Laura Ault

Biography

Throughout her career in public service, Ault has focused on natural resource management, public policy, and regional planning across Utah. Ault’s career spans several state agencies in Utah, where she has consistently championed resource stewardship. Currently serving as the director of the Utah Geospatial Resource Center (UGRC), she leads the state’s geospatial infrastructure group, providing critical geospatial resources that inform decision-making across the state.

Prior to her current role, Ault served as the deputy director of operations at Utah’s Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office, navigating complex public land policies and coordination efforts. At the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, she served in several capacities including Shared Stewardship coordinator, Sovereign Lands program manager, and Forest Legacy program coordinator. Her work consistently centered on cross-boundary collaboration to conserve and protect Utah’s vital watersheds and manage public resources for long-term sustainability.

Ault believes strongly in the importance of collaboration and connection. She prides herself on facilitating connections by putting people in touch with others who can work together to get things done and drive meaningful change. Her ability to bring diverse stakeholders to the table has been a focus in her career.

Interest in environmental design and systems thinking for Ault began at Utah State University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a Master of Science in Bioregional Planning. Her time in the LAEP department instilled a holistic approach to land management that she has carried with her throughout her career.