Charting a course: 2008 Outstanding Directors awards.

AuthorStum, Jamie Huish
PositionDIRECTORSAWRDS

Though corporate directors are quick to insist they are not the engine propelling a business, they do play a pivotal role as co-pilots with the executive team. Directors bring experience and commitment to help businesses take flight, survive turbulence and chart a course to ensure a successful journey.

For our 2008 Outstanding Directors recognition, Utah Business accepted nominations from company executives and fellow board members who have worked alongside these directors. They speak of their dedication and integrity in the boardroom and the community. Please join us in recognizing six of Utah's top board members.

Greg Warnock, Skullcandy Board Member

Serial entrepreneur Greg Warnock used to love to fly his hang glider over Widowmaker Hill in Croydon, though he says, "I gave up that sport the day my first son was born."

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Since then, Warnock has helped young companies take flight, founding or investing in numerous technology companies all over the country and becoming one of Utah's best-known faces in angel investing and venture capital circles. Warnock founded venture capital firm vSpring Capital with four local entrepreneurs in 2000; the group now has more than $300 million of committed capital under management and has funded more than 60 companies.

In 2007, Warnock also founded growth equity venture fund Mercato Partners with partner Alan Hall. Warnock says the time he has spent interacting with many companies has helped him be a more successful board member.

"Owning and managing many varied businesses has given me an appreciation for the complexities of managing people and executing strategies," he says. "Acting as an investor has taught me the subtleties of governance, stewardship and fiduciary obligation. I have become more empathetic in my board work over time."

Warnock joined the board of directors of audio products provider Skullcandy in 2005, a company of whose success he says, "I am in awe of the stunning power of perfect brand cultivation." He helped lead Skullcandy's Series A round of funding, raising more than $800,000 of capital. Through Mercato Partners, Warnock also led a Series B round of financing in 2007, raising $2 million. Warnock continues to play a key role in significant corporate finance initiatives for Skullcandy, including the selection of an investment bank and audit partner.

"I most enjoy spending time working on intellectually challenging problems and opportunities with passionate and engaged senior executives," he says. "I enjoy trying on other perspectives, compromising and collaborating with other board members who invariably have diverse backgrounds and opinions."

Bruce Reese, United Way Board Member

As a member of the board of the United Way of Salt Lake for more than 10 years, Bruce Reese says the most exciting thing he learned during his tenure is the importance of reinvention. "The United Way of Salt Lake has regularly reexamined its effectiveness and direction in order to remain relevant to its supporters and the community" he says.

Reese is also president and CEO of Bonneville International...

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