Institute for Land, Water & Air Leaders Recognized as 'Informed Decision Makers of the Year'

Utah State University’s Brian Steed and Anna McEntire have been recognized as Informed Decision Makers of the Year by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

The pair leads USU’s Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water and Air, with Steed as executive director and McEntire as managing director. Founded in 2021, the institute has been dubbed the “red telephone” for challenges with Utah’s shared natural resources. Building upon USU’s land-grant legacy, the institute serves the state by equipping decision-makers with the data they need to drive informed land, water, and air policy for Utah.

Each year, the Gardner Institute at the University of Utah recognizes individuals and entities that work, often behind the scenes, to help communities prosper. These Informed Decision Maker awardees are selected based on criteria consistent with the institute’s core values: Responsibility to the community, research integrity and relevance, accountability, collaboration, positivity, and passion. An awards reception took place this year on May 8.

“The Gardner Institute is pleased to honor five outstanding individuals and organizations who exemplify a genuine commitment to their community through their work,” said Gardner 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.”

Informed Decision Maker of the Year recipients for 2025 also include:

• Sophia M. DiCaro, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget and a senior adviser to Gov. Spencer J. Cox.
• Latino Behavioral Health Services, a grassroots organization created to minimize the disparities in access to mental health services among Latino populations in Utah.
• Jewish Family Service, an organization supporting all Utahns as they navigate life’s challenges by strengthening individuals and families of all backgrounds through counseling, advocacy, care management and community education.
• YCC Family Crisis Center, a nonprofit supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence through safety, advocacy and resources on their journey to safe and healthy lives.

“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 adviser and chair of the Informed Decision Maker award committee. “Every year, we identify five remarkable leaders and organizations with the Informed Decision Maker of the Year Award who make important contributions to our state.”