Photo by Tess Crowley / Utah Business
NEWS AND NOTEWORTHY
LEADING BY EXAMPLE:
STEADY LEADERSHIP WITH LASTING IMPACT
Michelle Smith, president of Miller Sports + Entertainment and chief people officer for the Larry H. Miller Company, was named one of Utah Business’ s 2026 Leaders of the Year( view at utahbusiness. com). Michelle spearheaded a momentous year for Miller Sports + Entertainment, with the construction of The Ballpark at America First Square in Downtown Daybreak; the acquisition of Real Salt Lake, the Utah Royals FC and Real Monarchs; and the opening of Megaplex’ s first-ever cinema entertainment center.
Michelle believes that an essential part of her role is to pave the way for the next generation of executives and give them the best chance for success.
“ I have so many incredible people around me every day that are visionary, that are capable of leading strategies and identifying thoughtfully how we approach things, working well in partnerships,” Michelle said.“ At the Larry H. Miller Company, we make the places where life takes
place. That requires collaboration and trust among our executives and partners within the state of Utah. Fortunately, that remains our experience, and we look forward to the future.”
In February of this year, Sarah Starkey, chief legal officer for the Larry H. Miller Company, was promoted to Executive Director of Miller Family Services, which includes Miller Family Benefits and Education as well as Security Services Corporation. Sarah will continue to serve as chief legal officer and board secretary for the Larry H. Miller Company. In addition, Sarah recently completed her sixth year of service as secretary to the board, making her the longesttenured board secretary in the company’ s history. Sarah joined the organization in 2010 and has helped steward strong governance practices and supported thoughtful decisionmaking across the company.
During the first quarter of 2026, Ian McDonald, chief financial officer, helped guide the company through its annual budget cycle and first-quarter financial review. While leading Prestige Financial through its business transition, he aligned investment, capital and managed risk decisions across the portfolio. His leadership of the 2026 LHM Company budget and Q1 board reporting helped ensure the organization is well-positioned to invest in growth while responsibly managing non-core assets and maintaining a strong financial foundation. Ian first joined Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment in 2014 and served as senior vice president of Finance, working with all of the sports properties and retail operations. After a three-year stint as CFO of Clyde Companies, Ian rejoined the organization as chief financial officer in 2021.
Ian, Sarah and Michelle have been recognized for their leadership and service, including the Larry H. & Gail Miller Leadership Excellence Award, which is given to individuals who exemplify the values of the LHM Company while displaying extraordinary work and leadership. As an organization, we are fortunate to be influenced by their examples, friendship and exemplary stewardship.
MORE NEWS & NOTEWORTHY
January 1 – At the stroke of midnight, Larry H. Miller Senior Health marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the organization with the acquisition of six long-term nursing facilities in Virginia. The facilities will continue serving residents under the name Kissito Healthcare, but with the operational direction of Advanced Senior Care.
January 1 – Larry H. Miller Megaplex rang in the new year with a watch party for the series finale of Stranger Things. Across the Jordan Commons,
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20 WINNING SPIRIT MAGAZINE