Ryan Starks

Ryan Starks is the president and executive director of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah–a world-class public-private partnership that accelerates economic growth throughout Utah. Prior to serving in this role, Ryan led the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and served as a cabinet member and trusted advisor to Governor Spencer J. Cox.

As a leader in both the public and private economic development sectors, Starks has been instrumental in fostering the top-performing economy in the United States. His work has focused on fostering entrepreneurship, business expansion, international trade, rural development, and targeted industry growth.

Previously, Starks worked for the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) in Washington, DC, as the executive director of the Heber Valley Chamber of Commerce, and as the founding director of the Wasatch Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) — an innovative workforce partnership between students and industry. He also taught as an adjunct professor of management for 10 years in the BYU Marriott School of Business, and he served as the honorary commander of the 419-fighter wing at Utah’s Hill Air Force Base.

Starks earned a bachelor’s degree from Weber State University, where he served as student body president, and a Master of Public Administration degree from BYU. He earned a certificate in economic development from the University of Oklahoma and a certificate in entrepreneurship and innovation from Harvard University. Starks, his wife Amy, and their four children reside in South Jordan.