Natalie Gochnour cultivating opportunities.

• Author: Creager, Janine S.
• Position: Spotlight - Health and Human Services

Whether spending Thanksgiving Day in Plymouth, MA, or schussing through Utah powder, Natalie Gochnour believes in living a life rich in experiences. Currently COO of the Salt Lake Chamber, Gochnour also spent two years in Washington, D.C. by the side of Michael Leavitt, former Utah governor, now serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

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"I had the good fortune of having mentors, people who supervise you, motivate and inspire you. My chief mentor was [Mike Leavitt], someone who is the consummate problem solver," Gochnour says. "He works with all interests to make progress. ... He is an incredible strategic thinker, a gifted communicator and a really kind person."

Of those years spent in Washington, Gochnour says, "The exposure and the intensity you have are things I'll never forget."

When Gochnour returned to Utah in 2005, she embarked on a new experience. She was hired by Salt Lake Chamber President Lane Beattie to head the Downtown Rising project, an aggressive 40-year plan "to enhance our capital city," says Gochnour. "In my interest, I became persuaded that we had a multiple vision for our city." Gochnour interviewed 75 downtown Salt Lake business leaders to understand their needs and goals. With myriad signature components, including a permanent public market and the establishment of the World Trade Center Utah, the project is well on its way to redefining the downtown area.

While she is no longer involved in the Downtown Rising endeavors on a day-to-day basis, the relationships she built along the way are a vital part of her work as the chamber's Chief Operating Officer. The strength of the chamber comes from it's members and what they have to offer one another, Gochnour explains. And with more than 85 percent of...