Laura Hayes Western is nearly a lifelong resident of the state of Utah. Laura has spent her career working primarily for three non-profit agencies-Junior Achievement of Utah, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the American Heart Association. She has a genuine love a people and has found serving her community the greatest honor.

Through her work in these organizations, she has held many roles including Vice President of Marketing and Special Events, Executive Director, and Senior Vice President. It is through her work she has become a known community leader who loves building teams, strategic planning, hiring notable talent and creating a vision and plan for the future of each organization. She is well-known for her energy, enthusiasm, and work ethic.

Laura is extremely proud of her new role as Executive Director of the Ogden Nature Center. “To be associated with such a stellar organization is a privilege. The Ogden Nature Center is an incredible place, providing education for current and future generations. My love of nature, Ogden and the outlying communities was a perfect marriage for my skills and love of Utah’s incredible outdoors. I look forward to the continued success and the future of the Ogden Nature Center.”

Laura is married to Mike Western, retired paramedic/ firefighter. She is the proud mother of two sons, Colby and Jordan, and their respective spouses, Desiree and Maryssa. She is the grandmother of two darling grandchildren, Denny and Mabel, and is expecting another grandchild in April 2024.