Charles Hernick
Head of Sustainability Disclosures Policy at Amazon

Charles Hernick brings a wealth of expertise to his role as the Head of Sustainability Disclosures Policy at Amazon, drawing from over a decade of distinguished experience at the intersection of energy, policy advocacy, and environmental stewardship. Formerly the Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES), he effectively bridged political divides, driving bipartisan engagement on clean energy and climate matters. With a profound ability to navigate complex landscapes, Charles provided invaluable counsel to USAID and the U.S. EPA, and his contributions extended to testifying before the U.S. Congress on two occasions. As a respected climate change authority, he seamlessly integrated climate considerations into an array of government programs, fostering resilience and innovation. Charles's influential voice resonates through his regular appearances on radio shows, webcasts, and international workshops, further solidifying his commitment to driving positive change in sustainability. Holding an M.A. in International Relations and Environmental Policy from Boston University, complemented by a B.S. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota, Charles Hernick exemplifies a visionary leader dedicated to shaping a greener, more sustainable future.

Morning Keynote Speaker: Governor Mark Gordon
Governor of Wyoming

Mark Gordon grew up on the family ranch in Wyoming where he learned the values of hard work and integrity and the importance of working together. As Governor, he brings those values to the table, maintaining his commitment to a Wyoming where its citizens can pursue their dreams while the state retains its unique character. He is a strong believer that Wyoming must chart its own course, and a steadfast defender of its interests to do so. Governor Gordon served as Wyoming State Treasurer from October 2012 until January 2019 when he was sworn in as Governor. He was ranked 57th among the Sovereign Wealth Fund institute’s “most significant and impactful public investor executives” in 2013. First elected Governor in 2018, he has successfully led Wyoming through two of its most significant challenges in decades: the COVID-19 crisis and the most significant decline in mineral revenue in the state’s history. He has spearheaded efforts to diversify all sectors of Wyoming’s economy, including technology, finance, agriculture, energy, including carbon capture and sequestration, research, education and tourism.

Rikki Hrenko-Browning
President of the Utah Petroleum Association (UPA)

Rikki Hrenko-Browning is the President of the Utah Petroleum Association (UPA). UPA is a trade and advocacy organization representing the upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas interests in the state. Prior to leading UPA, Rikki lived in Estonia and came to Utah as the CEO of Enefit American Oil, the Estonian company’s oil shale project in Eastern Utah. Rikki has a Masters in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon and an undergraduate degree in botany and environmental science. She has been appointed by the Governor to the Utah Watersheds Council, the SITLA Nominating Committee and serves on DNR’s Endangered Species Mitigation Fund and other boards and advisory panels. Rikki was honored as a Utah Business 2020 Woman of the Year and in their 30 women to watch series in 2014.

Matt Most
Vice President of Government Relations at Ovintiv USA Inc

Matt Most is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in the energy industry. As the Vice President of Government Relations at Ovintiv USA Inc., formerly Encana Oil and Gas, Inc., he plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. policy initiatives and fostering relationships with government entities. With a deep understanding of the energy sector and the U.S. political landscape, Matt is a strong advocate for the oil and gas industry, working tirelessly to promote policies that ensure long-term security and prosperity for the United States. His expertise spans energy trading, environmental policy, and government relations, making him a valuable asset in driving strategic initiatives and achieving organizational goals.

Rebecca Winkel
Associate Professor of Engineering at the University of Georgia

Rebecca is a Senior Policy Advisor for Climate & ESG at the American Petroleum Institute. Rebecca develops overarching priorities and strategy on climate & ESG issues, including leading research and policy work on climate and sustainability issues and employment and the future of work in oil and natural gas. Among other things, Rebecca leads API’s ESG Reporting Subcommittee and technical modeling working group, runs API’s industrial decarbonization efforts, heads API’s relationship with IPIECA, and leads API’s anchor partnership in Discovery Education’s STEM Careers Coalition. Rebecca graduated summa cum laude from Brigham Young University with a degree in Economics and also holds a Master’s in Public Policy from BYU. She lives in Salt Lake City. 

