- Utah aerospace and defense advocacy group 47G announces leadership change.
- 47G co-founder and president/CEO Aaron Starks headed for new opportunity.
- 47G launches national search amid record growth cycle.
Utah business sector veteran Aaron Starks helped rebrand the state’s former Utah Aerospace and Defense Association back in 2022 and ushered in a new era, under the 47G brand, that today is the fastest-growing advocacy group of its kind in the country.
On Friday, the 47G board of directors announced that Starks will be transitioning from his role as president and CEO, effective Dec. 15. Matthew Croshaw will assume the role of interim president alongside his duties as 47G’s chief operating officer beginning Dec. 16, while Starks will remain engaged in an advisory capacity to support a smooth leadership transition as the board conducts a search for a permanent successor, according to 47G’s announcement of the changes.
“We are incredibly grateful to Aaron for the vision, leadership, and dedication he has brought to 47G,” said Brad Wilson, former Utah House speaker and chairman of the 47G board of directors, in a press statement. “He has played an instrumental role in building an organization that brings together the people and partners shaping the future of aerospace, defense, and hard tech. As we look ahead, our priority is to build on that foundation and identify the right leader to guide 47G through its next phase of growth.”
The organization has initiated numerous new programs under Starks’ leadership, including Project ALTA, launched in 2024 in partnership with the governor’s office, the Utah Department of Transportation and the Utah Inland Port Authority, aimed at helping advance Utah’s advanced air mobility ecosystem. The work includes helping establish infrastructure and support across the state for new, electric-powered and, eventually, autonomous aircraft. Starks also helped bring top national talent to the effort, including former FAA executive Chris Metts, who has served as the project’s executive director since inception.
On Friday, Starks told the Deseret News he wasn’t quite ready to share news of his next steps but lauded the work of his 47G colleagues and partners over the course of his tenure.
“It’s been an awesome ride,” Starks said. “I feel like I’ve given everything I can and am stepping down with nothing but great feelings about the team, the partners and the projects. This comes at a really hard time because the organization is doing so well.”
How big is Utah’s aerospace and defense sector?
The leadership change announcement comes just days after 47G wrapped up its second annual Zero Gravity Summit, which drew thousands of participants to a two-day conference at the Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City. According to 47G, aerospace and defense accounts directly and indirectly for nearly 20% of Utah’s annual GDP while supporting tens of thousands of jobs.
A handful of announcements shared during the Zero Gravity gathering help illustrate the expanse of 47G’s efforts, including:
- Plans for a new technology and aerospace museum at Thanksgiving Point, which will include a 3D digital dome theater.
- Southern Utah University’s selection as one of NASA’s Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs.
- Eagle Mountain’s plans to create a new advanced air mobility hub in the city, one of the fastest-growing communities in the country.
In an interview ahead of this year’s conference, Starks, who previously worked for World Trade Center Utah and Salt Lake City-based leadership development firm FranklinCovey, told the Deseret News that since its launch, 47G had ascended from a state-level advocacy group with ambitious plans to a major player on the national stage.
“We are now the largest aerospace and defense group in the U.S.,” Starks said. “The 240 companies we’re actively working with across 18 states are coming to Utah, sourcing from Utah and interested in expanding their investments in Utah.”
During the transition, Croshaw will oversee 47G’s day-to-day operations, while Starks will provide advisory support until a permanent president and CEO is named, according to 47G. Its leadership team will continue to lead the organization’s core programs and initiatives and all existing programs, partnerships and member services will continue without interruption.
“The transition comes as 47G continues to operate from a position of strength,” said Gregg Robison, vice chairman of the 47G board of directors, in a press statement. “We are entering 2027 with record membership, growing national visibility and strong support from our industry and state partners. The board is confident in the organization’s direction and committed to building on the momentum already underway.”
