Gary R. Herbert

Former Governor of Utah

Former Gov. Gary R. Herbert served as the 17th governor of Utah from 2009 to 2021, and was the nation’s longest-serving governor when he left office. During his tenure, his focus was on economic development, education, energy, and efficiency in government. As a result, Utah is recognized as a premier business destination and a great place to live and raise families, with an unsurpassed quality of life.

Herbert was born and raised in Utah County, where he would eventually serve as a county commissioner for 14 years. He attended Brigham Young University, served six years in the Utah National Guard (from 1970–1976), and started a successful real estate brokerage and development company, Herbert and Associates Inc.

He served as the president of the Utah Association of Realtors and the president of the Utah Association of Counties. Herbert has also served as chair of both the Western Governors’ Association and National Governors Association and was the president of the Council of State Governments. Prior to becoming governor, he served as Utah’s lieutenant governor for four and a half years.

Herbert has long been a strong advocate for excellence in public and higher education in Utah. He is currently dedicating his time and resources to benefit the students of Utah Valley University, launching UVU’s Herbert Public Policy Initiative. The Institute aspires to be a voice for sound political thought, a facilitator of converging views and an educator of the next generation of public policy leaders.

Herbert and his wife, Jeanette, live in Orem and are the proud parents of 6 children and 17 grandchildren.