47G Utah Aerospace & Defense has appointed Amanda Covington, chief corporate affairs officer for the Larry H. Miller Company and Nate Walkingshaw, founder and chief executive officer for Torus to its board of directors.
Salt Lake City, Utah, July 8, 2024,
47G Utah Aerospace & Defense announced today that Amanda Covington, chief corporate affairs officer for the Larry H. Miller Company and Nate Walkingshaw, founder and chief executive officer for Torus have joined the organization’s board of directors. Both Covington and Walkingshaw have played prominent roles helping to advance Utah’s aerospace and defense ecosystem throughout their distinguished careers.
Covington has more than 25 years of experience leading corporate communications and government relations. She serves on several boards, including the Utah Board of Higher Education, the Utah Women’s Leadership Institute and the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Walkingshaw is a well-known inventor and serial entrepreneur who has successfully started and sold several companies, including a Utah-based renewable energy company dedicated to making energy storage more efficient, affordable and sustainable.
“Amanda Covington and Nate Walkingshaw bring unique insights and experiences to the organization which will ensure that 47G continues to achieve its mission and establish the nation’s premier ecosystem for aerospace and defense companies throughout Utah,” said Aaron Starks, president and CEO of 47G. “Our industry represents a lot of the emerging technology areas the state offers and both of them have a proven track record for growing companies in this space.”
Covington and Walkingshaw will play pivotal roles in guiding the association's strategic direction, fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, and advocating for policies that promote cutting-edge innovations, technological advancement and national security.
“Torus is a mission-driven company that values innovation, entrepreneurship and ingenuity. We enable communities and individuals to become their own renewable energy providers through our advanced technologies that make energy storage easily accessible for businesses and homeowners,” said Nate Walkingshaw, Torus CEO. “I am honored to join 47G’s board of directors because their organization aligns so well with our company’s mission and values. 47G is advancing the industry in a way that makes life better for all Utahns and I look forward to being a part of that.”
The appointments come as the organization continues to expand its leading role representing Utah businesses and community stakeholders through the recent launch of Project Alta and its establishment of the 47G UAMMI Institute. In addition to aerospace, defense and cyber security, the organization’s efforts now include advanced air mobility, critical minerals, advanced materials and energy.
“The Larry H. Miller Company is a long-standing, innovative organization woven into Utah’s economic development ecosystem. As we continue to invest in our local communities, we understand the importance of actively engaging in a well-respected organization, like 47G, that convenes and advocates for Utah companies,” said Amanda Covington, chief corporate affairs officer for the Larry H. Miller Company. “47G provides these critical opportunities for cross-sector collaboration. I welcome the opportunity to serve on their board and provide strategic guidance for their exceptional vision and work.”
47G is the world’s premier ecosystem for aerospace, defense and cyber companies in Utah, with a mission to foster talent, fund entrepreneurship and fuel innovation. The 47G ecosystem comprises over 120 companies and 20 academic institutions working to solve critical national security challenges across three industry sectors. Want to learn more? Visit the website at 47G.org, follow 47G on LinkedIn and X, and subscribe to their YouTube Channel. See TechBuzz coverage on 47G's ceremonial kick off in October 2023.
The Larry H. Miller Company is a family investment firm built on the Miller family’s legacy of business leadership, community building, and philanthropic giving. We oversee the organization’s portfolio of business platforms and companies spanning real estate, healthcare, sports+entertainment, and investments.
Torus is a Utah-based renewable energy company focused on making energy storage and management more efficient, affordable, and sustainable. Co-founded by Nate Walkingshaw and Gilbert Lee, Torus offers a range of products designed to help individuals and communities become their own renewable energy providers. Torus has been making significant strides in the renewable energy market, securing $67 million in venture financing to advance its energy storage and management platform. The company recently opened its 44,000 square foot headquarters and manufacturing facility in South Salt Lake City.