Stephen Lisonbee Named SUU Executive Director of Regional Services
Published: April 18, 2019 | Read Time: 2 minutes
Southern Utah University is excited to announce Stephen Lisonbee as the new Executive Director of Regional Services.
The Office of Regional Services has a special community engagement focus of working closely with local governments, state and federal agencies, and employers throughout the region as a partner and resource, assisting them with such things as rural policies, economic and business development, community planning, cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and natural resource issues.
Utah Governor Gary Herbert and his team have worked with Lisonbee on different initiatives. The Governor gave his endorsement for Lisonbee’s new role, "I congratulate Stephen Lisonbee on his appointment as the new Executive Director of Regional Services for Southern Utah University. As our state's overall economy grows and prospers, it is critical that rural Utahns enjoy this same level of prosperity and growth that can be found in urban areas. Stephen’s expertise will greatly aid rural economic development in our state.”
Lisonbee completed his MBA from Southern Utah University where he was actively involved in student life including being a student senator, SHRM President, teacher/research assistant, and graduating Summa Cum Laude. Over the past two decades, he has become well known for being an innovative and collaborative partner while serving in a wide variety of leadership positions within Utah’s Department of Workforce Services.
Most recently Lisonbee served as the Division Director for Utah’s Workforce Development Division. In this position, he was tasked with administering federal and state programs throughout Utah and it’s 31 Employment Centers.
“SUU is where I fell in love with education, the community, and my wife,” said Lisonbee. “After a career full of leading state workforce programs I am honored for the opportunity to return to my alma mater and be part of the innovation that is happening with the current leadership.”
The Office of Regional Services is a champion for rural Utah priorities and policies and provides rural leadership development opportunities. In his new role Lisonbee will work closely with the Governor’s Office, various state and federal agencies, industry leaders, community elected officials and the Commissioner of Higher Education’s Office.
Lisonbee’s background working with career and education programs targeted to meet industry demand will bring unique opportunities for SUU students and programs, helping lead innovation for Utah’s workforce.
“I am thrilled to play a collaborative role within the community to support entrepreneurship and rural economic development,” Lisonbee said. “Helping businesses grow by connecting them to the resources of SUU with a purposeful intent to identify, create, and provide jobs for SUU students is a dream come true for me.”
Lisonbee replaces Wes Curtis, who recently retired as the Executive Director of Regional Services.
Tags: Regional Services Community
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