Val Hale
A former head of Brigham Young University’s athletic department has been selected to be the next director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
Gov. Gary Herbert has named Val Hale as GOED’s new director.
“Val is a man of extraordinary experience, talent and drive, with a unique background in economic development, marketing, public relations, international affairs, government and community relations,” said Herbert. “I have full confidence in his capabilities and I know he is ideally suited to build on Utah’s substantial economic development momentum.”
Hale was president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce when Herbert selected him.
He worked at Utah Valley Community College for two years and led the local business community’s effort to address a wide range of issues including air quality, regional economic development, and branding initiatives.
Prior to working at the chamber, he served as vice president of university relations, vice president of advancement, and assistant vice president for external affairs at Utah Valley University.
Hale oversaw legislative affairs, marketing, and public/media/community relations, to fundraising and external activities for UVU.
He also oversaw community relations and supervised economic development activities while at UVU.
Prior to joining UVU, Hale worked 22 years in the athletic department at Brigham Young University, including as director of athletics.
Hale replaces Spencer Eccles as executive director of the GOED.
After nearly five years at the helm of Utah’s economic development efforts, Eccles departed state government to form a private investment company.
Hale will assume his new role on Aug. 4.
GOED plays a key role in Tooele County’s economic development efforts, according to Randy Sant, economic development consultant for Tooele City and Tooele County.
Economic Development Corporation of Utah, where the county gets most of its leads for new businesses, is funded by GOED, Sant said.
GOED also is responsible for arranging state incentives to attract businesses.
The new Cabela’s distribution center in Tooele City, and the Allegheny Technologies Incorporated titanium plant in Rowley, are companies that GOED helped bring to Tooele County, according to Sant.
“There is no better place in America to do business than in our great state, and there is no governor more committed to promoting economic development than Governor Herbert,” said Hale.
“I am honored to serve the people of Utah and the business community in this new role and I am excited to continue advancing Utah’s economic vitality with GOED’s impressive team and partners,” he added.