Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Former Rep. Chris Stewart was appointed as chairman of the Utah Aerospace and Defense Association less than one month after leaving Congress, the organization announced Monday.
It's not the only role Stewart will fill following his 10-year career in Congress, as he announced that he would serve as the managing partner of a lobbying firm last month.
The Utah Aerospace and Defense Association was created last year to advocate for companies within the sector, and Stewart's history as an Air Force pilot made him an appealing choice, the organization said in a news release.
"When I went to Congress, I knew I could contribute to critical decisions related to aerospace and defense because it was a continuation of what I'd always done," Stewart said. "Leading the Utah Aerospace Association will allow me to leverage my expertise and continue serving Utahns in a critical way. This is my greatest passion and where I feel I can make a difference."
Stewart said the state is primed to compete in industries that will be critical to the nation's future, including artificial intelligence, radars, deterrence systems, cyber security, machine learning and drone technology.
Already, the industry and various military installations in the state make up nearly 20% of the Utah's economy, according to Utah Aerospace and Defense.
"Congressman Stewart has a unique and incredible perspective on the nation's defense strategy which will accelerate growth for companies in Utah looking to scale worldwide," said Aaron Starks, Utah Aerospace and Defense Association president and CEO. "At his core, Chris is an innovator who will help the organization in its efforts to recruit talent, source capital, and create an ecosystem that enables entrepreneurs to succeed."
"Utah is a patriotic state well-positioned to defend our country," Stewart said. "The Utah Aerospace and Defense Association's work matters not only to the Utah economy but also to America's national security. I am honored to serve as their chair and look forward to improving Utahns' quality of life through our work."
Stewart announced his resignation earlier this year, saying it would allow him to spend more time with his wife, who suffered a stroke last year.
Stewart's seat in the U.S. House of Representatives is currently empty, pending the November special election to replace him between Republican Celeste Maloy and Democrat Kathleen Riebe.
