Brad Petersen

Brad Petersen is the Director of Utah’s Office of Outdoor Recreation.

In early 2013, Utah Governor Gary Herbert had a crazy idea:  His office and the Utah legislature should do more to improve the recreation economy in the state by better supporting the outdoor products and services industry; improving and developing additional recreation infrastructure; and ensuring that recreational use is properly represented in public land planning.   So, in conjunction with the Outdoor Industry Association, he created a new state agency, the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation.  Then he called Brad and appointed him to be the new Director.

Brad’s a native Utahn with an impressive business-oriented resume. His past professional job titles include President, GM, and COO.  But more important, he also has more than 30 years experience climbing, paddling, skiing, biking, hunting, and motorcycling the Beehive State’s backcountry.   After two years the new office has been a tremendous success throughout the state and received nationwide recognition.

Brad will participate in the Breakfast Discourse on State Offices of Outdoor Recreation on Friday, Oct. 9, at the Wort Hotel.