Ryan Edwards
Director of Climate Policy, Oxy

Ryan Edwards is the Director of Climate Policy at Oxy, where he leads carbon management policy efforts. His experience and research spans carbon management science, engineering, economics, and policy. Prior to joining Oxy, Ryan was an AAAS Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow in the U.S. Senate working on energy and climate policy. Ryan completed a PhD in civil and environmental engineering at Princeton University, where his research focused on modeling of geological carbon storage and economic and policy analysis for CO2 capture and transport infrastructure systems.

R. Logan Wilde
Former Utah State Representative, Former Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food

McKinley Smoot
Co-Founder of 3 Springs Land & Livestock

McKinley was raised amidst the serene expanse of a cattle ranch nestled in the Uinta Mountains along the Provo River, hails from a lineage rooted in the legacy of Holistic Land Management, a method pioneered by the esteemed Alan Savory. Emulating his father's profound influence, McKinley ardently followed in his footsteps, ascending to the esteemed position of an Accredited Professional with the renowned Savory Institute. Moreover, McKinley Smoot is esteemed as the Co-Founder of 3 Springs Land & Livestock, a distinguished land management enterprise passionately dedicated to large-scale ecosystem restoration, with an unwavering focus on producing superior quality pasture-finished meat as a valuable byproduct. This visionary approach not only sustains the land but also elevates the standard of premium meat production. Proudly continuing his family's enduring legacy, McKinley Smoot further distinguishes himself as a third-generation land broker, adeptly navigating and facilitating land transactions throughout the State of Utah. His profound understanding of the region's terrain and its intricate value allows him to skillfully connect individuals and communities with the ideal plots to nurture their dreams and ambitions.

Matt Yost
USU Associate Department Head, Associate Professor, Agroclimate Extension Specialist

Gregg Simonds
Founder of Open Range Consulting

Gregg Simonds is a highly respected rangeland ecologist and wildlife biologist with over 40 years of experience. As the founder of Open Range Consulting, he provides valuable landscape information for improved rangeland management. Simonds began his career with the U.S. Forest Service, focusing on sage grouse research and pioneering remote sensing technologies for monitoring rangeland and riparian habitats. He advises various clients, including landowners, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, on grazing management, invasive species control, and habitat restoration. Simonds is an active member of professional societies, a certified rangeland management professional, and a dedicated advocate for sage grouse conservation. With a background in Range Science and Wildlife Ecology, he is a frequent speaker, author, and recipient of prestigious awards. Simonds is committed to advancing sustainable management practices in rangeland ecology and wildlife biology.

Brian Somers
President of Utah Mining Association

Brian Somers is the President of the Utah Mining Association since 2019, boasting over 20 years of extensive experience in legislative affairs, strategic communications, and executive leadership. Before his current position, he served as the Managing Director of the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) and held the role of Deputy Director at the Utah Department of Heritage & Arts. In addition, Mr. Somers contributed his communication expertise to Governor Gary R. Herbert's communications staff and worked in various strategic communications capacities in the private sector. With a profound understanding of public policy, communications, and executive management, Brian Somers continues to make a significant impact in advancing the mining industry's interests while fostering positive relationships with stakeholders and communities.

Josh Brown
Director of Government Affairs Rio Tinto Americas

Josh Brown presently acts as the Director of Government Affairs overseeing Rio Tinto Americas, including Rio Tinto Kennecott and Resolution Copper. Over the past decade, he has adeptly managed Kennecott’s governmental requirements at the county, state, and federal levels. His professional focus centers on policy formulation, land and water issues, environmental concerns, energy matters, and regulatory affairs. Josh's journey with Rio Tinto began in 2006, when he joined Kennecott Utah Copper as a valuable member of the Business Improvement team. Over the years, he has taken on diverse roles such as Business Improvement Manager, Master Black Belt across various Rio Tinto business units, Six Sigma/Lean Instructor, and leader of special initiatives. His academic background comprises a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical and Fuels Engineering from the University of Utah, a Master of Business Administration from Westminster College, and he is a certified Business Improvement Six Sigma Black Belt.

