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SALT LAKE CITY — Former U.S. ambassador and U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake was named on Monday as chairman of World Trade Center Utah's board of directors.
Flake, a Republican, represented Arizona in the Senate from 2013 to 2019 before being nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Turkey in July 2021.
Axios reported in July that Flake informed the White House he would leave his post in early September. A release from World Trade Center Utah said Flake, a Brigham Young University graduate, completed his ambassadorship to Turkey on Sept. 1 and has moved to Provo.
"I'm thrilled to join WTC Utah," Flake said in a statement. "Utah has strong global partnerships, and its innovative business ecosystem and entrepreneurial spirit create opportunities for international expansion. I'm confident that we can enhance Utah's position as a key player in the global economy and create lasting opportunities for business across the state."
Flake's international political experience was a key reason World Trade Center Utah sought him out to continue elevating its mission "to elevate Utah companies on the global stage and drive economic resilience."
Flake visited Salt Lake City in May, to speak at the Crossroads of the World International Trade Summit, hosted by Zions Bank and World Trade Center Utah.
He spoke about the devastating earthquake that rocked Turkey in February 2023. He mentioned The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated over $40 million in aid.
"No state in the country has been more charitable than Utah," Flake said, to applause. "Not even close."
Joining Flake on the board of directors is Paul Burdiss, Zions Bank president and CEO, who succeeded Scott Anderson on the board.
A founding member of World Trade Center Utah and 12-year board chairman, Anderson fostered a "deep, long-lasting" partnership between Zions Bank and World Trade Center Utah, a collaboration that has "significantly benefited Utah's community, through both global business development and local initiatives," World Trade Center Utah said in a release.
"For more than three decades, Scott has made milestone contributions to the state of Utah," Burdiss said in a statement. "Under his leadership, Zions Bank has long recognized the importance of global trade to Utah's economy, and I am particularly excited to now do my part to contribute to WTC Utah's mission. By helping businesses access international markets, we not only create opportunities for individuals — we strengthen our entire community and solidify Utah's position in the global marketplace."
World Trade Center Utah added that Jon Huntsman, the outgoing chairman, and Anderson will remain active on the board as chairmen emeriti, as they provide ongoing strategic guidance and ensure a smooth leadership transition.
