'Informed Decision Makers' named

The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah has named five recipients of its annual Informed Decision Makers of the Year award.

“Each year, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute recognizes individuals and entities that work, often behind the scenes and with little fanfare, to help our community prosper. We call them Informed Decision Makers of the Year and select them based on criteria consistent with the institute’s committable core values: responsibility to the community, research integrity and relevance, accountability, collaboration and positivity and passion,” the institute said in a release.{mprestriction ids="1,3"}

“The Gardner Institute is pleased to honor five outstanding individuals and organizations who exemplify a genuine commitment to their community through their work,” said institute Director Natalie Gochnour. “These honorees embody the values that define who we are, how we conduct ourselves, and what comprises our work culture at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. We applaud their work ethic, values and dedication.”

The following individuals and organizations have been awarded the 2022 “Informed Decision Makers of the Year” Award:

Kimmy Paluch, Beta Boom. Paluch’s venture capital firm Beta Boom specializes in backing women- and minority-owned businesses.

Gretchen Dietrich, Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Dietrich is known for her “big tent” initiatives and has been in front of equity, diversity and inclusion issues for many years.

Reef Life Foundation. Reef Life Foundation has funded the research, design and construction of marine restoration structures around the world that mimic the complex mineral composition of natural coral ecosystems.

Hope Corps. Utah’s version of the Peace Corps, the Hope Corps was designed to keep the economy thriving during the COVID-19 pandemic by harnessing the power of a strong student workforce to bolster small business.

Utah Multicultural Commission. The Utah Multicultural Commission represents the state’s growing and diverse community and organized, innovated, spoke out and focused on problem-solving to help shape a better future for allUtahns.

“We wanted to recognize the amazing unsung heroes in our state who embody the values of the Gardner Institute,” said Chris Redgrave, Gardner Institute senior advisor and chair of the Informed Decision Maker Award committee.{/mprestriction}