Stephen Lisonbee

Background

About Stephen Lisonbee

Stephen has been involved in community, economic and workforce development throughout Utah for the past 20 years. He has been recognized as a leader who develops relationships and partnerships. Stephen’s leadership is most notable through his convening power and vision creation. Stephen was raised in Delta, Utah where he attributes learning the value of work, voluntarism and community involvement. Stephen attended Southern Utah University (SUU) where he received a Masters in Business Administration and met his wife, Pamela Hendrickson from Toquerville. Stephen has resided in rural Utah since completing his education, living in Cedar City, Kanab & LaVerkin. Stephen serves as Senior Advisor for Rural Affairs to Gov. Spencer Cox. Stephen is the Associate Vice President of Community Outreach and Engagement at SUU where he oversees departments and centers who focus on community, economic and workforce developments programs and partnerships. Prior to SUU, Stephen held the appointed position as Division Director for Utah’s Workforce Development Division where he was tasked with administering federal and state programs to fuel Utah's economic engine and sustainable workforce through a career and educational approach. Stephen has played a leadership role in some very impactful efforts to include the One Utah Roadmap Rural Matters Team Lead, design of the Rural Opportunity Fund, One Utah Summit / Utah Rural Summit, Utah Local Leadership Academy, Iron Leaders Academy, Utah Rural Leadership Academy, InUT: Learn & Work, Operation Rio Grande, Intergenerational Poverty, 25K Jobs, 100K jobs in days, Talent Ready Utah, TANF: Family Focused Case Management, Workforce Opportunity Investment Act, and Utah Employability to Careers. Stephen is a graduate of Utah’s Certified Public Managers program and has served on numerous state and regional boards and commissions to include being a Commissioner on the Unified Economic Opportunity Commission, Chair of the Rural Growth Opportunity Subcommittee, Chair of the Iron County Economic Development Committee, Envision Utah Member Board of Directors, Employability to Careers Board Chair, and Executive Committee for the Governor’s Rural Partnership Board. Stephen is often known to spend his evening in his yard and garden while enjoying time with his family. He enjoys anything that includes his family and is always planning some trip to see the wonders of Utah and the world. Stephen and Pamela have four children who are their pride and joy.