Winning Spirit Magazine May-June 2020 | Page 14

A “Stirling” Example of Leadership A Beloved Colleague Takes on New Challenge On May 1, Don Stirling was named Executive Director of the Miller Family Office. As part of his duties, Don will serve as a liaison among the family office, Larry H. Miller operating businesses, service providers, and the Miller’s philanthropic activities. He will also provide administrative and support services such as professional and personal development, family education, budget planning and oversight, and community relations. Don has a diverse and extensive background in development, marketing, communications, and policy. He has forged strong relationships within the communities where we do business. Don is a strategic leader and collaborative partner who is committed to enriching lives and supporting the vision for the Miller family and Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. Don has a wealth of experience that he brings to his new role. Most recently, Don was the executive vice president of marketing and communications for LHM Sports & Entertainment. Before joining the Group, Don spent six years as national finance director/senior finance advisor for Governor Mitt Romney. He held strategic sales and marketing positions with NBA Properties, Ladies Professional Golf Association, Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, and the Massachusetts Sports Commission. With Don at the helm, the Miller Family Office is in good hands and will be for years to come. ◆ A Variation on an Old Game Mike Conley Crowned HORSE Champion Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley had all the trick shots on display among a starstudded field to earn the honors of HORSE champion in April. The ambidextrous Jazz player bested Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine in the finals in front of a national audience, with impressive shots like a free throw with his eyes closed and spinning the ball on his finger and punching it off the glass. Throughout his 13-year professional career, Conley has continued to use his influence as an NBA player to make an impact in the community. His HORSE victory was no different. With the win, a corporate partner made a large donation to various charities and Conley himself made a sizable donation to the Utah Food Bank. The HORSE challenge provided some welcome relief during an unprecedented time around the globe and in the sports world. “It helped a lot,” said Conley of the competition. “All of us guys are looking for something to do, for someone to compete against. There are only so many video games you can play before we really start to go crazy.” However, just because he’s the newly minted HORSE champion, don’t automatically think that Conley would win handily in a similar competition among Jazz players. “Bojan Bogdanovic would be my pick to dethrone me,” Conley said. “He’s got a lot of tricks. He’s a tricky dude. And obviously he can shoot way better than me.” ◆ 12 LHM Winning Spirit May/June 2020