Our Team

Shawn Teigen, President

Shawn has worked for the Utah Foundation for over a decade — researching a broad swath of public policy issues. He also teaches a public policy course at the University of Utah. Shawn has worked as a housing policy analyst, a consultant to early-stage businesses, and a founder of an organization focused on foreign investment-related economic development. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Utah. He serves as a board member for several public-sector, private-sector and non-profit organizations. Shawn has always been active in volunteering, including having spent two years in Kazakhstan with the U.S. Peace Corps.

Phone: (801) 355-1400, ext. 1
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Christopher Collard, Senior Analyst

Christopher’s infographics and research have been recognized with national awards. That work is driven by two aspirations: to compose nuanced research that captures multiple points of view and deconstruct large datasets into understandable details in order to inform decisions. Christopher’s concentrations at BYU in international relations, Portuguese, Arabic and math culminated in a Master of Public Policy degree at the University of Utah. His curiosity tends to make him something of a serial hobbyist with current interests in astronomy and book binding.

Phone: (801) 355-1400, ext. 2
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Ashley Marshall, Research Analyst

Ashley earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Utah and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Columbia University. The combination of her critical thinking skills, writing skills, and character ensures that our research remains focused upon the individuals and communities that our work is designed to help while also providing a fantastic unifying force for the Utah Foundation team. Ashley also has ample experience working in the child welfare sphere and as an AmeriCorps volunteer. Through that work she became exceptionally passionate about policy and creating dialogue among communities to create lasting and meaningful societal change.

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John Salevurakis, Research Analyst

John comes to us from academia where he spent nearly two decades at The American University in Cairo, Egypt most recently as a tenured Associate Professor researching international development, food security and political upheaval, financial stability, labor migration, and environmental economics. He has taught graduate level courses focused upon international development and research methods while offering undergraduate courses in labor economics, the history of economic thought, and macroeconomic theory. He earned a B.A. in Economics and an M.B.A. from Westminster College along with a Ph.D. from the University of Utah Department of Economics after having written his dissertation (2003) on the efficacy of federally funded job training programs in the United States. He is the author of several academic articles, monographs, book chapters, and popular press articles all of which he found positively augmented by his love for travel, history, and politics.

Phone: (801) 355-1400, ext. 5
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Meg Luther, Outreach Coordinator

Meg has spend the past decade in event management and fund-raising, having worked in both the nonprofit sector and the hotel industry. Her recent experience includes event management positions at Boston University and Partners HealthCare in Somerville, Mass. She also has worked as a realtor. She holds a BA in Art History and Communications from Merrimack College. She holds a professional fundraising certificate from Boston University and is a certified meeting professional (Convention Industry Council).

Phone: (801) 355-1400, ext. 4
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Maia Natividad, Research Intern

Maia is currently a graduate student at the University of Louisville in the Master of Social Work program. Maia holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Guam, where she worked with nonprofit programs to provide free counseling services for both students and island residents, as well as planning and conducting community outreach projects. She has done research exploring mental health issues on Guam and has had her senior research project published. She has experience working in early childhood development, youth programs and most recently, working with military service members and their families stationed in South Korea. She candidly describes herself as just a child from an island trying to make a difference.

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Melissa Nieto, Research Intern

Melissa Nieto is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work, building upon her foundation with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health. As a dedicated public health professional, Melissa harbors a profound passion for policy, striving to make impactful changes in the field and make people more aware of the world around them. As a child of immigrants, Melissa possesses a unique perspective that enriches her work in research and policy.

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Trevor Eckhoff, Research Volunteer

Trevor arrived in Utah after two years in Silicon Valley politics, organizing field campaigns and conducting policy research for the Mayor of San Jose, California. He led the Mayor’s public safety platform and advised City officials on behavioral health, homelessness and drought resilience recommendations. Previously, he spent two years assisting the American Red Cross with its COVID-19 response and wildfire recovery initiatives in Washington State. Trevor holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from Washington State University, concentrating in diplomatic studies and public policy. His experience with intergovernmental relations impassions him to bring stakeholders together with data-driven approaches to pressing community challenges.