Aaron Starks

Aaron Starks, CEO and President of 47G – Utah Aerospace & Defense, leads eŘorts to foster collaboration among industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and community organizations. Committed to realizing 47G's vision of creating Utah's premier aerospace and defense ecosystem, Starks focuses on developing the next generation of industry leaders and facilitating access to capital for innovators.

A native of Huntsville, Utah, Starks is a first-generation college graduate, holding a degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Utah. He furthered his education at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, earning an MBA in international business and strategy.

Previously, Starks played a pivotal role in FranklinCovey's global expansion, contributing to the company's growth across 23 countries in Asia. During his tenure, he established the Asia Headquarters for the education division in Tokyo, Japan, where he resided with his family for three years. Passionate about education, Starks co-founded the "I am a Leader Foundation" in Japan and the U.S., dedicated to supporting schools, teachers, and students in leadership and character development. Committed to civic engagement, he serves on the United States Global Leadership Coalition's Utah Advisory Committee.

In 2020, Starks brought his extensive experience to World Trade Center Utah, where he and his team engaged with nearly 100 companies, providing strategic guidance for global market opportunities, diversified distribution channels, and supplier identification.

Today, he resides in South Jordan, Utah, with his lovely wife and three children.