The members of the Utah Food Industry Association’s staff have deep roots in the retail food industry and political organizations. They are here to serve your membership needs and look forward to working with your organization to address your individual needs.

Dave Davis is the President and Chief Legal Officer for the Utah Food Industry Association. Dave joined the Association in 2007 as its Vice President and General Counsel and was elected by the Board of Directors to serve as President in March of 2010. Dave spent nearly a decade as the Director of Human Resources and Legal Counsel for Associated Food Stores. Dave also worked as the General Counsel to Macey’s grocery stores prior to joining AFS. Dave graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Political Science in 1994 and from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark School of Law with a J.D. in 1997.

 

Natalie Steed is the Accounting Manager and Executive Assistant for the Association. Natalie joined the Utah Food Industry team in 2008 after working as a benefits specialist / HR generalist at Associated Food Stores. Natalie has extensive retail experience having worked for over a decade in retail grocery stores or in an administrative support capacity for retail.

 

Mattie Merrill is the newest addition to our association family. Mattie is responsible for managing the association’s events and assisting with the coupon program and other association needs. Before joining UFIA, Mattie built a successful career in education, teaching at the high school level for several years. She brings extensive experience in event coordination, project management, and client service, including previously coordinating large-scale travel and events for dance teams throughout the United States.

 

 

Liam Thrailkill serves as the lobbyist for the association. He previously worked as an Administrative Rules Coordinator at the Utah Division of Air Quality, a Policy Analyst and Program Manager at the Utah League of Cities and Towns, and a Government Affairs Policy Advisor at Holland & Hart. He is now a Principal at Utah Capitol Strategies, where he helps clients achieve government relations victories at both the local level and the Utah State Capitol. Liam also has experience campaigning at the local, state, and federal levels. He enjoys refereeing high school soccer in Utah and spending time with his wife, Brooklyn, and their three kids. Originally from North Dakota, Liam earned his Master of Public Administration from the University of North Dakota.

 

Craig Cheney has worked with employers in the business services industry for over 15 years. His specialty is working with business owners to design and manage company sponsored and discretionary benefits, including group health, vision, dental, life and disability insurance. Craig has also worked with business owners to manage workers compensation risk and other commercial business needs. Craig grew up in Sandy and graduated from Brigham Young University in 1994 with a degree in Business Finance. He currently lives in Draper with his wife, Capri, and their four children. Craig enjoys coaching his kids, playing golf and playing softball.