Mike Nasi
Environmental and Energy attorney at Jackson Walker LLP

Mike Nasi is a partner at Jackson Walker LLP, specializing in environmental and energy law. With over 28 years of experience, he has represented clients before state and federal regulatory agencies and appellate courts, focusing on energy and infrastructure project development. His clientele ranges from small governmental bodies to multinational publicly-traded corporations. Mr. Nasi's legal practice covers federal and state environmental, natural resource, and utility regulatory programs, with expertise in regulatory compliance counseling, litigation, project development incentives, and market reforms. He has been involved in various state and regional energy research initiatives and serves on advisory boards and as counsel for organizations such as the Wyoming Energy Agency, the University of North Dakota's Energy & Environmental Research Center, and the Energy Council Public Advisory Board. Furthermore, Mike has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field, receiving accolades such as "Lawyer of the Year" in Environmental Law and recognition in prestigious publications like Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America. In addition to his legal practice, he is actively involved in civic initiatives, serving on boards of organizations like The Salvation Army and the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance.

Lance Zollinger
Former Utah State Representative, Former Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food

Lance Zollinger is the Regional President at Cache Valley Bank, boasting an 18-year tenure in lending and banking with both the Farm Credit System and Cache Valley Bank. He holds a Master of Agribusiness from Kansas State University and a Bachelor's of Agribusiness from Brigham Young University - Idaho. Lance has been married to Tess Beckstead Zollinger for two decades and they are proud parents to six children, comprising three boys and three girls.

Braden McMurdie
Third-Generation Farmer and Rancher

Braden is a third-generation farmer and rancher hailing from northern Utah. Alongside his wife and three boys, he shares the responsibilities of managing their family farm and ranch. Joining them on the land are his brother's family, as well as his supportive parents. Their agricultural operation spans over 500 irrigated acres located just outside Tremonton, Utah, while also encompassing a vast cattle ranch spanning several thousand acres in southern Idaho. Their farming endeavors involve a herd of 250 mother cows and several hundred yearlings, allowing them to sustainably raise livestock. Embracing innovative practices, they adopted the use of cover crops in 2016 and transitioned to a no-till approach in 2017. The crops they cultivate include corn, wheat, triticale, oats, alfalfa, and cover crops, demonstrating their commitment to a diverse agricultural system. Taking their commitment to sustainability a step further, they have implemented a grass finishing program. This program enables their open heifers to be strategically rotated, allowing for the optimal utilization of summer cover crops and ultimately generating additional profit. Each year, they diligently strive to plant cover crops on every irrigated acre, with an unwavering focus on promoting soil health as the core of their farming practices.

Terry Camp
Vice President of Public Policy at the Utah Farm Bureau

Terry Camp is a passionate advocate for politics and public service based in Hyde Park, Utah. He earned a B.A. in political science from Utah State University in 2011. Terry has an impressive track record of involvement in politics at local, state, and federal levels. His political journey began with an internship for former Congressman Rob Bishop during his time at Utah State. Following his graduation, Terry played a pivotal role in Senator Hatch’s successful 2012 reelection campaign, managing campaign efforts in Cache, Box Elder, Rich, and Morgan counties. This experience led to a position in Senator Hatch's Washington, D.C. office after the 2012 primary. For nearly eight years, Terry showcased his expertise as a valuable member of the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands. During this time, he also pursued a master’s degree in public policy from George Mason University, which he completed in 2016. In October 2022, Terry was appointed Vice President of Public Policy at the Utah Farm Bureau, where he continues to advocate for important causes and interests.

