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7 Shocking Ways Gary Herbert Defined Utah's Future And His Powerful Role In 2024

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Former Utah Governor Gary Herbert, who served as the state's 17th chief executive from 2009 to 2021, remains a highly influential figure in Utah politics and public policy as of . His legacy is defined by an era of unprecedented economic growth, which earned Utah national recognition as a premier business destination.

Far from retiring from public life, Herbert has transitioned his decades of experience into powerful new roles, including leading a major public policy institute and actively engaging in critical, current debates like the state's ongoing water challenges. His continued involvement ensures his influence on the "Utah Model" will persist for years to come.

Governor Gary R. Herbert: A Comprehensive Biography and Political Profile

Gary Richard Herbert is one of Utah's most consequential and longest-serving political figures. His career spans local, state, and national leadership roles, cementing his status as a key architect of modern Utah.

  • Full Name: Gary Richard Herbert
  • Born: May 7, 1947, in American Fork, Utah.
  • Education: Orem High School; served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; attended Brigham Young University (BYU).
  • Political Party: Republican.
  • Early Career: Served in the Utah National Guard for six years; worked as a real estate broker and founded Herbert and Associates, a real estate firm.
  • Local Government: Served 14 years as a Utah County Commissioner.
  • Lieutenant Governor: Served as Utah’s Lieutenant Governor from 2005 to 2009.
  • Governor of Utah: Assumed office on August 11, 2009, following the resignation of then-Governor Jon Huntsman. He was subsequently elected for two full terms, serving until January 4, 2021.
  • Distinction: At the time of his departure, he was one of the nation's longest-serving governors.
  • Family: Married to Jeanette Herbert; they have six children and numerous grandchildren.

The Powerful Post-Governorship Roles Defining His 2024 Influence

Since leaving the Governor’s Mansion in 2021, Gary Herbert has not slowed down. He has instead focused his expertise on shaping the next generation of policy leaders and influencing economic development across the state. His current roles are highly strategic, positioning him at the intersection of education, business, and national policy.

The Herbert Institute for Public Policy at UVU

The centerpiece of his post-governorship career is the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy at Utah Valley University (UVU). This academic center is dedicated to fostering positive civic engagement and providing evidence-based solutions to complex policy concerns.

The Institute’s mission is to develop future leaders through hands-on experience. It sponsors the Herbert Public Policy Internship Program, which places UVU students in key legislative roles, including the Utah State Legislature and Washington, D.C. The Institute also promotes impactful faculty and student research through its Student Research Fellows Program, ensuring his legacy is tied to rigorous, data-driven policy-making.

National and Economic Leadership

Herbert continues to wield significant influence in the business community and at the national level:

  • Executive Chairman of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce: In this role, he focuses on sustaining the economic growth he championed as governor, particularly in the booming Utah Valley region. He works to ensure both small and large businesses have the resources and regulatory environment they need to flourish.
  • National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB): Appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Education, Herbert serves on the NAGB, which sets policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often called "The Nation's Report Card." His term extends until September 2025, giving him a direct voice in national education standards and assessments.
  • Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine: He serves as a Board Member, contributing to the development of Utah's healthcare and medical education infrastructure.

7 Key Achievements That Defined the Herbert Era in Utah

Governor Herbert's tenure, which spanned the recovery from the Great Recession, is often credited with establishing the "Utah Model"—a blend of fiscal conservatism, low regulation, and strategic investment. Here are seven of his most enduring achievements:

  1. The Rise of "Silicon Slopes": Herbert was a vocal champion of Utah's high-tech industry, centered in the Lehi-Provo corridor. He pledged infrastructure improvements and student work programs to build the necessary talent pool, helping to transform the area into a global hub for cloud computing and tech innovation.
  2. Economic Recovery and Fiscal Strength: Herbert took office during the Great Recession when the state's Rainy Day Fund was severely depleted. His focus on jobs and economic development led Utah to consistently rank as having one of the nation's best-performing economies, characterized by a low unemployment rate and robust GDP growth.
  3. The "Our Schools Now" Compromise: In a significant legislative victory, Herbert successfully signed a compromise bill that dropped the controversial "Our Schools Now" ballot initiative. This allowed for a record increase in public education funding—proposing a $292 million increase for K-12 education in his final years—while avoiding a major income and sales tax hike.
  4. Championing The Utah Compact: Herbert endorsed an updated version of "The Utah Compact," a document that promoted policies aimed at combating racism and providing greater opportunities for all of Utah’s residents, showcasing a commitment to racial equity and diversity.
  5. The Four Cornerstones Strategy: He anchored his economic vision on four key pillars: Education, Jobs, Energy, and Self-Determination. This holistic approach ensured that economic growth was supported by a skilled workforce and responsible resource management.
  6. Healthcare System Transformation: In 2011, Governor Herbert directed the Utah Department of Health to begin a comprehensive healthcare system transformation, aiming to put Utah on a path to enduring prosperity by improving the state's health infrastructure.
  7. National Leadership Roles: Herbert’s influence extended beyond Utah, as he chaired the Western Governors Association (WGA), the National Governors Association (NGA), and presided over the Council of State Governments, giving Utah a powerful voice in national policy discussions.

Herbert’s Current Stance on Utah’s Water Crisis (2024)

One of the most compelling and current aspects of Herbert’s post-governorship is his active involvement in Utah's critical environmental debates, specifically the severe water crisis impacting the Great Salt Lake.

In a move that generated significant discussion in 2024, former Governor Herbert advocated for a study to explore the controversial idea of using water from Utah Lake to supplement the dwindling Great Salt Lake. This proposal, which involves considering the dredging and management of Utah Lake, is viewed by some as a potential solution to a looming environmental and economic catastrophe, while others view it with caution due to the ecological impact on Utah Lake.

His willingness to engage in this high-stakes policy debate—and to push lawmakers to fund the necessary research—demonstrates his continued commitment to Utah's long-term growth potential and resource security.

Herbert’s current focus on the Utah Lake water issue is a direct continuation of his work while in office, where he accepted a "Recommended Water Strategy" report that mapped out a 50-year plan for water usage in the state. His involvement in 2024 highlights that even out of office, he remains a central figure in the state's most pressing challenges, proving that his political and policy career is far from over.

gary herbert utah governor
gary herbert utah governor

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