The Utah Inland Port Authority recently welcomed Lori Haslem as Associate Vice President of Business Development, bringing strong experience in rural economic development, entrepreneurship, infrastructure planning and community partnerships.
In her role with the Port, Haslem supports business development efforts across the state and will oversee the Pony Express, Verk and Black Gold Project Areas.
“Lori brings a deep understanding of rural Utah and the partnerships needed to support responsible economic growth,” said Wm. Scott Wolford, Managing Director, Business Development. “Her experience working with businesses, local leaders and state partners will be a tremendous asset as UIPA continues to support communities and project areas across the state.”
Haslem has spent much of her career helping strengthen rural communities and expand economic opportunities. She helped develop and launch the Vernal Innovation Hub, one of Utah’s first innovation hubs, where she served as a startup specialist, advising entrepreneurs and creating programs to help new businesses succeed.
She also served as an ambassador and business advisor with the Women’s Business Center of Utah and later worked with the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development’s Center for Rural Development and Community Outreach as a rural economic development manager serving six counties in northeast Utah.
Born and raised in Vernal, Haslem experienced firsthand the economic cycles of the oil and gas industry. Those experiences shaped her commitment to helping rural communities diversify their economies, create lasting job opportunities and build long-term economic sustainability.
“Growing up in Vernal gave me a firsthand understanding of the opportunities and challenges rural communities face,” Haslem said. “I’m excited to help communities build on their strengths, attract new investment and create long-term opportunities that allow families and future generations to thrive where they live.”
Published: 06/03/26
Author: Kaitlin Felsted