What defines a leader? There are the familiar traits: Charisma. A willingness to serve. Knowledge about their organization, product or cause. Vision. Focus. And ideally, empathy.
Most of all, leadership requires passion.
All of these descriptors can be ascribed to the five men whom St. George City Lifestyle is pleased to celebrate this month. Each one of our honorees brings intense commitment to his chosen role, and—yes, a passion to serve those who have given him their trust.
They are educators, musicians, public servants. They are leaders. They are, without question, men who make a difference.
The Bridge-Builder:
Dr. Jefferey Jarvis, Dean of the College of the Arts
Utah Tech University
Long before Jeff Jarvis made the move from the University of Central Arkansas, where he had chaired the music department, to Utah Tech University, to become dean of the College of the Arts, a chance interaction transformed his career.
In 1986, Michigan State University’s newest Doctor of Musical Arts—and an accomplished tuba player—was accepted into the prestigious Tanglewood Music Festival. Held annually in western Massachusetts, the event is home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra and is considered one of the premier music festivals in the United States. During lunch breaks, Jeff shared philosophical discussions with Maurice Abravanel, then director of the Utah Symphony. Abravanel espoused a belief system seemingly antithetical to the highly competitive world of professional musicians.
“Mr. Abravanel talked to us about the values he was bringing to the Symphony,” Jeff recalls. “He stressed the importance of teamwork, mutual support and sharing, and he emphasized friendship and loyalty … and that we wouldn’t get very far if it’s only about winning and losing.”
Nearly 40 years later, Maurice’s perspective has informed the trajectory of Jeff’s life.
“Today, my goal is to bring everything together—our concert series, the Sears Gallery, our film festival, etc.—and make connections between theater, dance, the visual arts, and all that we do.
“My big operating principle is that we are better off together than apart,” Jeff adds. “We strengthen each other.”
The Resume of Note:
Lucas Darger, Music Director & Conductor
Southwest Symphony Orchestra
When Lucas Darger first held a conductor’s baton—at just 16—something seismic happened. A violinist since age seven, Lucas knew that music would shape his life. But in that moment, his passion for symphonic leadership was born.
This spring, Lucas wrapped up his seventh season at the helm of the Southwest Symphony Orchestra. Under his tutelage, the group has increased attendance by more than 300%, often needing to add performances to satisfy demand. Additionally, the orchestra has transitioned from the traditional community symphony model—in which any interested musician can participate—to one requiring an audition to secure a chair.
For Lucas, it’s all about delivering the highest-quality musical experiences possible.
“My personal philosophy is that you can always find something to improve. We want every concert to be better than the last. Also, we make sure that we have the very best talent. We’re proud that our organization features the best musicians in town,” Lucas says.
As Lucas ticks through the list of next season’s concerts—including the premiere of Peter Boyer’s “Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue,” the annual Halloween “Once Upon a Symphony Spooktacular,” and a tribute to Aretha Franklin—his delight in his role is evident. “Our musicians are here because they love it,” he confirms. “We all want to play music, and we believe in what we provide to the community.”
The Marathon Man:
Kress Staheli, Mayor
Washington City, Utah
Running a marathon is not for the faint of heart. Taming the 26.2-mile distance requires stamina, courage and discipline. Above all, it takes a refusal to accept defeat. The same could be said for those who choose to run a city—such as Kress Staheli, who happens to be both the Mayor of Washington City and a dedicated marathoner.
It was practically preordained that Mayor Staheli would become the city’s top elected official. After his assumed office, he learned—through research done by a young resident for an Eagle Scout project—that he is actually a fourth-generation Washington City Mayor: His great-grandfather, grandfather, and an uncle also held the post in the past.
“Times have changed so drastically; it’s amazing to think of what they were working on then, and what we’re doing now,” Mayor Staheli noted.
What consumes the mayor’s workday now—as well as most of his thoughts when he’s training for his next race—are thoughts of growth. Specifically, how to encourage businesses to flourish in Washington City while still retaining its small-town feel.
“I’ve said this from day one: We’re not chasing residential growth, but we’re working hard to create a business-friendly environment. When businesses do well, residents do well, because we can provide all the services—police and fire departments, and well-maintained streets and trails—that people appreciate,” Mayor Staheli said.
In the fall, the mayor and his wife, Lynette, will be at the starting line of the Jungfrau Marathon, facing a grueling course that forces athletes to climb 6,400 feet through the Swiss Alps. Mayor Staheli welcomes the challenge, seeing close parallels between his athletic and professional pursuits.
“In marathoning and government, you don’t always see results overnight,” he acknowledges. “But over time you can accomplish some pretty impressive things. In Washington City, we’re going to continue hitting those ‘mile-markers.’ And I’m going to continue working hard to be a good public servant and serve the community I love so much.”
The Educators’ Educator:
Dr. Patrick Schwab, Incoming Chair, Secondary College of Education
Utah Tech University
After a stint in the U.S. Army, Patrick Schwab made a left turn in his career. Calling on his pre-service training in biochemical engineering—and his work as a civil engineer—Schwab opted to teach high school math and engineering classes.
His first assignment took him to a Title I school in Arizona, where 77% of the students were Hispanic, and 80% qualified for free or reduced lunch. While daunting, the experience set him firmly on the path that will see him assuming oversight of Utah Tech’s Secondary College of Education this fall.
“It was a very rough first year; students don’t follow orders like soldiers do, so there was a significant learning curve,” Patrick admits, laughing. “But I saw how desperately we need good math and engineering teachers. And the only way you can change that is if you step up and become a teacher yourself.”
Today, Patrick is laser-focused on producing the best science, technology, engineering, and math or STEM teachers possible. He does that by encouraging future instructors to form close bonds with their students.
“The end goal isn’t to simply transfer knowledge, but to build intrinsic motivation and curiosity,” Patrick explains. “Lifetime learning is incredibly important; eventually all engineers realize that there’s always something new to learn.”
The Top Cop:
Nate Brooksby
Washington County Sheriff
If MacGyver can’t be reached in a time of crisis, Nate Brooksby’s the one to call. Whether there’s a need to diffuse a bomb, clear an area of hazardous materials, rescue an injured hiker from a mountaintop, organize a SWAT team, halt a criminal’s getaway or virtually any other emergency, Nate’s 27 years in law enforcement—not to mention his time at the FBI Academy at Quantico, and his top-secret clearance with the U.S. Department of Justice—will see him through the task.
As Washington County Sheriff, Nate holds the country’s only elected law enforcement post.
“My position is unique. I answer to the people now versus having a chain of command, as I’ve had throughout my law enforcement career,” Nate says.
During his tenure, Nate has shepherded the addition of a host of initiatives and tools that are the envy of departments nationwide. Washington County now boasts an armored, bullet-proof vehicle; a robotic system that can extract explosives from enclosed spaces, saving human intervention; and access to a brand-new helicopter—owned by the Utah Department of Public Safety—with hoist cap that has saved countless labor-hours, and dramatically improved search and rescue efforts.
“My team covers 2,500 miles,” Nate notes. “With the new helicopter, a rescue that used to take 8 hours can now be done in 20 minutes.
“I never know how my day will go,” Nate finishes. “But the buck stops with me for an entire agency, which is pretty cool.”