Nubia Pena and Chris Master nominated to Utah Athletic Foundation Board of Directors

In a meeting filled with enthusiasm and a shared vision for the future of athletics in Utah, the Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Confirmation Committee convened on August 15, 2025, to discuss key nominations for the Utah Athletic Foundation Board of Directors. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as committee members welcomed Nubia Pena and Chris Master, both nominated by the governor to serve on the board.

Nubia Pena, joining virtually, expressed her deep commitment to public service and her passion for the upcoming 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. With 25 years of experience in public service, Pena articulated her desire to influence the foundation's strategies to ensure that the games would engage and uplift all Utahns. She shared a poignant memory of visiting the Olympic Museum in Switzerland, reflecting on the pride she felt for Utah's role in the 2002 Olympics, which she described as a transformative experience for the state and its communities. "The Olympics is such an incredible platform for unifying communities," she stated, emphasizing the importance of sports in teaching youth valuable life lessons.

Following Pena, Chris Master, a four-time Olympian in luge, shared his own journey from a young athlete to a dedicated advocate for sports in Utah. Originally from Lake Placid, Master highlighted the grassroots nature of Utah's sports programs, which he believes are crucial for providing opportunities to children. He passionately spoke about the impact of sports on youth development, noting that last year, 3,000 underprivileged kids gained access to sports through the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation. "Sport helps kids understand determination and perseverance," he said, underscoring the life skills that athletics can instill.

The committee members responded positively to both nominees, recognizing the significance of their contributions to the state's athletic landscape. Senator Fillmore moved to recommend Pena's nomination favorably, which passed unanimously, reflecting the committee's strong support for her and Master’s shared vision of fostering athletic opportunities for all Utahns.

As the meeting concluded, the sense of optimism lingered in the air. With the 2034 Olympics on the horizon, both Pena and Master are poised to play pivotal roles in shaping Utah's athletic future, ensuring that the spirit of community and resilience continues to thrive through sports. Their commitment to service and passion for athletics promises to inspire the next generation of athletes in the Beehive State.