Senator Ann Millner and Jefferson Moss join the 47G board, bringing decades of experience in education, innovation, and economic development to strengthen Utah’s rapidly expanding aerospace and defense sectors.
Salt Lake City, Utah - May 22, 2025
47G has appointed Utah Senator Ann Millner and Jefferson Moss, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), to its board of directors. Both bring decades of leadership in education, government, and economic development to support Utah’s booming aerospace and defense sectors.
Ann Millner: Education and Workforce Development Advocate
Senator Millner has long supported Utah’s defense and aerospace industries. During her time as president and vice president at Weber State University, she built strong partnerships with Hill Air Force Base and local defense firms. Her leadership helped drive collaborative research and workforce training initiatives and contributed to one of Utah’s first in-depth reports on the defense industry’s economic impact.
“Utah’s aerospace and defense sectors are vital to our economy and national security,” Millner said. “We’re at a turning point where strategic partnerships and workforce alignment will define our future. I’m proud to support 47G’s work to make Utah a national leader in innovation and growth.”
As co-chair of Utah’s legislative aerospace and defense caucus, Millner has influenced key policy decisions, especially in advanced aviation. She’s also actively involved in Project Alta—47G’s statewide effort to prepare for advanced air mobility systems ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics.
Millner chairs Talent Ready Utah, leading efforts to connect education with industry needs. Her work focuses on preparing students for careers in engineering, production, and maintenance—roles critical to Utah’s aerospace and defense companies.
“We must rethink how we train and support the next generation of industry leaders,” she added. “That means aligning schools with real-world demands and fostering an environment that encourages innovation and protects our national interests.”
Jefferson Moss: Innovation and Commercialization Leader
Joining Millner on the board is Jefferson Moss, a former state legislator and a leader in public-private partnerships and higher education. Recently appointed as GOEO’s executive director, Moss now oversees Utah’s economic development strategy.
“Utah has a real opportunity to lead in advanced manufacturing, research, and defense tech,” Moss said. “47G connects the right players—from policymakers to entrepreneurs—and I’m excited to help accelerate progress for our state.”
Previously, Moss served as Associate Commissioner for Innovation and Commercialization at the Utah System of Higher Education. There, he strengthened ties between universities, investors, and startups, and led the Utah Innovation Fund to support early-stage companies. He also launched the Nucleus Institute, aimed at creating a more unified approach to workforce development and tech commercialization.
“I’m excited to help drive 47G’s mission to grow talent and turn bold ideas into real solutions,” Moss said. “Utah’s unique collaboration across education, government, and industry gives us a real edge in emerging technologies and national defense.”
Strengthening Utah’s Aerospace Future
According to the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, aerospace, defense, and space industries bring in over $100 billion annually and support more than 500,000 jobs statewide. 47G continues to lead strategic efforts—like building a statewide advanced air mobility system and securing critical mineral supply chains.
With the addition of Millner and Moss, 47G strengthens its leadership team to meet future challenges and opportunities at the intersection of innovation, workforce, and policy.
“Senator Millner and Jefferson Moss are forward-thinking leaders who understand what it takes to keep Utah competitive,” said Aaron Starks, president and CEO of 47G. “Their insight and experience will be crucial as we align policy, capital, and talent to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving industry.”