Prominent Utah leaders join 47G board of directors

Senator Millner, a leader in talent development and innovation

Senator Millner is a longtime champion of Utah’s aerospace and defence ecosystem. As both president and vice president at Weber State University, she built critical relationships with Hill Air Force base and local defence contractors, supporting collaborative research, workforce development and regional economic alignment. Under her leadership, Weber State contributed to one of the first statewide cluster reports quantifying the economic benefits of Utah’s defence sector.

“Utah’s defence and aerospace industries are central to our economic future and national security,”  said Senator Ann Millner.  “From advanced air mobility and AI to critical minerals, we are at a pivotal point where strategic partnerships and workforce alignment will determine our long-term success. 47G is doing the work to position Utah as a national leader in innovation and industry growth, and I am honoured to support this mission as a member of the board.”

In her role as co-chair of the legislative aerospace and defence caucus, Millner has played a key part in shaping policy conversations around Utah’s emerging aviation technologies. She has also been actively engaged in 47G’s Project Alta, a statewide initiative exploring the feasibility and readiness of advanced air mobility in Utah ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympic Games.

A thought leader in talent development and innovation, Millner currently serves as chair of Talent Ready Utah. In this capacity, she oversees efforts made by education and industry partnerships to build a highly skilled workforce while providing students with increased career and education opportunities. She continues to advocate for strengthening the education-to-employment pipeline and addressing gaps in engineering, production and maintenance roles that are critical to the needs of defence and aerospace companies.

“We need to think differently about how we build and support these industries,”  Millner added.  “Employers want graduates who are ready to contribute from day one. That means aligning our educational institutions with workforce demands and ensuring we have a business environment that fosters innovation while protecting our national interests.”

Jefferson Moss, a leader in higher education, innovation and public-private partnerships

Joining her on the board is former state representative Jefferson Moss, a proven leader in higher education, innovation and public-private partnerships. Moss was recently appointed by Utah governor Spencer Cox as the executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO). In this capacity, Moss will oversee the state’s economic development strategy and initiatives.

“Utah has a tremendous opportunity to lead the nation in cutting-edge research, advanced manufacturing and defence technology,”  said GOEO executive director Jefferson Moss.  “From policy to capital to talent, 47G is helping connect the right partners to accelerate progress. I’m excited to help shape that future and drive meaningful outcomes for the industries and people of Utah.”

In his role as associate commissioner for innovation and commercialisation at the Utah system of higher education, Moss mobilised Utah’s research institutions and capital networks to accelerate market-ready solutions. He also leads the Utah Innovation Fund, which supports early-stage companies spun out of the state’s colleges and universities. His efforts have expanded access to venture capital, strengthened Utah’s commercialisation infrastructure and driven forward-thinking public policy through the Nucleus Institute – an entity designed to address the pressing need for a more connected approach to workforce development, innovation and commercialisation.

“I’m excited to be part of 47G’s mission to drive innovation and foster talent across Utah,”  said Moss.  “By connecting higher education, industry, government and startups, we have a unique opportunity in Utah to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. 47G is playing a critical role in elevating Utah as a national leader in emerging technologies and defence – and I’m honoured to help move that vision forward.”

Aerospace in Utah, a major economic driver

Utah’s aerospace, defence and space industries account for more than US$100 billion (€87.6 billion) in annual revenues and support over 500,000 jobs, according to the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. 47G is actively advancing key strategic initiatives, including the development of a statewide advanced air mobility system and bolstering critical mineral supply chains vital to national security. With the addition of Utah senator Ann Millner and GOEO executive director Jefferson Moss, 47G continues to strengthen its board with leaders committed to building Utah’s future at the intersection of industry, innovation and impact.

“Senator Millner and Jefferson Moss are visionary leaders who understand the long-term investments needed to ensure Utah continues to thrive as a national hub for aerospace and defence,”  said Aaron Starks, president and CEO of 47G.  “Their leadership will help strengthen our efforts to align policy, capital and talent with industry needs.”

about 47G
47G is the premier ecosystem for aerospace and defence companies in Utah. The organisation’s mission is to foster talent, fund entrepreneurship and fuel innovation. The 47G ecosystem comprises over 184 companies and academic institutions working to solve critical national security challenges across three industry sectors.