Jeff Hymas
Director of Public Affairs Savage Companies

Jeff Hymas joined Savage in 2014. As Director of Public Affairs, he leads external communications, media and government relations, and community involvement for the Utah-based, global provider of supply chain infrastructure and solutions. He also helps guide sustainability efforts and other strategic company initiatives, and previously led marketing and internal communications at Savage. In prior roles with other organizations, Hymas worked in communications and media relations at PacifiCorp, an investor-owned electric utility, and at municipal governments in West Valley City and Draper City. Hymas graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and earned a Certificate in Global Business from Harvard Business School Online. Jeff and his wife Karen have five children, and are longtime residents of Davis County.

Judd Cook
Vice President and General Manager of Western Distribution, Gas Distribution at Dominion Energy

Judd E. Cook is vice president and general manager of Western Distribution, Gas Distribution at Dominion Energy. Cook leads the company’s western gas distribution operations, which serves over 1.2 million customers in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho Cook assumed his current role in December 2022. In 2019, he was named director–gas operations and was responsible for all operations activities in the western U.S., including emergency response, technical service, construction, and system maintenance, as well as the activities of more than 300 employees spread across seven different regions. Prior to that, Cook worked in the Gas Infrastructure Group’s sustainability initiatives for the western U.S., where he promoted the use of and market development for hydrogen, renewable natural gas (RNG) and liquified natural gas, including several RNG projects in Milford and Elberta Utah.

Luigi Resta
Founder, CEO, and President rPlus Energies

With over 18 years of leadership in the utility-scale renewable energy sector, Luigi Resta has been instrumental in driving energy transition across the United States. As the founder of rPlus Energies in 2018, he focuses on innovative utility-scale renewable projects, combining traditional and new technologies to optimize regional renewable resources. Under his guidance, rPlus Energies has swiftly emerged as a prominent renewable energy developer in the American West, boasting a portfolio of over 40 projects with a capacity exceeding 14 gigawatts. Luigi's pioneering spirit extends to his role in commissioning Utah's first utility-scale solar plants, and his active involvement in shaping the renewable energy landscape includes discussions on transmission, interconnection, financing, permitting, and legislative engagement.

Susan Fernandez
Senior Director of Strategy and Communications for the Advanced Clean Energy Storage Hub (ACES Delta)

John McLennan
Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah, Co-Principal Investigator on the DOE FORGE Project (Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy)

Mason Baker
CEO and General Manager of UAMPS

Mason Baker is the distinguished Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS), assuming his leadership role in January of 2023. With a notable career trajectory at UAMPS, Mason initially joined the organization in September 2011 as the Chief Legal Officer, where he impressively spent 12 years spearheading the management of UAMPS' 16 projects and overseeing all legal functions. Holding a Juris Doctorate specialized in environment and natural resources law from the esteemed University of Utah, as well as a Bachelor's degree in philosophy from Colorado College, Mason's diverse educational background complements his leadership prowess and problem-solving abilities. Beyond his professional achievements, he has left a lasting impact on the community as the past Chair of the Board of the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance.

Joel Ferry
Executive Director, DNR

Joel Ferry was appointed DNR executive director in June 2022 by Gov. Spencer J. Cox, and confirmed by the Utah Senate in September. He leads an agency of about 1,400 employees from eight divisions and two offices, including Forestry, Fire and State Lands; Oil, Gas and Mining; State Parks; Outdoor Recreation; Utah Geological Survey; Water Resources; Water Rights; Wildlife Resources, the Office of Energy Development and the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office. Ferry’s passion for water policy, land conservation and agriculture will serve him well as he works to manage and protect Utah’s natural resources. He is a 5th generation farmer who operates a ranch, farm, feedlot and hunting properties in Corinne. Ferry formerly worked for Zion’s Bank. He has a track record of public service, including serving as a legislator, chairman of the Box Elder County Republican Party, Box Elder Farm Bureau Board member, chairman of the Willard Peak Chapter of Delta Waterfowl, board member of the Friends of the Bear River Bird Refuge, and member of the Northern Regional Advisory Council for the Division of Wildlife Resources. 

