Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
No community is shaped by just one person. Real progress happens slowly, built by people willing to lead, create and invest in something bigger than themselves.
Utah is full of examples. According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, the state has led the nation in economic growth in recent years and consistently ranks near the top in innovation and business climate.
That spirit of teamwork is exactly what the Salt Lake Chamber's Under One Sky: America250 Utah Awards Gala celebrates.
The event honors individuals and organizations who are helping move Utah forward.
As the country marks its 250th anniversary, it's a chance to reflect on the leaders who've shaped the state and think about the work still ahead.
Many of the names on this year's list may be familiar. But their impact goes far beyond a single title or accomplishment.
They represent the wider network of people who help shape Utah every day.
Here's a look at this year's honorees.
Under One Sky Award: The Larry H. Miller Company
For decades, The Larry H. Miller Company has played a visible role in shaping Utah's economic and community landscape.
What began as a single automotive dealership has grown into a diversified investment firm with interests spanning real estate, health care, sports and entertainment.
But its influence extends beyond business. The organization has long emphasized community-building and philanthropy, continuing a legacy established by Larry H. Miller himself that prioritizes reinvestment in the places it operates.
From large-scale development projects to charity initiatives, the company's work reflects a belief that business success and community impact are closely connected.
Steward of the Sky Award: Intermountain Health
As one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the region, Intermountain Health's reach is both broad and local.
With dozens of hospitals, hundreds of clinics and a network of providers serving patients across multiple states, the organization plays a central role in the delivery of care in Utah.
Intermountain has built its reputation on a focus on preventive care, data-driven decision-making and improving outcomes while managing costs, making it a national leader in health care innovation.
At its core, its mission remains straightforward: Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, while strengthening the overall well-being of the communities it serves.
Milky Way Award: Huntsman Family Foundation
The Huntsman Family Foundation represents one of Utah's biggest philanthropic legacies.
Established by Jon and Karen Huntsman, the foundation has focused its efforts on addressing some of the most complex challenges facing communities — particularly cancer, mental health, education and humanitarian needs.
On both a local and national scale, the foundation has been known for its groundbreaking research and treatment, as well as for funding programs that provide dignity and opportunity to vulnerable populations.
Like the award it represents, the foundation's work connects a wide network of causes and initiatives, amplifying impact through collaboration and sustained commitment.
United Star Award: Natalie Gochnour
Few individuals have had as much influence on Utah's public policy landscape as Natalie Gochnour.
As director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute and associate dean at the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah, she's helped shape conversations around economic growth, public policy and the state's long-term trajectory.
Gochnour has worked with multiple governors, served as a political appointee during the George W. Bush administration, and is known for her ability to bridge perspectives and bring a balanced voice to complex issues through writing and media.
Constellation of Connection Award: Christian Gardner
Connection is at the center of Christian Gardner's work.
As CEO and chairman of the Gardner Group, he leads a portfolio of companies focused on real estate development, investment and sustainability, with projects that have helped shape commercial and community spaces across Utah.
In addition to his work in development, Gardner has played a key role in advancing renewable energy initiatives through rPlus Energies and supporting early-stage, sustainability-focused companies through Philo Ventures.
North Star Awards: Fred Lampropoulos and Lavanya Mahate
The North Star Award recognizes founders whose ideas have created lasting impact.
This year's recipients reflect two very different, but equally influential, paths.
Fred Lampropoulos has spent more than four decades in the medical device industry, helping to build Merit Medical into a global company with significant reach.
Along the way, he's contributed to hundreds of patented innovations used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, influencing patient care around the world. He's also a very active member in the community and a member of several boards.
Lavanya Mahate has taken a different route to impact through food, culture and entrepreneurship.
As the founder of multiple restaurants and ventures, she's helped expand Utah's culinary landscape while creating platforms that celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Beyond her business success through Saffron Valley, Mahate founded the RISE Culinary Institute, a nonprofit focused on empowering women from diverse backgrounds.
Guiding Light Award: Wayne Niederhauser
Wayne Niederhauser's career spans business, government and public service — but in recent years, his work has focused on one of Utah's most pressing challenges: homelessness.
As the state's homelessness coordinator under Gov. Spencer Cox, Niederhauser worked to advance funding for deeply affordable housing, improve coordination across agencies and support innovative solutions such as microshelter communities.
Though he's since retired, he and his wife, Melissa, have remained personally engaged with individuals experiencing homelessness.
Enjoy this memorable evening at the Grand America Hotel
The event will also feature a performance by GENTRI — the local tenor trio of Brad Robins, Casey Elliott and Bradley Quinn Lever — that's earned national recognition and a global following.
Under One Sky will take place on May 21, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Grand America Hotel. Guests can attend individually or explore sponsorship opportunities through the Salt Lake Chamber's website.
