Our Mission
World Trade Center Utah leads Utah’s international business development and elevates Utah’s global status to promote prosperity and build economic resilience.
- Empower Utah businesses to expand international sales to increase revenue and create jobs.
- Attract foreign investment and facilitate international partnerships to fuel innovation and business development.
- Mobilize Team Utah’s international engagement to elevate Utah’s global status.
About WTC Utah
World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) is a 501 (c)-6 non-profit organization that was founded in 2006 and became an official member of the World Trade Centers Association on April 21, 2007. As the statewide voice of international business, WTC Utah facilitates economic growth through increased exports and international awareness for Utah’s companies.
World Trade Center Utah is a licensed and certified member of the World Trade Centers Association. Headquartered in New York City, WTCA is comprised of a network of more than 300 World Trade Centers in 100 countries around the world focused on facilitating prosperity through trade and investment.
WTC Utah’s strategic partners include the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service, Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah), Utah Technology Council, Utah Manufacturers Association, Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) and local economic development officers and agencies.
World Trade Center Utah is housed in the World Trade Center Building at City Creek, formally known as Eagle Gate Tower. The building was renamed in spring of 2012 to help increase the visibility of Utah’s role in the global marketplace and to promote the international presence of Utah businesses. The World Trade Center Building at City Creek is managed by Utah Property Management Associates (UPMA).
Why Go Global
Meet Our Team
Miles Hansen
President and CEO
- Prior national security official at The White House
- U.S. diplomat in Saudi Arabia, Armenia, and Dubai; experience in ~80 countries
- Term Member Council on Foreign Relations, M.A. from Johns Hopkins University
- Read Miles’ full bio >

David Carlebach
Vice President, International Investment
- Prior Managing Director in Operations at Goldman Sachs
- Principal at Booz, Allen & Hamilton
- University of Chicago Booth School of Business (MBA)
dcarlebach@wtcutah.com
(435) 640-0724

Aaron Starks
Vice President, Global Business Services
- Prior Area Director of Business Operations in Asia at FranklinCovey
- Legislative Aid for U.S. Congressman Rob Bishop focused on fiscal policies
- Duke University Fuqua School of Business (MBA)
astarks@wtcutah.com
(801) 850-4890

Nicole Sherwood
Director of Grants and Operations | STEP Project Director
- Prior Budget and Policy Analyst under Governor Huntsman and Governor Herbert.
- In 2019, competed in the STEP Grant process and WTC Utah was awarded the largest increase nationwide
nsherwood@wtcutah.com
(801) 599-9185

Courtney Rae
International Program Manager
- Prior Managing Director of Angelo, Gordon Advisors and Director of Angelo, Gordon & Co., Private Client Group, NY
- Vice President, Goldman Sachs & Co., Private Wealth Management, NY
- University of Columbia Business School (MBA)
crae@wtcutah.com
(801) 532-8080

Julia Pappas
MarComm Director
- Prior Senior Account Executive at MRM McCann
- Published in the Deseret News, Utah Business Magazine, Utah Pulse, Utah Policy, the Enterprise, and WTCA Meridian
- Alumni mentor for Westminster College’s fine arts program
jpappas@wtcutah.com
(435) 650-3484

Jim Porter
Director of Business Development
- Experienced in Export Promotion, International Strategies, Program Development and Nonprofit Fundraising
- Prior research assistant for the Shingo Institute for Operational Excellence
- Jon M Huntsman School of Business (BS)
jporter@wtcutah.com
(435) 512-1890

Hannah Hutt
Events Manager
- Utah Economic Summit Co-Chair 2019, 2020
- Utah Global Forum Chair 2018
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (MAC Candidate) and Brigham Young University (BS)
hlowry@wtcutah.com
(706) 993-8728
WTC Utah Ambassadors & Envoys