About the Utah Cyber Alliance
Building a united front to protect Utah organizations from evolving cyber threats through collaboration, education, and shared resources.
Our Mission
The Utah Cyber Alliance is a 501(c)(6) trade association dedicated to strengthening cybersecurity across Utah. Governed by an independent board ensuring vendor-neutral guidance and community-first focus, we facilitate collaboration between government entities, school districts, businesses of all sizes, cybersecurity vendors, VARs/resellers, and policy experts to share best practices, advocate for resources, implement critical legislation, and build collective resilience against cyber threats.
Our Vision
We envision a Utah where every organization—from the smallest rural school district to growing businesses and the largest state agencies—has access to the resources, expertise, and collaborative support needed to defend against sophisticated cyber threats. Through our independent, vendor-neutral trade association model, we aim to make Utah a national model for cybersecurity excellence.
Our Values
We are guided by collaboration over competition, transparency in our operations, inclusivity across all stakeholder groups, and a relentless focus on practical, actionable outcomes. We believe that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and that together we are stronger than any of us alone.
Founded to Fill a Critical Gap
Recognizing the Need
Policy experts and cybersecurity professionals across Utah began identifying a critical gap: while the Utah Cyber Center excelled at state-level coordination, many organizations—local governments, school districts, and businesses alike—lacked access to peer networks, curated vendors, and practical implementation support for cybersecurity challenges.
Founding Conversations
A group of policy experts, including Jeff and Greg Hartley, along with representatives from the VAR community in the Silicon Slopes area, begin informal discussions about creating an independent trade association to bridge cybersecurity efforts across Utah's public and private sectors.
School Cybersecurity Amendments Pass
The Utah Legislature passes the School Cybersecurity Amendments (originally introduced as HB 42, later merged into HB 44), mandating new security requirements for all K-12 school districts. The complexity of implementation highlights the need for collaborative support structures.
UCA Officially Founded
The Utah Cyber Alliance is formally established as a 501(c)(6) trade association, governed by an independent board with a mission to complement existing entities like the Utah Cyber Center while providing community, resources, and implementation support for organizations across Utah.
HB 44 Collaborative Forum
UCA hosts the HB 44 (formerly HB 42) Collaborative Forum, bringing together school district IT leaders, vendors, and policy experts to tackle implementation challenges together.
Our Founding Board
UCA is governed by an independent board of cybersecurity professionals, policy experts, and technology leaders committed to strengthening cybersecurity across Utah.
Coleman Martinis
President
Guides UCA's strategic direction and serves as its chief spokesperson, working to unite Utah's cybersecurity community around the alliance's mission of collaboration, education, and collective resilience.
Jeff Hartley
Vice President
A veteran cybersecurity policy expert with decades of experience advising government entities on digital security strategy and legislative implementation across Utah.
Owen Geer
Treasurer & Secretary
Oversees UCA's financial stewardship and governance records, ensuring the alliance operates with transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline as it serves Utah's cybersecurity community.
Per UCA's bylaws, the Board of Directors consists of up to 15 members. Twelve additional seats remain to be filled as the alliance builds a board that reflects the breadth of Utah's cybersecurity community — spanning state and local government, K-12 and higher education, private industry, and policy. If you are interested in board service, please get in touch.
Our Independent Trade Association Model
As a 501(c)(6) trade association with an independent board and diverse sponsorship model, UCA bridges the gap between organizational needs and cybersecurity solutions through a balanced, vendor-neutral framework.
For All Members
- Peer networking with cybersecurity professionals across government, education, and the private sector
- Practical resources tailored to Utah's regulatory and operational environment
- Event access for learning, collaboration, and community building
- Vendor-neutral guidance on cybersecurity frameworks and solutions
- Collective advocacy for Utah's cybersecurity priorities
Organizations can further support UCA's mission through tiered sponsorship.
UCA works alongside existing entities like the Utah Cyber Center, focusing on community building, implementation support, and resources for organizations across Utah. Our independent board structure and diverse sponsorship model ensure vendor-neutral guidance. We coordinate rather than duplicate efforts, ensuring resources are maximized across Utah's cyber ecosystem.
Our Funding Model
- Public Sector Membership: Free for all government and education employees to remove barriers to participation
- Industry Membership: $50/year for vendors, consultants, and private sector professionals who support the community they serve
- Sponsorships: Organizational sponsors at Premier, Core, and Contributor levels, including our founding sponsor Harborcoat
Join Our Founding Members
Be part of the movement to strengthen cybersecurity across Utah. Whether you're protecting a school district, securing a business, or providing security solutions, there's a place for you in UCA.