Karen Kwon
Assistant Program Director for the Colorado River Sustainability Campaign

Karen Kwon is an attorney with over 20 years of experience in water law and policy related to the Colorado River Basin. She currently serves as the Assistant Program Director for the Colorado River Sustainability Campaign, collaborating with conservation groups to find solutions for water supply and ecosystem challenges. Karen's expertise comes from her Upper Colorado River Basin roots and her tenure at the Colorado Attorney General's office, where she led a legal team focused on protecting and advocating for Colorado River matters at various levels. Her reputation for practical solutions is well-established through engagement in matters like the compacts, Interim Guidelines, Drought Contingency Plans, Long-Term Environmental Management Plan, and Minutes 319 and 323 to the US/Mexico Water Treaty, making her a trusted figure among federal and state agencies, water users, conservation districts, Tribal Nations, municipalities, and non-governmental organizations.

Jordan Nielson
Utah Water and Habitat Program Director for Trout Unlimited

Jordan Nielson is the Utah Water and Habitat Program Director for Trout Unlimited and has worked for nearly a decade to connect the agriculture community in the Colorado River Basin with programs that benefit both the farmer and the environment by creating incentives or efficiencies.  Jordan’s background is in fish and wildlife management with experience at the field, administrative, and policy levels.  Currently, he is working to develop scope and scale in on-the-ground project work that creates resiliency in the Colorado River Basin and Great Salt Lake Watershed.

Wade Garrett
Vice President of Public Affairs at the Utah Farm Bureau

Brian Steed
Great Salt Lake Commissioner for Utah's Department of Natural Resources

Brian Steed is the Great Salt Lake Commissioner for Utah's Department of Natural Resources, appointed by Governor Spencer Cox in May 2023. With a distinguished career in natural resource management, including roles as Director of the Division of Water Resources and Executive Director of the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air, Steed is a recognized expert on water resources and the Great Salt Lake. He passionately advocates for the lake's protection, collaborating with stakeholders to ensure its long-term health. Steed's leadership and dedication make him a valuable asset in preserving this vital natural resource for future generations. Steed has also served as the Executive Director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources from 2019-2022 and in Washington, D.C., as the Bureau of Land Management’s deputy director for policy and programs, exercising the authority of the director from 2017-2019 and chief of staff to Utah Congressman Chris Stewart from 2013-2017.

Dr. Logan Mitchell
Climate Scientist & Energy Analyst, Utah Clean Energy

Dr. Mitchell is a climate and air quality scientist who has researched everything from greenhouse gases in Antarctic ice cores to evaluating emissions and monitoring urban air quality with TRAX trains, to studying Utah’s history of air quality. With over 35+ peer-reviewed publications, he has a deep scientific knowledge of air quality, climate and energy systems in Utah and globally. He is passionate about conservative solutions to our air and climate challenges that will improve our quality of life and be essential for our economic future.

Team Cookies and Milk
Former Utah State Representative, Former Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food

Stephanie Argyle - Stephanie has been coaching FIRST LEGO League teams for six years. She has a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan and worked for Exxon for ten years before taking time off to raise a family. 

Rachel Argyle - Freshman at Timpview High School, 14 yrs old - Rachel loves playing Ultimate Frisbee and is planning to become a doctor.

Sadie Berges - Freshman at Timpview High School, 14 yrs old - Sadie speaks Mandarin and is a brown belt in karate.

Maylin McGowan - 8th grader at Centennial Middle School, 13 yrs old - Maylin plays soccer and wants to be an entrepreneur. 

Adelaide Wingate - Sophomore at Timpview High School, 15 yrs old - Adelaide's favorite color is purple, and she wants to be a scientist when she grows up.

Hope Wingate - Freshman at Timpview High School, 14 yrs old - Hope loves the color orange and wants to be a computer scientist. 

Closing Keynote Speaker: John Dennis Liu
Ecosystems Ambassador, Commonland Foundation, Visiting Fellow, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)