigham Young University and is a LEED Accredited Professional. R&O Construction is a family-established business, and Mr. Opheikens began working there as a teenager in 1977, working his way up through nearly every operations position including laborer, superintendent, project manager, chief operating office, and president/CEO. As president, he directs a team of eight vice presidents and approximately 180 employees building projects in 18 states. He is involved in the community and serves on the Ogden-Weber Chamber Board of Governors, Ogden Industrial Development Corporation Board of Trustees, Economic Development Corporation of Utah Board of Directors, Weber State University Construction Management Advisory Board, and American Cancer Society – Utah Region Board.

Sara Toliver, CDME, is the President/CEO of Visit Ogden. Sara received both her BS and MBA degrees from Utah State University before opening three retail stores on Historic 25th Street in downtown Ogden. Her participation in the ensuing redevelopment of this historic district led to Sara’s increased involvement in, and passion for, the Ogden community. Sara joined Visit Ogden in 2007. Over those last 17 years, the Ogden community has experienced significant progress in development of its outdoor recreation product, arts and culture districts, and tourism industry at large, of which Sara is incredibly proud to have been a partner in leading, collaborating and/or supporting.

Mr. Widdison was born, raised, and currently resides in Hooper. He graduated from Roy High, attended Weber State (electrical engineering technology), and participated in the state electrical apprenticeship program housed at the tech college. He was offered a position at Thiokol (now Northrop Grumman) in 1982 and has had a 35-year career in the aerospace industry. He is involved with the technical operations of putting humans and cargo into space as well as the business end of the corporation. He is a strong supporter of STEM-based education and has a deep understanding of the importance of technical education in our fast-paced world.

The Wasatch Front was home to Jennifer Zundel her entire life. Born and raised in North Ogden, she graduated from Weber High School before attending Weber State University. She and her husband Alan J. Zundel have six children: four daughters and two sons. Jennifer has always been dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for both her children and the broader community. She served on the Community Council at Hillcrest Elementary and Highland Junior High and has been a member of the Ogden School District Board of Education for the past 20 years. Her commitment to local classrooms is evident in the hundreds of volunteer hours she has contributed. In recognition of her efforts, she was honored as Parent Volunteer of the Year for the GEAR-UP program. Jennifer and her husband have been successfully running a business in Ogden for 25 years.