Richard Ellis is the executive director for my529, Utah’s education savings plan. His previous experience includes nearly 20 years with the state of Utah having served two terms as state treasurer and various other roles in the governor’s office and state treasurer’s office. His involvement with state trust lands began in 1996.

Paula Plant became an advocate for the trusts and beneficiaries as a school PTA member when a legislative task force was considering the creation of the Trust Lands Administration. Since that time, she has worked with the trust system to improve policy at the school, district, state, and congressional levels that protect the trusts and beneficiary rights, including the creation of the School LAND Trust Program. Paula is the Director of the School Children’s Trust at the Utah State Board of Education.

Louie Cononelos, holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in History and was honored as an Honorary Engineer of Mines by the University of Utah’s Department of Mining Engineering where he also later taught as an Associate Professor. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Cononelos has held diverse management roles in Kennecott companies, culminating in his position as Rio Tinto’s Chief Advisor for Government and Corporate Relations-Americas before retiring. He continues to provide consultation to multiple mining companies. During his career, he has held leadership and board positions in several industry, civic, and charitable organizations including the SITLA Board of Trustees.

Roger joins the Land Trusts Protection and Advocacy Committee after careers in the oil and natural gas industry and in real estate development.  He served in the Utah House of Representatives for 14 years, chairing committees in energy, public utilities, natural resources, agriculture, and environment.  He also served a six-year term on SITLA’s Board of Trustees.

Brad is the founder of Benz Capital and a Senior Advisor to TPG RISE. Brad has been creating, operating, and investing in education companies for over two decades. Brad earned his MBA from the University of Michigan and an AB degree from Princeton University.