47G Appoints Kori Ann Edwards as Chief Strategy Officer
Kori Ann Edwards has been appointed by 47G Utah Aerospace & Defense (47G) to be its Chief Strategy Officer. Edwards will oversee the 47G Institute and Project Alta.
Ecosystem
Salt Lake City, Utah, January 7, 2024
47G Utah Aerospace & Defense (47G) has announced Kori Ann Edwards has accepted the position of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) within the organization's core team. She will lead strategic initiatives to accelerate the growth of Utah’s aerospace and defense ecosystem. She possesses over three decades of public and private-sector experience in economic development, strategic leadership, program development and stakeholder engagement.
Most recently, Edwards served as the managing director of strategic initiatives for the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) where she developed the soon-to-be-released Gameplan 2034, the State of Utah’s economic vision for the 2034 Winter Olympic Games.
As 47G’s CSO, Edwards will oversee the 47G Institute, which was established after last year’s merger between 47G and the Utah Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Initiative (UAMMI). The merger has already bolstered the state’s economy, accelerated the development of advanced technologies and elevated the state’s role in protecting national security. Edwards, a founding UAMMI board member, brings an extensive understanding of critical minerals and advanced manufacturing to 47G. With over 80% of Utah’s advanced materials supporting aerospace and defense manufacturers, Edwards’ expertise will be key to the success of the Institute.
As CSO, Edwards will also support the development of Project Alta, a 47G initiative that seeks to create a well-functioning transportation system in the air that connects seamlessly with Utah’s transportation system on the ground. The initiative aims to expand existing drone package delivery to more Utah communities, utilize drones for cargo transport, and establish regional air taxi service that move people by 2034. In addition, with her ability to adeptly navigate the policymaking process, Edwards will serve as the organization’s legislative liaison, working closely with state legislators and members of Congress to advance policies that strengthen a thriving aerospace and defense ecosystem in Utah.
“Kori Ann is a leading advocate for Utah’s aerospace and defense companies and has been instrumental in the industry’s success. Throughout her career, she has worked in many important positions, including serving on our board of directors,” Aaron Starks, 47G president and CEO. “She understands our organization and the fundamental role we play in making Utah a destination for emerging technology that will shape the industry for decades to come.”
Edwards’ results-driven and people-focused approach is evidenced by her successful professional career. During her time at GOEO, Edwards led the agency’s COVID-19 response, overseeing the rapid distribution of $200 million in relief funds to provide much-needed support to Utah businesses during the pandemic. In addition, she launched forward-thinking programs such as the state’s telework and returnship programs that have proved to be a gamechanger for employers and employees alike.
Prior to her service at GOEO, Edwards worked as senior vice president and chief operating officer at Logistics Specialties, Inc. (LSI), a services provider that has secured an eye-popping $475 billion in federal contracts for over 3,100 clients. During her 20-year tenure at LSI, Edwards instituted and managed the company’s economic development division, overseeing more than $40 million in revenue allocation.
“I have had a strong career in the aerospace and defense industry and am passionate about the continued growth and prosperity of this critical ecosystem in Utah,” said Kori Ann Edwards, 47G CSO. “I am eager to apply my expertise in economic development and strategic leadership to my work at 47G. The organization’s efforts are fundamental to the success of Utah’s economy, and I’m honored to be a part of that.”
Edwards has served on numerous executive boards and committees across the state. She is a founding member of the Northern Utah Chamber Coalition and serves as the chair for the Ogden-Weber Technical College Board of Trustees. In addition, she has served on the boards of the Utah Defense Alliance, Envision Utah, Top of Utah Military Affairs, Women in the Economy Commission, and many more. Edwards holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Utah State University (USU), a minor in Management and Economics, and a certification from USU in Public Administration.
