Our Team
Curtis Blair
CEO, President
Curtis Blair currently serves as the President and CEO for the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. A seasoned entrepreneur, Curtis has spearheaded the creation of multiple ventures and holds advisory positions on several esteemed boards, including the UVU Foundation and Adoptionlifeagency.Org, and is currently the UVU Wolverine Club Chair. With a Bachelor’s degree from BYU’s College of Humanities, Curtis possesses a profound admiration for diverse cultures, cultivated through business dealings spanning 14 countries. His inclusive approach has forged enduring connections across a spectrum of backgrounds. When he is not leading the Chamber, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Lisa Erickson Blair, and their five children. Supporting UVU and BYU athletics, golfing, competing in triathlons, and making his famous white-egg omelet.
Karina Blocker
Director of Marketing and Communications
Karina grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. She graduated this July from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a degree in Business Management – Marketing. Before graduating, she interned at Rippl Marketing and the Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Karina also worked as an assistant scheduler on the Larry Elder for Governor Campaign. She loves collaborating with others toward a common goal and enjoys seeing businesses grow and become more efficient through different marketing strategies. She also loves anything outdoors, especially rock climbing and hiking with her family and friends.
Emily GIles
Director of Events and Executive Experience
Emily was born and raised in Billings, Montana. She recently graduated from Utah Tech University in May with a degree in Business Management and an emphasis in Entrepreneurship. While there, Emily spent two years in the Utah Tech Student Association as the Director of Social Events, where she planned and executed large-scale events for the student body (anywhere from 1,500-5,000 students). Emily is committed to authenticity, perseverance, and compassion. She is inspired by meaningful change and continuous improvement. In her free time she runs a photography business and loves to spend time with her husband and family.
Sarina Betts
Government and Community Affairs Specialist
Sarina grew up at the base of the Rockies in Monument, Colorado. A mountain girl at heart, she enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and anything outdoors. Sarina earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Virginia University before coming to Utah for a book editing internship. To her surprise, she loved it so much she decided to stay! She puts her English expertise to good use writing chamber newsletters and emails. She enjoys working closely with our ambassadors and committees and has become the liaison to the Women’s Business Network. When not at the office, Sarina is usually curled up with a good book or out dancing with friends. She is also a passionate musician, playing the cello and singing in various choirs and ensembles.
Kamailelani Grace
Events Specialist
Kamailelani grew up in the beautiful islands of Hawaii. She is currently a senior at Brigham Young University and will graduate this April with a degree in Experience Design and Management from the Marriott School of Business. Before graduating, she worked in multiple events and venue management centers. Kamaile is an entrepreneur within the event industry, and thrives in spaces where she can meticulously plan and execute human-centric experiences. Kamaile has led teams to create events as big as a launch for a brand-new Center for over 1,000 people, to wedding festivities for 500 people. In her free time, she enjoys being in the ocean with family and loved ones, dancing hula, and eating foods that remind her of home.
David Erickson
Financial Controller
David Erickspn is a retired CPA with extensive experience in corporate financial controllership, primarily in California’s Bar Area. In addition, he has a background working with charter school development and management accounting in Utah and Arizona. David holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from BYU and began his professional career in San Francisco. In his free time, he enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with Becky and their family.